Shakey Older Dog Needs Help Please

[Stitch]

My 12yo girl who, over a period of about 3-4 months, has started to get shakey legs.

I asked the vet who just said it was because she is old and there is no treatment for it. Didn't seem to care much at all.

To describe it, it is like she isn't putting pressure on a leg so it shakes but it is more than that as it involves two or more legs and is evident when she stands or if she is sitting. Her head doesn't shake at this stage and she doesn't shake when she is lying down or sleeping. It is not associated with tension, frustration or nervousness.

Has anyone had any experience with this? and is there any treatment to provide relief for her?

I hate seeing her do this and imagine it can't be pleasant for her so I would really appreciate any feedback.

[persephone]

poor old girl - is there a dog chiro somewhere you can get to ? That would be my first thought ...

[Salukifan]

I'd suggest regular Bowen therapy

[Stitch]

I will try the chiro.

Not sure about Bowen though as it didn't do anything for me when I tried it, so I am doubtful about trying it on a dog.

I would love to hear from anyone who has seen this in older dogs.

[Salukifan]

I will try the chiro.

Not sure about Bowen though as it didn't do anything for me when I tried it, so I am doubtful about trying it on a dog.

I would love to hear from anyone who has seen this in older dogs.

The chiro/bowen combination kept my oldest boy in pretty good physical condition and has my other old dogs going well.

[sas]

Are her rear end muscles atrophied?

Has the Vet done a Neurological exam on her to see if the messages are getting to her rear legs ok?

Bowen imo is a 'partial' treatment, there are other types of muscle therapies which encompass the whole body.

Signed

Previous owner of ancient dog & Myofunctional Therapy Student

Edited November 18, 2014 by sas

[jemappelle]

My old cattle dog had this in a front leg. The vet diagnosed arthritis and arthritis treatment resolved it (course of cartrophen).

[Stitch]

She isn't as active as she used to be but her muscles don't look atrophied at all.

She doesn't appear to have arthritis but then she hasn't been scanned for this.

The vet hasn't done a neurological exam...in fact the vet was pretty dismissive of the problem.

However the problem is definitely real and very obvious...and it is getting worse.

Is there a speciality vet for this kind of thing?

[flame ryder]

Did the vet actually see it happening? If not perhaps you could film it and show to the vet (perhaps a different one) next time you go

[Tassie]

Is there a holistic vet anywhere near you that does acupuncture? Might be worth considering.

[aussielover]

I think actually diagnosing the problem would be the way to go.

Get a second vet opinion or ask to be referred to a neurologist.

This happened to my old dog and she had a tumour in her brain and spine. Acupuncture did nothing for her and chiro adjustments could have actually been dangerous.

Personally I recommend Georgina child neurologist at sash or sydney uni

Edited November 26, 2014 by aussielover

[Dogsfevr]

I will try the chiro.

Not sure about Bowen though as it didn't do anything for me when I tried it, so I am doubtful about trying it on a dog.

I would love to hear from anyone who has seen this in older dogs.

Used Bowen on my dogs for over 15 yrs now ,there are Bowen & then there are bowen for humans & pets .

I have used 2 who are amazing & one that was crap .

I use bowen over a chiro all the time gentler because its works on the muscle but the key is it isn't a once of visit its all about maintaining the body .

It has been a godsent on all our oldies in keeping them functioning through old age soreness

[Sheridan]

Grumpy started having shaky legs and it was from Cushings.

[Erny]

Did the vet actually see it happening? If not perhaps you could film it and show to the vet (perhaps a different one) next time you go

If a Vet is dismissive of my description of how my dog is, then I walk away. Owners know their dogs better than anyone and sufficient credit for their concerns and descriptions should be given, IMO.

I agree with Persephone - a good but gentle chiropracter's opinion would probably be the first place I'd consult. Don't be afraid to ask questions once he gives his opinion and prescribes manipulation. I have learnt to find out ahead of time the style of manipulation required. If you're then not sure or uncomfortable about it, you can take the chiro's opinion and make further enquiries and investigations (eg. whether bowen would be more suitable to your elderly dog).

[Stitch]

As you say, we do know our dogs well and IMO it isn't a chiropractic issue....but then I could be wrong.

I think it more likely to be neurological.

She shakes pretty much all her waking hours sometime more than others but not when she is asleep.

She was shaking at the vet last time so he could see it first hand.

I will see if there is a neurological vet near us. It will be a new area of vet. medicine for me.

[Dave-o]

Are there any other symptoms? I'm assuming she's not in any pain or nauseous? Has her diet changed recently, any medication?

Lot's of older dogs shake. It may be neurological, but it might be a virus or infection, from eating toxins in her diet or a blood/salt imbalance.

I'd get another vet's opinion as some potential causes would be better treated now than later.

[sas]

She shakes pretty much all her waking hours sometime more than others but not when she is asleep.

Well that's something completely different...2nd opinion and/or specialist time.

[Stitch]

So after enquiring at the Specialist vet clinic, it is the Internal Medicine vets that take care of this kind of thing.

We saw him Friday and it is going to be difficult to find the cause because of all the possible things it might me.

She was shaking when she went there, actually worse shaking because she remembered it was the vet hospital she spent a week at when she had a terrible bout of IBD.

She recovered fairly quickly though but was still shaking for him to see after she settled down. Her neurological reactions were normal.

I provided the blood work done a few months ago for him to see, he did another test for calcium...that was normal.

Said it may be related to the IBD so we are trying Prednisone for 7 days to see if that has any effect.

Haven't seen any improvement or difference after 3 doses.

Next thing he will try will be something to sedate her. Not sure what comes after that but it seems it will all be trial and error.

I wondered if it could be pain associated with IBD but I think the prednisone would maybe address that.

I am starting to wonder if we will be able to work out just what is causing it.

To answer your questions, no she is on a strict diet, she is getting all the vitamins and minerals she should have, no there are no toxins that I am aware of...she is a house dog.

Edited November 30, 2014 by Stitch

[Loving my Oldies]

I'm glad you have found someone who is taking you seriously and doing tests. Your first vet sounds as though it is time for him to retire or find another profession.

Good luck. Nothing more worrying.

[Stitch]

Prednisone didn't help at all so I have stopped that one.

Vet says that it is a long and difficult road to try to find something that may help.

The next thing to try would be pain killers or epilepsy meds.

I don't know what to do as sometimes the side effects from these drugs can be worse than the original problem and I am reluctant to cause my girl more upset.

I also don't want to set off the IBD she suffers from as I have it under control at the moment.

It may be that I will not be able to find a solution to her tremors.