Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 3 authors, 1 centre
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This study found that 45% of dogs with suspected canine paroxysmal dyskinesia (cPD) had positive gluten serology, and many responded to a gluten-free diet. The findings suggest that paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia occurs in breeds beyond Border Terriers. Clinically, this highlights the importance of considering gluten sensitivity and dietary management in dogs presenting with cPD.
**Background:** Paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD) is a subtype of canine paroxysmal dyskinesia (cPD) previously described only in Border Terriers (BT). The role of gluten in cPD was first reported in 2015, with serum antibodies (modified gliadin peptide IgG and tissue transglutaminase-2 IgA) used as markers. This study aimed to investigate whether PGSD occurs in other dog breeds by assessing gluten serology in dogs with suspected cPD.
**Methods:** This retrospective monocentric study was conducted at the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Digital hospital records from October 2019 to July 2022 were searched, identifying 39 dogs tested for gluten serology. Of these, 31 dogs presented with suspected cPD were included. All dogs underwent a Tier 1 or Tier 2 work-up for canine epilepsy. Serum samples were tested for gliadin IgG and transglutaminase-2 IgA using a standardized ELISA. Results were categorized as positive (ratio >0.8), questionable (ratio 0.6–0.8), or negative (ratio <0.6). Diet information, episode descriptions (videos in 16/31 cases), and follow-up (median 7 months, range 1–27 months) were collected. Only descriptive statistics were used.
**Key Results:** Of the 31 dogs, 14 (45%) tested positive for gluten sensitivity (gliadin IgG range 0.123–2.536, median 0.743; transglutaminase-2 IgA range 0.400–1.625, median 0.842). Seven dogs (23%) had questionable serology (gliadin IgG range 0.330–0.470, median 0.441; transglutaminase-2 IgA range 0.567–0.792, median 0.706), and 10 dogs (32%) tested negative. Breeds included mixed breeds (n=11), Standard Poodle, Cairn Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Russian Terrier, Perro de Agua Espanol, Shetland Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Border Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Akita Inu, Chihuahua, Poodle, Beagle, Podenco, Pug, Bichon Frise, and Australian Shepherd. Median age at onset was 4 years (range 1–9 years). Episode frequency ranged from daily clusters to every few months, with durations from seconds to 90 minutes. Common signs included dystonia (48%), body tremors (39%), ataxia (35%), and increased muscle tone (35%). Among the 14 seropositive dogs, 5 (36%) had complete cessation of episodes after a strict gluten-free diet (one relapsed twice after gluten-containing treats), 3 (21%) had >50% reduction in episode frequency, and 2 (14%) had shorter/less intense episodes. Two owners did not change diet, one had a recent change, and one had no response. In the questionable group, 2 dogs had no further episodes after a gluten-free diet (both relapsed after gluten ingestion). One seronegative dog also had complete resolution on a gluten-free diet.
**Clinical Implications:** This study demonstrates that PGSD occurs in a variety of dog breeds beyond Border Terriers, with 45% of cPD cases showing positive gluten serology. A gluten-free diet led to significant improvement or resolution in many seropositive dogs, suggesting that dietary management should be considered in cPD cases. The findings underscore the importance of the gut-brain axis in canine movement disorders. Limitations include the retrospective design, lack of controlled diet challenges, and absence of EEG to definitively rule out epilepsy. Nonetheless, clinicians should consider gluten sensitivity as a potential underlying cause in dogs presenting with cPD, and serological testing may guide dietary interventions.