by Darian Peters

Created on: January 21, 2010   Last Updated: January 22, 2010

Canine Stress Syndrome (CSS) is a genetic disease found in dogs. It is caused by defective calcium ion channels in the striated muscles. Similar conditions can be found in humans and pigs. The condition used to be called canine malignant hyperthermia and is characterised by muscular problems such as trembling, rigidity, and seizure. Treatments for the underlying cause of the problem are still being developed. So treatment focuses more on alleviating the specific symptoms of the disorder, such as using anti-convulsant medication.

Striated muscles are those that link the bones in the arms, legs, and spine, and are therefore important for movement. In normal striated muscles there are various ion channels that are involved in conducting the appropriate signals to contract and extend muscles. In the case of canine stress syndrome and other related diseases it the calcium ion channels in the striated muscles that are defective. The gene Ry1 is thought to be faulty and this causes inappropriate leakage of calcium ions. Physiological activators such as eating and exercising, and substances such as caffeine are suddenly more likely to induce calcium release and unwanted effects.

There are various symptoms to look out for in cases of canine stress syndrome, although it is worth bearing in mind that these symptoms will appear only intermittently, directly in response to some stressor. The symptoms are mainly to do with inappropriate muscle reactions. This could take the form trembling, for example. But rigidity could also be seen. Seizures are also possible. Other symptoms may appear as well, such as panting, hotness, and dilated pupils.

Diagnosis of the condition can be helped by consideration of all of these various symptoms. But tests can be done that look at the response of striatal muscle taken from the dog in a biopsy to substances such as caffeine and ryanodine, which are known stressors implicated in setting off the symptoms of the disorder. There is currently no genetic test available for diagnosing the disorder.

Treatment for canine stress syndrome is aimed at alleviating or preventing the various symptoms. Anti-convulsant medication is one possibility, to control seizures. Glucose therapy to keep a dog’s blood sugar up and tranquillisers could also be used. Anything more generally that reduces the amount of stress suffered by the dog, and making sure it avoids problem substances are also useful tactics. Medication for the underlying cause, the calcium ion channel leakage, is still under development.  

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