Paradoxical Pseudomyotonia (PP)
Paradoxical Pseudomyotonia is a hereditary condition that affects English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels.
The disease is characterized by episodes of muscle stiffness that are triggered by exercise. These episodes occur suddenly during exercise and cause a generalized myotonic-like muscle stiffness.
Symptoms typically manifest between the ages of 3 months and 2 years. During these episodes, muscles take longer to relax after voluntary contraction and remain stiff. However, most episodes resolve spontaneously within a few minutes of rest.
Episodes can be triggered by various factors such as exercise, excitement, swimming, stress, and extreme temperatures. The severity and frequency of the episodes can vary and are more commonly observed in the summer. Fortunately, as affected dogs age, the severity and frequency of the episodes tend to stabilize or decrease.
Avoiding activities that may trigger the episodes can be beneficial for managing this condition.
