Chorea (Hyperkinesia or St. Vitus Dance):

• It is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rapid, and irregular movements that can affect various parts of the body
• It is a condition mainly affecting dogs characterized by involuntary, clonic spasm, irregularly distributed, affecting one or more of the voluntary muscles.
• It occurs frequently as sequelae to distemper. It is also occurring naturally in some dogs.

Etiology:

• Genetic Factors: In some cases, chorea may be inherited as a genetic disorder, such as primary hereditary or idiopathic canine chorea
• Infectious Diseases: Certain infectious diseases like distemper or canine herpesvirus can affect the central nervous system and lead to chorea
• Toxicity: Exposure to toxins, such as lead, can lead to neurological issues and choreiform movements
• Metabolic Disorders: Disorders like liver disease, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system and result in chorea
• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like immune-mediated encephalitis can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to neurological symptoms, including chorea.
• Trauma: Head injuries or trauma to the central nervous system can result in choreiform movements

Clinical Findings:

• Rapid, irregular, and purposeless movements of the limbs, face, or other body parts.
• Affected dogs may exhibit muscle twitches or spasms.
• Difficulty in maintaining balance and coordination, leading to stumbling or falling.
• Some dogs may display changes in behavior, including restlessness or agitation.
• Altered gait patterns, such as a high-stepping or unsteady walk, can be observed.
• It abates during sleep.
• In severe cases, spasms are generalized and animal is incapacitated, exhibiting signs of pain.
• In early stage, there is good health, sleep and eats properly but later on, condition becomes worst, appetite becomes irregular due to ceaseless spasms.
• Loss of body condition
• Dog becomes weak and exhausted and ultimately death becomes imminent.

Diagnosis:

• Complete physical examination to assess dog’s neurological health
• Blood test: It helps in identifying infections, metabolic disorder, or toxin exposure
• Imaging studies; X-rays or advanced imaging techniques, MRI or CT scan helps in assessing condition of brain and spinal cord.
• Analysis of CSF for signs of inflammation or infection.

Treatment:

• Some cases do recover automatically without any treatment. But, in most cases, it is serious and prognosis is unfavorable.
• No specific treatment is available to it.
• Sedatives and anti-convulsant drug; Phenobarbitone, Primidone may be used.
• Methyl dopa (lardopa)- 500 mg, ½ tab once daily followed by ½ tab every week.
• Trihexyphenydyl HCl 2 mg tab, BID, orally may be tried.
• In case of metabolic disorder, dietary changes help in managing conditions.
• Supportive care, including physical therapy and assistance with daily activities, may be necessary to improve the dog’s quality of life.
• If the chorea is caused by toxin exposure, steps should be taken to remove the source of the toxin and provide appropriate supportive care
• Vitamin-B complex along with vitamin-C should be given.