Dogs experience involuntary, repetitive, and rhythmic movement in their muscles that are beyond their control. This muscle trembling can happen while the dogs are resting, and it can affect an isolated part of the limb or the whole body. These movements are unpredictable and intermittent or they may occur at a specific time during when performing a certain action. They are also either slow or rapid. The duration of the involuntary muscle trembling may also vary between a few seconds and a much longer period. If your dog develops severe trembling such that eating and standing become difficult, your dog may need immediate attention.
Involuntary muscle trembling usually manifests as twitching, tremors, or continuous shaking. This occurs because of a chemical or neurological imbalance.
Causes of involuntary muscle trembling in dogs
There are many causes for your dog to develop involuntary muscle trembling, including:
Hereditary
One of the hereditary causes is the generalized tremor syndrome which is more common in small breed dogs. This syndrome is due to a congenital condition.
It may not be noticeable at birth; but, is apparent in the first two years. Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a trembling that affects when the dog is standing. This is more common in large breeds such as Great Danes.
Toxins/ Drugs
Some prescription drugs can have a negative side effect in your dog and induce involuntary muscle trembling. Other products, including caffeine, can also be a factor.
Injury/ trauma
If there is an abnormal brain activity caused by a brain injury or brain tumour, your dog is likely to have involuntary muscle trembling.
Canine distemper
Canine distemper causes cerebellar related tremors and myoclonic seizures. But, this can be prevented by giving your dog the required injections.
Age
The physiologic and essential tremor syndrome occurs when your dog grows older. These are age-related conditions involving the pelvis and can even get worse because of anxiety. They start as slight tremors and gradually worsen, causing a lack of balance and coordination.
Seizures
Different breeds display different types of seizures. There is a more commonly known Grand Mal Seizure. It starts with a state of anxiety initially and leads to a seizure. After the occurrence of a seizure, the dog feels disoriented and weak.
Diagnosis of involuntary muscle trembling in dogs
Your dog’s vet will go through the entire medical history and then order the initial blood profile tests and urinalysis. The vet will also need to know if your dog has any other conditions and is on a particular treatment plan. Contagious diseases and exposure to toxins will need to be ruled out. CT scan and MRI will be ordered to identify abnormal activity in the brain or any injury in the brain.
An extended period of observation may be necessary to understand the frequency and duration of the trembling. This is because if your dog has intermittent trembling, it will take time to make an accurate diagnosis. The vet may use a video recording to understand the type of trembling that your dog experiences. You will need to make a record of the tremors at home and on a few different occasions so that it will allow the vet to make a proper diagnosis. If your dog shows other symptoms such as loss of appetite and behavioural changes, you will need to let the vet know.
If the vet orders an MRI or a CT scan, your dog will have to undergo the process with general anaesthesia.
Treatment of involuntary muscle trembling in dogs
The treatment plan will depend on the cause of the muscle tremors. While many of the sources of involuntary muscle trembling may not get cured, it is possible to treat the symptoms and manage the condition.
Severe involuntary muscle trembling: If your dog is affected by severe trembling, it is an emergency and will require urgent medical assistance. Such severe and prolonged trembling leads to dehydration and hypothermia. The vet will prescribe diazepam to stop the tremors and will treat the dehydration.
Drugs: If your dog is under treatment with a set of medication, and that has caused the tremors, the vet will prescribe an alternative medicine.
Hereditary conditions: If your dog is affected by involuntary muscle tremors because of hereditary conditions, there may not be a cure. The condition will be handled with specific medication, although prolonged medication may have adverse side effects.
Brain injury: If the trembling is caused by a brain injury, the treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Surgery may be the best option though it is considered highly risky.
Age-related trembling: If your dog is getting older and is affected by involuntary muscle trembling, there may not be a cure. Instead, the vet may prescribe medication to manage the condition as a way of controlling the symptoms.
Recovery from involuntary muscle trembling in dogs
Some dogs make a full recovery from the involuntary muscle tremors; but, it depends on the cause. Others may be able to enjoy fulfilling lives if they show only mild symptoms. Your dog’s vet may recommend specific exercises to control the tremors. However, not all activities will be possible because of uncontrollable trembling. You will have to try and find what works for your dog. It is safe to assume that any form of mild exercising will be good for your dog. You must ensure that the dog does not gain weight as this will add to an existing condition. Therefore, mild exercises and a nutritional diet will be helpful in the recovery process.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in VOSD Vet Advice™ is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical action which is provided by your vet. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For any emergency situation related to a dog’s health, please visit the nearest veterinary clinic.
