OT: dogs, ideopathic head tremors

NebChicago

Sophomore
Oct 14, 2009
3,565
141
0
Anyone have any experience with this with their dogs? My lab seemed to exhibit one of these this evening. Scared the **** out of me

tremor
 

salsa red

Senior
Dec 25, 2019
2,476
717
113
When any of my uncles animals had serious problems he'd take them to the woods and shoot them. Said a .22 round was a couple cents compared the hundreds or thousands the vet would charge.
 

mgbreeze

All-Conference
Dec 16, 2004
10,202
3,739
113
Glad I asked
No experience, sorry. My doodle had a bad case of the reverse sneezes once and I thought she was dying. Scared the hell out of me. I have zero qualms about spending on care for her, I like her way better than 99% of the people I know.
 

FuzzyFreddy

All-American
May 28, 2012
16,335
7,610
0
So in typical vet lingo, even though there is nothing that can be done about it, bring them in and we'll run a bunch of tests that tell us nothing, but cost you a small fortune.
 

bob5150

Senior
Dec 30, 2004
1,327
485
0
My Goldens used to get this weird seizure look-a-like where it was a full body tremor, looked like they were going to die, then got up and walked off immediately. I never saw it again after both of them were past age 8. One thing you could consider is Cannabis oil (not CBD, which is different) to control the effects of this head tremor. I use this oil for my current dogs (Aussies) to lower their anxiety in the two week period before and after July 4. Many pet owners have experienced some degree of success with a product called Canna-Pet. Best of luck to you and your dog.
 

NebChicago

Sophomore
Oct 14, 2009
3,565
141
0
So in typical vet lingo, even though there is nothing that can be done about it, bring them in and we'll run a bunch of tests that tell us nothing, but cost you a small fortune.
I feel the same way. Everything I’ve read seems to suggest:
1) it’s harmless
2) there’s nothing you can do about it but distract them (that’s cheap)
3) but bring the dog in for a ct scan and brain fluid examination for a couple grand

I also like my dog more than people but it’s hard to justify the vets solutionless visits that put you in an expensive enigma wrapped in a riddle
 

NikkiSixx_rivals269993

All-Conference
Sep 14, 2013
9,783
2,445
0
My German Shepherd used to get grand mal seizures in the winter months, in the mornings, 7-8 am on colder days in Nebraska.

Tremors don't seem as bad of an issue, but what I used to do was to try to lightly press my fingers over the dogs closed eyelids. Not a lot of pressure, but what you're trying to do is interrupt the brains automatic processing so that it interrupts the 'loop' that it's stuck in.

When I moved the dog to Florida, luckily the seizures stopped.

I don't think tremors are serious enough to panic over, but maybe start documenting when they happen, and for how long. This way you can start to see if there is a pattern developing. You might be able to find a trigger, and be able avoid it.
 

NebChicago

Sophomore
Oct 14, 2009
3,565
141
0
My German Shepherd used to get grand mal seizures in the winter months, in the mornings, 7-8 am on colder days in Nebraska.

Tremors don't seem as bad of an issue, but what I used to do was to try to lightly press my fingers over the dogs closed eyelids. Not a lot of pressure, but what you're trying to do is interrupt the brains automatic processing so that it interrupts the 'loop' that it's stuck in.

When I moved the dog to Florida, luckily the seizures stopped.

I don't think tremors are serious enough to panic over, but maybe start documenting when they happen, and for how long. This way you can start to see if there is a pattern developing. You might be able to find a trigger, and be able avoid it.
Thanks. I disrupted the beginnings of one this morning with a treat. Seems like they happen when he gets sleepy and relaxed

also recorded one. Will continue… thanks
 

Bornloser64

Redshirt
Nov 13, 2016
21
34
13
Our standard poodle gets weird, writhing movements not just in his head, but also has trouble walking. These episodes are few and far between. However, after many tests, we have figured out that these episodes are caused by full anal glands. Bigger dogs usually have no trouble with expressing them, however ours does. Empty glands=no weird episodes…
 

TampaBaySkers

Senior
Oct 30, 2010
18,392
530
103
So in typical vet lingo, even though there is nothing that can be done about it, bring them in and we'll run a bunch of tests that tell us nothing, but cost you a small fortune.
I have a bulldog so I’m well versed in their crap now.
 

Wasker77

Senior
Dec 23, 2014
2,943
621
0
I am good friends with our old vet. I skied with him today. He retired in September. I miss taking the dog to him already. He was so nice to work with. Took great care of our dogs. He really knows his stuff. Now we go to this vet clinic where I am sure they think they are operating their business very professionally. I find it nothing but cold and rude. It starts with their two receptionists. They and the vet techs make you think they are doing you a favor by allowing the vet to see your dog. My old vet had no techs and his wife ran the business end as well as he took care of the animals. I may start running the dog 40 miles away to a vet who use to be our neighbor. She's great.

(We got 2 inches of snow two days ago and almost a foot yesterday here in town. The local ski hill opened back up today because it got over 4 feet this week. Weird winter. We got 24 inches or so on Jan 6 and then very little after that. I skied off run areas today I haven't skied all year. Two weeks ago we were in the seventies. The lower orchards have blossoms on them).
 
Last edited:

dinglefritz

Heisman
Jan 14, 2011
51,878
13,404
78
Thanks. I disrupted the beginnings of one this morning with a treat. Seems like they happen when he gets sleepy and relaxed

also recorded one. Will continue… thanks
There's all different kinds of manifestations of seizures. What you described almost sounds like reflex shivering. I've seen it several times in a couple of my dogs over the years and just like you said it happened when they were about to doze off. Come to think of it, I think my wife does that every now and then.......
 
Last edited:
Oct 13, 2001
4,426
485
83
I'm a cat person so I've no experience with this problem but hope you find a solution.

For me my cat isn't just a pet but a family member. Good luck!