Unruffling Ruffles
The shaking Shih Tzu.
Meet Ruffles, a darling, sweet, young Shih Tzu cross,
(pictured here with his friend Asha).
Earlier this year Ruffles developed very odd tremoring and twitching symptoms. All dogs will shake, tremble or twitch at times (see below for more on differentiating between harmless shakes and more serious causes) however, Ruffles’ owner had noticed that this trembling was different.
Initially the tremors and twitching were most pronounced around his head and facial muscles, but this progressed over 48hrs to involve his whole body.
Ruffles was very brave when he was admitted into hospital where the vets started tests to investigate a cause for this abnormal neurological activity.
He was kept warm and calm to rule out shivers due to cold or over excitement. He was given intravenous fluids and activated charcoal to counteract toxins such as coffee, chocolate, slug bait or compost which can all cause seizures and abnormal tremors. He had blood work run to check for adrenal disease, electrolyte imbalances, liver disease and evidence of infections which may signal he had meningitis.
Following this Ruffles went on to specialist level care and had an ultrasound scan, CSF tap (a procedure where a small amount of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is removed for testing) and an MRI scan.
It was with much relief that these results came back ok, no signs of brain tumours, meningitis or liver shunts.
Ruffles was presumed to have a condition known as “White Shaker Disease” and treatment was begun.
White shaker disease is also known as idiopathic generalised tremor syndrome or steroid responsive tremors. “Idiopathic” means, the cause is unknown. Affected dogs are typically young and otherwise seem very normal. The tremors can worsen with excitement or exercise and can range from mild to incapacitating. It was first known as white shaker syndrome as it was most commonly noted in small-breed white dogs and their crosses ie Maltese, West Highland White terriers, Poodles.
Since beginning medication Ruffles has returned to near normal. He is eating well, sleeping peacefully (as is the owner who used to spend nights being jolted and kicked by him) and he has his happy tail up and wagging again.
Understanding Shaking in Dogs:
Causes and When to Seek Help
Shaking or trembling in dogs can be a normal reaction to certain situations or an indication of something more serious. It's important for dog owners to recognize the difference between harmless shivering and signs of distress or illness.
Common Causes of Shaking in Dogs
1. **Excitement or Anxiety**: Dogs often shake from excitement or anxiety. This could be due to their owner's return home or stress from loud noises like thunderstorms.
2. **Cold**: Just like humans, dogs can shiver when they are cold. This is their body's natural response to regulate temperature.
3. **Nausea**: Dogs might shake if they are feeling nauseous, which could be due to motion sickness, medication, or eating something inappropriate.
4. **Pain or Discomfort**: Shaking can be a sign of pain, especially in older dogs who may suffer from conditions like arthritis.
5. **Fear**: Situations that scare a dog, such as visits to the vet or encountering strangers, can cause shaking as a stress response.
6. **Toxicity**: Ingesting toxic substances can lead to severe shaking or even seizures. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
It's crucial to observe your dog's behaviour and context when they start to shake. If the shaking is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhoea, it's time to consult a veterinarian. Additionally, if your dog's shaking seems different from their normal behaviour or there's no apparent reason for it, seeking professional advice is the best course of action.
How to Help Your Shaking Dog
If the shaking is due to excitement or anxiety, training and creating a calm environment can help. For cold-induced shivering, providing a warm space or clothing can offer relief. However, if the shaking is due to pain, discomfort, or illness, only a veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
To conclude, shaking in dogs can range from a simple case of excitement to a symptom of a serious health issue. Being observant and understanding the potential causes can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. Always err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian if you're unsure about the cause of your dog's shaking.