Health

G

goldensable

Forums Regular
Hi everyone. My 12 year old male for the past month or so has started shaking in only his rear legs for a few seconds and at different times of the day while out on a short walk. It does not seem to bother him at all. Could this be idiopathic tremor syndrome? Last year his blood work was normal for liver and kidneys. I know he has arthritis in his rear knees. He uses a ramp to get in bed with us but jumps up on the couch and shows no signs of pain. He runs, walks fast, plays ball, eats well, but while on our walks he does some toe scuffing (scraping nails) with his rear legs. I guess I need to call the vet on Monday. But if someone knows about this problem and has had experienced it, please let me know. Thank you.:confused2:
 
Last edited:
Welcome Goldensable, I would suggest a call to the vet for a more professional reply. It's more than likely has something to do with the arthritis in his hind legs but can't be certain. Please keep us informed as to what it ends up being.:wink2:
 
The trembling could be from pain, arthritis, weakness, slipped or degenerated disks, spinal tumor, hip dysplasia, or degenerative myelopathy.....or something I can't think of.

I would have him checked. Shelties don't complain and if he's getting more pain from his arthritis and is trembling.....

Keep us informed as to how he's doing! We're all hoping for the best.
 
Last Christmas Day, our almost 14 year old girl suffered an "Ideopathic Vestibular Disease" episode. It very much resembled what we viewed as a "stroke." She had almost no sense of balance, and her eyes were twitching back and forth really fast. Also, vomiting from the dizziness. She could not stand up by herself because of the lack of balance. We thought we would have to put her down, but were convinced to give her time...and she did recover about 95%...and lived another 6 months. Her passing was not due to her IVD, but to pure and simple old age. Gee..there's nothing "simple" about old age now, is there..lol

Anyway, I think this is more to do with your babes back end..., arthritis maybe? Especially with the toe scuffing...I'd be thinking Orthopedic issues? At 12, it is very possible.

I think a vet check is in order. There may be something they can give your boy to help him to feel better.

Keep us posted, please ;-)..
 
Health issues

goldensable said:
Hi everyone. My 12 year old male for the past month or so has started shaking in only his rear legs for a few seconds and at different times of the day while out on a short walk. It does not seem to bother him at all. Could this be idiopathic tremor syndrome? Last year his blood work was normal for liver and kidneys. I know he has arthritis in his rear knees. He uses a ramp to get in bed with us but jumps up on the couch and shows no signs of pain. He runs, walks fast, plays ball, eats well, but while on our walks he does some toe scuffing (scraping nails) with his rear legs. I guess I need to call the vet on Monday. But if someone knows about this problem and has had experienced it, please let me know. Thank you.:confused2:
Click to expand...

I went to the vet today and she said it was his arthritis causing the shaking (muscle weakness). She is putting him on Carprofen (Rimadyl). I read the side effects where it could cause liver and kidney damage. He will need blood work to test these organs. Has anyone had experience with this medication? He just had one dose this morning and seems to be feeling better. That makes me happy! :smile2:
 
Improvement with Rimadyl is pretty much immediate, but keep up with the blood work. Rimadyl can cause elevated liver enzymes. There are liver supplements that will help with that. However, some dogs have a very severe reaction to Rimadyl, so be very careful. Foxy was on Rimadyl and Tramadol from the time she was about 12-13 and she made it to 17.
 
We gave glucosamine to our first sheltie who had arthritis and there were visible results. From wobbly walking to walking normally again. If you can find an acupuncturist, that usually helps alleviate pain from the arthritis.
 
Yes, glucosamine is a very good thought to bring up. We used the "human" formula...Schiff brand I think? There are also some specifically made for doggies that have liver flavor, and are easier to give...but a little more pricey in my experience.

We used Rimadyl and Tramadol (not together), and never did have any problems on either. I'm glad you took him in to be checked, and he's already feeling some relief. The glucosamine is a good idea though....check with your vet on dosage amounts though..

I bet you both are feeling better now! ;-)... The unknown can be a pretty scarey thing..;-)...
 
health issues

Phebe*DD said:
Improvement with Rimadyl is pretty much immediate, but keep up with the blood work. Rimadyl can cause elevated liver enzymes. There are liver supplements that will help with that. However, some dogs have a very severe reaction to Rimadyl, so be very careful. Foxy was on Rimadyl and Tramadol from the time she was about 12-13 and she made it to 17.
Click to expand...

Thank you for all your responses. I have been giving him milk thistle 150 mg a day for some time. Is this the supplement you mentioned? How much would you suggest? So glad to hear that Rimadyl has helped your dog(s). I WILL definitely keep an eye on him for any side effects. He did have loose stool last night after getting just one pill in the morning. The vet said it maybe because he was so stressed at the vet's office. Poor guy - he hates doctors, just like me. I have been giving him glucosamine dog supplements for several years. I guess he needs more now (drugs) to help make him more comfortable.
 
Last edited:
You might also want to ask your vet about adequan injections. I started Capers on these during the spring (4 week series) and now she gets one every other month. She can run like a puppy for short distances ! A neighbor with a 12 yr old labrador has also seen a tremendous improvement with her dog.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top