Treating Tremors in Dogs
Dog Breeds
There are over a dozen conditions which can cause tremors to occur in dogs, and discovering why the tremors are occurring is the first step towards treating this disorder. As with many conditions, the success of treating tremors in dogs is dependent on timely medical care.
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Introduction
A tremor is an involuntary, oscillating, rhythmic twitching of opposing muscle groups in all or part of the body, which usually is visible to the naked human eye and is palpable. Tremors are fairly easy to differentiate from seizures because of their regularity. There are a number of conditions which can cause tremors in dogs, and identifying why the tremors are occurring is critical to treating the disorder. As with many other conditions, the success of treating tremors in dogs depends upon timely and appropriate medical care.
Treating Tremors in Dogs
The therapeutic goal is to identify and treat the underlying cause of canine tremors. Many causes of tremors are treatable, although in very young dogs tremors can reflect genetic or developmental abnormalities that cannot be treated or well managed. Tremors are not a disease but rather are a clinical sign of some other underlying disorder. Once a dog develops tremors, a series of tests must be performed to ascertain the cause of the condition. Most veterinarians will begin with a thorough physical examination, comprehensive blood tests and urine analysis. If these tests do not reveal the cause of the tremors, more advanced diagnostics may be necessary, including radiographs, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI and/or spinal taps.
While the results of these tests are being evaluated, dogs suffering from tremors typically are treated symptomatically with pain relievers, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids and/or sedatives. Appropriate supportive care is also extremely important, including keeping the dog warm, quiet, calm, well-hydrated and well-fed. Exercise and excitement can exacerbate canine tremors.
If the cause of the tremors is identified but cannot be treated (for example, if the tremors are caused by permanent damage to spinal nerves), the tremors may be controlled with life-long medications that usually consist of a light sedative, such as valium, and pain relievers.
Overview and Facts