[Drakoshuman]

I brought the dogs in a for a cool down period after work today. I noticed he had a very noticeable head tremor going on. Much like a bobble head doll. I let him out of his crate for closer observation and other the head tremors his activity level, demeanor, attentiveness etc. seemed normal. His appetite is normal other than the fact he did not eat his morning meal but that's not uncommon for any of my dogs in hot weather. His water intake is normal. Other than the tremors one would never suspect there was anything going on. All indications lead to idiopathic head tremors which are quite common in bulldogs but I'm looking for anything that might have attributed to this. The only dietary changes have been the switch back to Kirkland after not having fed it for a couple years.


In another post I mentioned my rottie blowing her coat shortly after
switching back. It's been suggested that perhaps a higher protein level may be in order and it's also suggested that hypoglycemia might have contributed to it. I might mention that during the episode of head tremors I did treat him to a hotdog and a slice of cheese to see where his food drive was at. Food drive was good but I did notice a minute or 2 after this treat the tremors stopped. The entire episode lasted 7 to 8 minutes. With the hot weather and lack of appetite due to it have caused enough strain on the system for his sugar levels to drop?

I'm not extremely concerned at this point but will continue to monitor very closely. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this?

 

[Tina]

Justin said Hudson had one a couple weeks ago on a crazy hot day. After a few seconds his instinct was to shake his head... Odd thing is it worked. I couldn't help laugh at my husband who said he had a little seizure... Why on earth would shaking cure a seizure? Silly man haha. I explained to him what it was and next time to give him honey, sugar water, yogurt or something with decent sugars. It only lasted 15secs and apparently it was the only time. Oh bobble heads.

 

[Drakoshuman]

My wife gives a slap along the side of my head when I start spazzin' out. Works like a charm. Seems a common "cure" is the honey etc. Not sure if it's the sugar or protein that does the trick. I always understood this to be a neurological problem. Makes me wonder if it's neurological or physiological issues causing it???

 

[Tina]

Based in what I learned no one actually knows and it's all guess work! Figure I'll just let Justin shake his head and save myself a vet visit. Dog doesn't mind.

 

[gazar]

For one thing they only last a few minutes - so by the time you
get the honey or yogurt and give it to the dog it is time for them
to be over with anyway.

Clara used to get these when she got stressed out. Overtime
they have reduced down to some body shaking in the bed
when she is sleeping and if someone is laying on her leg.
Being that she is in a deep sleep, instead of moving, her inner
self recognizes the pain and she starts to shake. We move
and call her name and it stops.

 

[Drakoshuman]

I spoke with the breeder last night. She said the sire had the same thing going on. Was never an issue. Keno did have another bout last night and was extremely restless for some reason. The wife was up with him 2 or 3 times which is unusual but nor unheard of. I'm still not overly concerned at this point.

Pat, I notice you made mention of pain in your reply. Do you think, in your dogs case, there is pain associated with the tremors, or visa versa?

 

[gazar]

No Jeff, just the pain from someone laying on her leg.
She never seems to feel any pain from the tremors.
The pain to her leg causes her stress and she starts them.

 

[BellaElisa]

Bella used to get these head tremors alot when we first got her a year ago or so, but I read up on it and tried the honey thing, and it really did seem to work. I now buy big buckets of honey and give her a spoonful or so everyday, and I haven't seen any tremors in a long time. This may just be a coincidence, but she loves honey and it's only good for her, so why not...!

 

[Drakoshuman]

Honey is one of my favs and the dogs love it too. It should be in it's very own food group. I'll probably dose him daily with honey as it can't hurt but as Gazar mentioned by the time the honey is administered the tremor may have run it's course. What I have researched on this indicates this typically happens with younger dogs up to a year of age or so. Keno is 3 years and some change now and I'm curious why the sudden onset.

 

[gazar]

Keno is 3 years and some change now and I'm curious why the sudden onset.

With Clara, my husband went out of town for about a week. You KNOW
how needy they are and it stressed her that he was gone. She did not
know why and she did not know that he was coming back. BOOM head
tremors started. After he came home she was fine. Than I went away
on a two week trip and BOOM they came back again. So I say it is
stress that causes them.

 

[Drakoshuman]

That's interesting to know Pat. Summer schedule has been hectic for the wife and I and the dogs are usually on a VERY tight schedule. Keno is extremely weak nerved so upsetting the natural order of thing for him may be contributing to this.

 

[Lisabella]

When I read up on dogs with these tremors.. it does seem to be assosiated with stress.. so perhaps because your daily routine isn't as strict as it normally is.. its causing him to feel stress and causing the tremors.. obviously if they aren't lasting long and there is no other concerns going on.. I would try the daily honey routine.. you could always mention it the next time your at the vet.. just to see what they say

Good luck and keep us updated on how things are going.

 

[jo&mera]

really interesting, I had never heard of them, hope I don't have to experience them but they don't sound severe . . . learned something new :0)

 

[Bones088]

Dang. I hope I never have any issues with Bones..My chihuahua had sezures..that was bad enough..I mean Bones drools but, by God he better only do it for a "cookie". God must know there is no extra dough for a dog with health problems in my household.

 

[Drakoshuman]

I've been lucky and dodged the bullet with Keno as far as vet bills go. Been pretty lucky with Drako as well other than the cellulitis a while back. My rottie had strangles as a pup and that cost me a good chunk of change. Keepin' my fingers crossed.

 

[Dodo & Bull]

Interesting thread..i really hope Nitro doesn t start tremors..he cost me a bundle and i have no more money..be good to me universe..till i pay his debt..

 

[Drakoshuman]

To be honest with you Do, if these are just idiopathic head tremors and they don't get any worse than what they have, I don't know that a visit to the vet is needed. Seems to be pretty common and harmless.

 

[jo&mera]

it's cool to know what to do if it does happen, I would try the honey . . .

now if I could just figure out how to get Griff to stop farting!

 

[C.FireRaven]

Sounds like you're going in the right direction. Just sorry Keno is having this. I'm sure it's scary, even if you know it's generally not uncommon or serious. Hope he'll get used to the new schedule and things calm down.

 

[BellaElisa]

Well, I ran out of honey a few days ago (I can't believe that big bucket was emptied so quickly..!) and two days later, the first head tremor I've seen in months and months. I obviously don't firmly know that it's the honey that's keeping them at bay, but I'm feeling more and more certain that the honey does her nothing but good. Out to buy another jumbo sized tin of honey then!

Oh, and I asked my vet about this the last time I was there, and the first thing she said was "Oh, this is quite common and there's really nothing you can do.." and told me to get in touch if I noticed anything else off with her behaviour. It's really nothing to worry about, but it can be quite upsetting whilst it's going on!