Shaking Puppy Syndrome

Shaking puppy syndrome is the more commonly used name for a condition known as hypomyelination. This disease effects the central nervous system, and is more common in breeds such as Weimaraners, dalmatians and several types of spaniels. There is no treatment for the condition, and the dog can often live a long, happy and healthy life.

  1. Symptoms

    • Life in the litter can be tough for a shaking puppy.

      Most puppies that develop shaking puppy syndrome are normal at birth, and do not develop symptoms until they are between 1 and 2 weeks old. This is usually about the time the puppies will begin to get more mobile, exploring their immediate surroundings. When they begin to walk, they will typically display tremors throughout the body, with most symptoms being more severe in the hind legs. This can make feeding difficult, as they are typically not able to fight their steadier and stronger siblings to reach their mother in order to feed. The strength of the tremors vary between puppies, and ranges from mild to severe enough that they may require hand raising away from the roughhousing of the rest of the litter.

    Causes

    • The condition develops because of the insufficient production of a chemical called myelin, giving the disease its other name of hypomyelination. Myelin is the substance that insulates and stabilizes the nerves; when there is not enough of this substance, the sensitivity of the nerves causes the tremors and shaking. When there is more stimulation around the dog -- such as when he is exploring new territory or playing -- the nerve endings will be firing at an even higher rate and the shaking can become even more noticeable. When the puppy is sleeping, the tremors often disappear completely.

    Central vs. Peripheral

    • Both male and female goldens can be susceptible to shaking puppy syndrome.

      Shaking puppy syndrome can impact either the central or peripheral nervous system, and the breed of the dog can determine which type they will be more susceptible to. Golden retrievers will typically have their peripheral nervous system compromised; in this form, symptoms usually appear when the puppy is between 5 and 7 weeks of age and do not get better as the puppy matures. Dogs with central nervous system shaking puppy syndrome will usually grow out of it by the time they are a year old -- except for spaniels and Samoyeds, whose bodies typically will not increase myelin production to a healthy level. When the peripheral nervous system is impacted, the dog may also display signs of being weaker than their siblings, as well as symptoms of muscle wasting.

    Considerations

    • Puppies that have shaking puppy syndrome may need help eating, as their tremors can make it difficult to reach their food dishes even after they have been weaned. Puppies with the syndrome should also not be used for breeding, as there is a high likelihood of passing the condition on to their offspring. However, the presence of shaking puppy syndrome doesn't mean the dog will be more susceptible to any other conditions or illnesses than a dog without, and these dogs have normal lifespans. Most will be able to participate in all the activities a normal dog will as they age, but may still show slight signs of a tremble or tremor even into adulthood.