dog jerking/spasm while awake. help asap.

[saffrone]

My dog Violetta woke me out of my sleep this morning because of this jerking movement that seems to take control of her whole body. She had done this once before but it only lasted a few minutes. This has now been going on for four hours. We have since taken her to the dog park where she ran around and was fine, but when she lays down this jerking continues. She can't sleep because of it. It seems to mainly be in the lower half of her body her back legs especially. She is 3 years old, is not on any medications and doesn't have a history of health problems. Any suggestions?

[Bailey_]

I would take her to your vet immediatley. It could be a number of things, but she needs to be looked at by a proffesional.

[saffrone]

Thanks Bailey. I figured I should do that, just thought I would give this a shot.

[rainbow]

I agree ....it sounds like it could be spinal related.

Please take her to the vet right away ....good luck and keep us posted.

[Bailey_]

If it is something minor, your vet will be able to tell you. But on the off chance that it is something more serious, self diagnosing could be harmful. Good luck and keep us posted!

[saffrone]

Okay thank you. I'm making a call to the vet now.

[hazelrunpack]

Good luck, saffrone! I hope it's nothing serious!

[rainbow]

I hope you can get in right away ....good luck.

[Lindseyjo_87]

My dog has just started to jerk when trying to relax. It jerks his whole body, and it only happens when he's trying to sleep or just lay and relax. You can see it happening too. He is fully aware of his surrounding and it’s not a full seizure or anything. He will move and try to get into another position but as soon as he starts to relax his whole body will jerk, like if he had the hiccups. I think he tries to stop it by trying to lie down and tighten his muscles because I can come pet him and he will be tight all over. I'm sure it can't be very restful for him.:sad:

If you found out what was wrong please post.

[bendyfoot]

I think the same advice that was given to the OP would apply in your situation...if you haven't already, call your vet and ask for an appointment TODAY. This is really something that can't be diagnosed over the internet, and should be seen by a professional...sooner rather than later. Good luck and let us know what the vet says.

[eloise1687]

Hi there! I see that these issues were from about a year ago. Lindseyjo, I have a 1 year old Boston terrier with what sounds like a very similar issue to what your dog had. She is completely awake and the spasms happen late at night, usually when she's been sleeping for a while. She can't seem to get comfortable and looks at me like I should help make them stop. I've called the vet and they said its not a seizure and I can take her in for some routine bloodwork and they can try and figure it out but it didn't seem like something to be very concerned about. It's happened twice and has lasted for a little over an hour both times and I would really like it not to happen again, but don't want to go to a neurologist off the bat. Did you ever get to the bottom of the issue? I hope your dog is better, I would love to know what the vet said in your case. Thanks!

[jratliff56]

Just seeing if anyone got information on this condition. Our border collie/beagle mix is doing the same jerking late at night. Mostly in lower legs, fully aware just can't get comfortable when he tries to lie down because he starts jerking. Lasted about two-three hours last night, seems fine now.

He would jerk though when he tried to walk also, but would get up in bed and try to lie down. Still would eat treats, etc and acted fine except for the jerking.

This happened about six weeks ago as well, but nothing again until last night.

We took him to vet and they couldn't find anything.

Thanks and hope someone has some ideas!

[Dog Dancer]

My best advice is try to get a video of it happening so your vet can actually see it. Sorry I have no firm advice for you.

[MaxaLisa]

My list would be...

Yes, get a video, great idea!
Have full bloodwork done, including thyroid,
Check for tick disease,
See a K9 chiropractor: www.avcadoctors.com
Maybe see an acupuncturist...