White Shaker Dog Syndrome

I have a 1yr 3mth old maltese terrier. She had a seizure last year in Nov. We had many many tests done and the vet has told me that it may be a condition called "White Shaker". She has been or cortisone tablets since the seizure and we are trying to get her off of it slowly. She is now down to 1 tablet one day and 1/2 tablet the next. She has never come in to season but my vet has told me that the tablets can cause the dealy. Can you tell me if there is a cure for this desease or if she will have to be on cortisone for the rest of her life. Will she ever come in to season? My vet has told me i can not get her spayed due to the cortisone as it delays the healing process is this correct. I just need some reasurance that she is going to be ok. Thank you.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

There is no cure in traditional veterinary medicine for this disease but often the steroid therapy can be discontinued.  Once discontinued,  if the tremors return than steroid therapy can be reinstituted.  During the absence of steroids it would be possible to have your dog spayed especially since dogs with this disease should not reproduce.  I don't know what mg. dose of prednisone, or dexamethazone (or other cortisone) your dog is on but it should drop down to the lowest effective dose.

Dogs with this condition can lead normal lives with treatment.  You can also try the Bach Flower Essence Homeopathic remedy "Rescue Remedy", which can help immensely in some cases.