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White Shake Dog Syndrome

I have heard a few people talk about this, and say their Westie has it, however its not something that only White dogs have, other small breeds have also been reported with a "shaking" disease. The name is also something that has been used many times falsely, when in reality, there could be many reasons why there is a problem.

The dog may have tremors usually occurring in young, small dogs. Because a syndrome was initially seen in dogs with white coats, the name White Shaker Dog Syndrome has also been used. But there could be many reasons why a dog is shaking, Tremors, lead poisoning, organophosphate poisoning can also cause shaking.

Some say that because melanin, a skin and hair pigment, and some are formed in the body from the same product (tyrosine), these dogs may be develop the tremors due to an abnormality in tyrosine metabolism.

Dogs that shake have a fine tremor of the entire body. The tremor is usually there throughout the day and may get worse if the dog gets excited. Get a proper diagnoses, don't use the name White Shake Dog Syndrome falsely.

Brain inflammation
This is diagnosed by looking at a sample of cerebrospinal fluid under the microscope. This fluid may contain increased numbers of, white blood cells with normal to mildly elevated protein concentrations.
Treatment
Its usually treated effectively with corticosteroids, with a high dosages initially, and then the dose is decreased as the clinical signs improve, diazepam (Valium Rx) to control the tremors and prednisone because they don't know what else to do.