[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?

 

[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???

 

[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?

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[Drakoshuman]

Wonder if the vets prescribe Valium for the owners?

My won't, I already asked. But I know a guy......