New Study Reveals Neck Spasms in Dogs Often Linked to Treatable Spine Conditions

Evaluation of Cervical Myoclonus in Dogs with Spinal Diseases: 113 Cases (2014–2023)

Ana Martinez, Emili Alcoverro, Edward Ives, Lisa Alves

Background

Cervical myoclonus (CM)—sudden, involuntary jerking of neck muscles—has been previously linked almost exclusively to cervical intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) in French Bulldogs. However, the occurrence of CM in other breeds and with other spinal conditions remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnoses, imaging findings, treatment approaches, and outcomes associated with CM in dogs over a 10-year period, hypothesizing that CM may be more broadly distributed across breeds and etiologies.

Methods

This retrospective, multicentre observational study reviewed medical records from three UK veterinary neurology referral centers (2014–2023). Inclusion required confirmed CM (via observation or video) and cervical MRI. Data collected included breed, age, sex, neurological signs, MRI findings, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Neurological grades were assigned based on severity, and statistical analyses were descriptive.

Results

Out of 173 dogs reviewed, 113 met inclusion criteria. French Bulldogs were the most represented breed (46%). Most dogs (62%) presented with neck pain only, without neurological deficits. MRI showed nerve root impingement in 17% of cases. Diagnoses included degenerative (88.5%, mostly IVDE), inflammatory (7.1%), neoplastic (2.7%), vascular (0.9%), and congenital (0.9%) causes. Follow-up data were available for 77 dogs; 97.4% showed resolution of CM. Surgery was the primary treatment for IVDE, while inflammatory cases received immunosuppressants. One dog responded to perineural glucocorticoid injection after surgical failure.

Limitations

As a retrospective study, limitations include the lack of EEG/EMG confirmation of CM, qualitative rather than quantitative pain assessments, non-standardized imaging protocols across centers, and absence of histopathological confirmation. Follow-up durations were short-term and not uniform, potentially underestimating recurrence.

Conclusions

Cervical myoclonus is not exclusive to French Bulldogs or IVDE. It appears as a non-specific clinical sign associated with various spinal diseases and typically resolves with appropriate treatment of the underlying condition. Its presence is commonly accompanied by cervical pain but not necessarily by myelopathy. The prognosis is favorable, especially in cases of IVDE. Further prospective, standardized studies are needed to explore its pathophysiological basis and diagnostic significance.

Disclaimer: The summary generated in this email was created by an AI large language model. Therefore errors may occur. Reading the article is the best way to understand the scholarly work. The figure presented here remains the property of the publisher or author and subject to the applicable copyright agreement. It is reproduced here as an educational work. If you have any questions or concerns about the work presented here, reply to this email.