Quik FAQ's

Symptoms of CECS:

Presenting symptoms vary and could include any or all of the following symptoms:

	Staggering
	Dizziness
	Exaggerated stretching
	Unusually slow and/or methodical posturing or walking
	Trembling
	Abdominal and lumbar muscle contractions
	Falling over, struggling to rise but unable to do so.
	Some are presented with borborygmus (loud intestinal noises) and apparent intestinal pain.
	Dogs are cognizant, responsive to stimuli.

Average age onset:

There is no limitation on the age of a dog first becoming symptomatic with CECS. However, 2-6 years seems to be the average.

Frequency of episodes:

	Could range from once or twice during the animal’s lifetime to several times per week.
	In some dogs, it is progressive in frequency and duration.

Duration of episodes:

Duration of episodes can vary from seconds to thirty minutes or longer. The dog may seem to recover and then within an hour have another episode. Always consult with your veterinarian since some episodes may require veterinary intervention.

For further information on symptoms, please see Symptoms page.

Diagnostics (needed to rule out other possible disease/disorder):

The following blood workups and tests should be performed on your dog if you suspect he/she has had a CECS episode. These diagnostics should be performed within 48 hours of the dog’s suspect episode and are important to rule out other possible diseases/disorders that your dog may have. This will not confirm that your dog does or does not have CECS/Spike's Disease.

	Routine blood workups: CBC and Chemistries Panel are warranted after any episode that resembles a seizure the first time and should be done within 48 hours after that episode.
	Because there may be an increased incidence of Hepatic Microvascular abnormalities in Border Terriers, a Bile Acid Stimulation Test (BAST) is also recommended, although your veterinarian may decide to do this at a later date. If the BAST is abnormally high, your veterinarian may want to do additional liver function tests, ultrasound, and/or liver biopsy.
	The results of these diagnostics may be sent along with any DNA information you plan to submit to the University of Missouri (see DNA Research page). A CECS Forms Package for DNA has been compiled to provide you with instructions for your vet as well as other forms that deal with DNA Research, should you want to get involved in this very valuable research.
	Should you have a problem opening the CECS Forms Package, please click here.

Emergency DNA sample collection - Should your dog pass away or is undergoing surgery and you wish to collect samples for the purpose of DNA research, please do the following:

Tissue Sample - Tissues removed as a result of surgery, or an organ sample upon death of the dog will provide a large amount of DNA for research. If possible, please discuss this with your vet ahead of time if you intend to do this. (If the dog is to be euthanized, have a blood sample pulled first, if possible, and send both samples.) First choice is the spleen, second choice kidney, and third choice is liver (a piece the size of your thumb is all that is needed – not the entire organ) One tissue sample is sufficient. Have the organ removed as soon as possible following death, placed into a labeled freezer bag, put that into a second bag, freeze, and ship.

Label sample with Owner's Last Name and Dog's Call Name. if you are sending in multiple samples, be sure to label each sample with each dog's information and make sure to include an "Individual Dog Information Form" (found in CECS Forms Package.)

For additional important information on diagnostics, please see Diagnostics page.

DNA Research:

The University of Missouri is now accepting samples, pedigree and individual dog information to store for future research for CECS. If you are interested in participating in submitting a sample and information for this purpose, please visit our DNA Research page. The more Border Terrier owners who participate in this DNA Research program, the more quickly we will come to establishing a DNA marker for this disorder.

CECS/SD Specific Survey:

A CECS/SD specific survey form has just been created. If you have a dog suffering from CECS/SD or one you suspect might have this disorder, please take the time to fill out the online survey form.

Treatment/Control:

Medications:

	Diazepam
	Clorazepate Dipotassium 3.75 mg.
	Scopolamine rectal suppositories
	Phenobarbital is NOT recommended for prophylactic use.

For further information on treatment/control, please see Treatment/Control page.

Dietary Changes:

	*Dietary changes should only* be made on the advice of the attending veterinarian . These changes are suggested if a dog has had a pattern of cramping episodes** and all diagnostic testing has been completed. Dietary changes should be made slowly unless advised otherwise by the attending veterinarian. Please visit the Diet page for more detailed instructions.
	Most dogs become asymptomatic (in remission) with dietary changes.

Suggested dietary changes:

	Hill’s K/D
	Royal Canin Hypoallergenic DR-21
	Hill’s Z/D or Hill’s Z/D Ultra
	Hill’s D/D Duck and Rice, Salmon and Rice, or Egg and rice formula’s
	Eukanuba Early and Late Stage Kidney Food
	Foods are changing all the time. For further updated information about dietary changes, contact Kris Blake.

For further information on dietary changes, please see Diet page.

Examples of edibles to avoid:

	Rawhide
	Pigs Ears
	Bully Sticks
	High protein treats
	Feces
	Garbage
	Bird seed

Advice and suggestions found on this site are not meant to replace professional veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before changing your dogs medications or diet .