Buster's head tremor...

[rainbow]

Hugs for you and Buster .....I hope he is okay too.

[Frenchy]

I'm sorry :sad: hope it's nothing serious

[meb999]

thanks guys...the vet really doesn't seem worried....I think I'm an over-reactor....

[TeriM]

It's so scary when our babies aren't themselves :sad: . Big hugs for you both.

[chico2]

Meb,I just saw the videos for the first time,poor Buster looks sooo frightened:sad:
That is an incredibly long list with possible causes
I hope you will somehow find the cause and the cure poor Buster,poor you

[Hunter's_owner]

Originally Posted by meb999

thanks guys...the vet really doesn't seem worried....I think I'm an over-reactor....

I am an over-reactor too Meb when it comes to the dogs . I hope Buster is okay

[Prin]

Meb, it's good to worry. (Good for Buster, anyway)... There's no specialist to talk to about it? Maybe Dr Guindon would have something for him...

[Skryker]

for Buster. Hope it's nothing serious.

[hazelrunpack]

We worry about our dogs all the time, too, meb... (That's why Humans have been put on earth, y'know...to watch over the pets!)

Are there any specialists that might be able to take a look at Buster? At the very least, maybe they could set your mind at ease about the tremors. It's frightening not knowing what's going on!

Does Buster seem distressed during the episodes? ( sorry...can't open the videos...)

[Dog Dancer]

Marie-Eve, I know just how you feel as my girl Halo does this also. Exactly the same type thing. And like Buster it's so random. I really do try not to worry about it though. It doesn't seem to distress her, she just likes to come and cuddle a wee bit, but then she always likes that. The vet really had no suggestions when I had her in about it. I figure as long as she's not losing her bladder control and such and not falling down or flailing around, it's just head tremors (yeah just...). She can go a year between episodes then have three in a month then nothing again for a year. It's been so long now (hope I haven't jinxed her) and nothing. So try not to get too stressed. It's been a while since Buster had this hasn't it (sorry I forgot to look back before posting). Good luck with it though and hugs for both you and Buster.

[Boo Boo]

I know what you are feeling. It would be nice to know what the cause is. I hope you get some answers soon.

[angeldogs]

Here's some hugs for buster poor boy.i would be worried and over reacting myself.i hope you find out what is causing the head shaking.

[meb999]

he had another really long episode today...(like about 5 minutes...)
Maybe I should see another vet?

Originally Posted by Hazelrunpack

Does Buster seem distressed during the episodes? ( sorry...can't open the videos...)

That's the thing...not at all. He seems really normal and alert, except his head is shaking (and with those huge jowls of his, it's quite a show)...
If I distract him (like with a cookie) it stops for a few seconds. He's not drooling, he doesn't lose his balance, he doesn't seem distressed at ALL
So even if it IS epilepsy...at this point, since it's not bothering him, I'm not sure putting him on meds would be a good idea

[Frenchy]

I think you should see another vet. What about the one in Lasalle , I know lots of rescues who go there (BMD with Sam go there) I don't remember the name but could find it for you if you want, I went there for Lilly the black lab. There is in Brossard , they have specialist but it's very pricey.

[meb999]

the one on taschereau? I know...Buster already has a dossier open there (I took him to the emergency once)...I think I'll call tomorow

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by meb999

the one on taschereau? I know...Buster already has a dossier open there (I took him to the emergency once)...I think I'll call tomorow

Yes, I know they have pretty good vets but I feel they take advantage of pet owners. The same things at my vet is half the price. Even medication BTW, I work just across the street.

[jesse's mommy]

Meb, I'm so sorry. I just watched the video for the first time. Poor Buster. I didn't read the details of everything that he was tested for, so slap me if this has already been done, but has his ears been checked? Could it be something in his inner ear? Kind of like a Vertigo for dogs? Is something like that possible?

You can still send Buster to Florida for a vacation right?

[OntarioGreys]

If I distract him (like with a cookie) it stops for a few seconds.

If it was an actual seizure you would "not" be able to distract him.

[Prin]

What about St-Hyacinthe?

http://www.medvet.umontreal.ca/chuv/...Compagnie.html
They have a neurologist too...

[stellaboxer]

Our little boxer girl (6 months) just had a grand mal siezure last week where she collapsed and lost control of her bladder. Her blood tests came back "normal" and the vet said to see if it happens again! So just 5 days later I woke up to Stella starring at the sun and bobbing her head.....same thing as Buster in the video I could call her out of it but she would return to the head bobbing. It only lasted ~2min but the next moring again she did the head bobbing but this time it lasted for ~20min minutes on and off. VERY Scarry but the vet told me that if the grand mal seizures are less than 2-3min and only occur once every 4-6weeks and if the little ones (head bobbing I suppose) last less than an hour and she is not in any distress to just let it be and "live with it". I guess meds can have side effects and it's a life long commitment so he wants to refrain from administrating them unless thay get worse than the criteria explained above. He also said that flashing light like the TV, sunlight, or even fire place can trigger siezures. When it does happen you should move her to dark room but a blanket over her and lie with her and this should end it sooner. I also wonder about low blood sugar because all three times it's occured first thing in the morning before eating???? Today we woke up early and gave her some food with yogurt (her favorite) to make sure she ate and so far no head bobbing so we will see. I am also taking in a stool sample because parasites can cause seizures too. We shall see but it's very scarry and I know how you must feel. I just hate that she has also had a big one (grand mal) where she was out of it for like 10 min after the episode. Any thoughts or comments we would really appreciate it.
Keep in touch,
Alysha and Adam

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by OntarioGreys

If it was an actual seizure you would "not" be able to distract him.

I was going to comment on this, but OG beat me to it.

PS. [stands up] My name is Spirit, and I too am an over-reactor. [/sits down]

[trailrider]

Hello, I'm not really sure how to do this so here goes. I just want to thank you so much for placing the video of Buster on here. I feel so much better. I have a 2 1/2 year old (mix breed)...he looks like a small american pit....the sweetest guy in the world. (One vet says he's 1/2 jack russell and 1/2 pit)He has been having these spells for 4 months now. Vets have been trying different meds. ( I have 4 different opinions)...When I read about Buster and saw the video I cried with relief. It has been so hard to watch the little guy go through this, but really helps to know that it is not nearly as bad as I was anticipating and that he is not the ONLY dog in the world with this condition. I don't have a camera or even a computer at home. But will try to borrow one to get his picture and maybe video of him on line. Thank you again, you have brought so much ease to my mind. I love this dog more than I thought I could love anything and have been so worried about losing him in the near future.
Sincerely,
Renee

[Chisel]

Chisel's involuntary headshaking started at 2:30am this morning for the first time and it lasted on and off about 3 hours. It started again at 9:30 pm tonight and after 2 hours he finally is asleep. Chisel is 3 year old pure breed yellow Lab, very active and healthy prior to this. I am waiting for the result of his blood work done today from the Vet. Thanks very much for posting the video clip and it really helps to know I was not alone, especially in the middle of the night trying to search for an answer. I have nothing new to add except that his occurances seemed to last 2-3 hours long and it occurs to yellow Lab as well.

[bullchow]

Hi!
This is a common issue in the Bulldog and as I am finding out over the past 9 years a lot of different breeds - dachshund, boxer, Chinnook etc. I have experienced it in males adn females.
Question - has your boy undergone surgery in the last 6mos to a year?

Here's what we know
First and foremost it is not a life threatening event. As long as the dog can walk, drink and eat and respond when you call him - then he is ok.

We have seen this happen in several circumstances:
-in the whelping box when the bitch is trying to make milk for the babies
-within 6mos to a year 0f a surgical procedure
-at the age of 12 mos - to 2 years.

I have been in touch with a Veterinarian in Canada who has a grant from the Morris Animal Foundation to study this - he feels it is something that is happening at a cellular level - calcium ion uptake at he motor neuron junction that controls the neck is not happening efficiently and this causes this particular nerve complex to miss fire repeatedly. It seems to happen a lot when they are in a deep sleep and suddenly the nerve starts firing and wakes them up.

There are a series of things that can cause the focal seizure to trigger:
-medication reactions
-bitch coming into season
-milk production
-stress
-illness
-anethesia

they all seem to interfere with that one motor nerve complex.

There are several things you can do-
-supplement diet with calcium
-when an episode occurs give them aa piece of cheese along with frozen vanilla yogurt and some karo syrup - but don't over do it - you could throw off their sugar balance.
-take him for a walk
-distract him with a game, his favorite toy
-leave him alone -it will stop on it's own.

The MOST important thing is that you DO NOT PANIC - the dog will sense your fear and this will exacerbate the episode. These episodes can be referred to as focal seizures because they impact a single part of the body - in this case the neck. You can compare it to a person with Parkinsons - the rolling of the fingers.

It is not a true seizure because it does not take the dog "out"
A true epileptic seizure whether a petit mal or grand mal - causes an altered state of consciousness where the person or dog is unresponsive to stimuli.
The dog/person with the focal seizure will respond when you call his/her name, they can eat, drink etc.

you can contact me directly if you need any additional info - e-mail is (please PM OP for email)

Originally Posted by meb999

Buster's been having little 'seizures' (actually I'm not sure what they are). We are going to the vet's tomorow for a thorough exam, blood tests etc.

I was just wondering if anyone here may have an idea of what this could be. He got his first 'attack' on friday. It's like a head tremor. Nothing else moves but his head. He's completely alert the whole time (he's even willing to play while it happens). His apetite is normal and it happens at different times of the day (and it has different lenghs).

Here's what it looks like (there are 2 videos) :

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?doc...96077706955474

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?doc...83019408822522


It happened the first time on wednesday (at 2 o'clock pm, lasted about 8 minutes), once on friday (lasted 2 to 3 minutes), twice on saturday, and once on monday. Those are the ones we have witnessed. I've spoken to the vet twice -- once on wednesday -- she said not to worry, since he's alert the whole time ; and once on saturday -- she said to take him in for blood panel, but she's not really worried because he's young (he's 3 years old). I, on the other hand, am SUPER worried...

It could be like a zillion things.

Has anyone ever heard of Paroxysmal Dyskinesia? (see :http://www.homestead.com/bulldogsworld/headtremor.html)

Any other ideas on what this could be????

[cgettelman]

I breezed through these postings and our boxer Ally has the same symptoms. The only thing that I can think of that may have contributed to it is the fact that she had just stayed with my parents for a weekend and ate their dog's food instead of hers. She also ate almost an entire tennis ball! I'm hoping this will go away, but her attacks are almost identical to the ones in the videos posted here. I'll give it a day or two and then take her to the vet to get their opinion. I'll post when I find out more.....

[RYANMARY101]

Hi My Name Is Ryanmary And I Am New On This Site
I Have A 1 Yr Old English Bull Dog Named Gus With The Same Problems As Buster. When Gus Was A Puppy He Always Tremered In Sleep When He Turned 6 Months Old We Had A Ruff Evening Of Head Tremors So Bad That We Brought Him To The Hospital On This Evening He Was Walking Around And His Head Kept Bobbing. He Was Alert And At Times We Could Pull Him Out Of It... My Vet Suggested We Take Him To A Nuerolical Dr Because They Werent Sure What Was Wrong. They Say They Think Its A Siezer . We Put Gus On Phenobarital But It Only Made Things Worse. I Was Back At The Dr On Monday And Again Tonite It Happened. I Would Really Like To Hear Back From You Hopefully We Can Help Eathother...i Dont Know What Else To Do Nobody I Have Spoken To Understands Whats Going On.... Thank You
I Didnt Look At The Video You Posted Ill Chck It Out Now I Hope It Can Awnser Some Questions For Me

[buckeye.girl]

I understand what Buster has been going through.
Our black lab Bailey has been having head tremors for the last year (exactly like your video)

We caught hers on tape, and were finally able to show our vet. (so they didn't think that we were crazy).

We have an appointment with a neurologist at MedVet in July- they were scheduling like 2 months out. We have had a full blood work up, and nothing was found.

A common thread that I have seen is:
-She had surgery not too long before this happened
-She is on Interceptor

She had had a horrible accident where she scalped herself and the point of impact was near the neck... so for a while we thought that might have caused these tremors- like a pinched nerve or something.

We have basically thrown out that theory. We also can get the tremors to stop by having her strech her neck by following a treat.

Our vet has been reading up on idiopathic head tremors in large breed dogs and thinks that is what this is. The good news is it seems like there is nothing at all that causes these tremors.

I'll keep you posted on what the neurologist says.

[bmathers]

My 2.5 year old yellow lab has been doing this for about a week now...the head bobbing in the middle of the night. I am in the middle of blood tests which are all coming back normal.

I am very interested in the vet in Canada who is doing research. Can you send me more information on how to get in touch with that vet?

Please PM me!

Thanks...Barb

[mre]

Hello i just found this site today and registered right away because I have a 6 year old boxer (also named buster)that has just started the same head tremors. The vet was quick to suggest medication but, I am getting a second opinion from a neurologist. The idiopathic head tremors seem closer to what he is experiencing. I read the thread and think the treatment for those is nothing but was wondering if anyone has any other ideas. Also, was there something about yogurt being something good to give them when these occur? Lastly, I wanted to thank Buster's owners for posting the video! I am sorry you are going through the same thing i am but it was nice to know i wasn't alone.

[dcasey]

Hi everyone, my Callie (1.5 years old) also has started having these Head Tremors. It started late Friday evening while she was relaxing on the coach. It happened three times in 30 minutes and they lasted 10-15 seconds each time. We panicked and rushed her to the 24H Emergency where she stayed until 11PM Sunday evening. All the blood tests came back fine so they decided to treat it as epilepsy. They kept doping here with Valium everytime it happened (so much she could not even walk properly). We were dissatisfied with the service(and increasing bill) we were getting so took her home last night against the doctors orders. She had the loading dose of Phenobarbital and it now taking the tablets orally. This morning I took her to our regular vet for a 2nd opinion and checkup. They also said it sound like partial seizures (both clinics did not have alot of experience with head tremors but I was much more satisfied with my regular vet). The doctor gave her a checkup and everything was normal, they also suggested to videotape the episodes when they happen.

She has not tremored since 7AM this morning and seemed fine playing in the dog park while we were waiting for our turn to see the vet.

She is not on any other medications and is a very active abd healthy dog. I'm extremely upset that this has happened so suddenly.

I would like to continue communicating with others in the Montreal area who are/were having the same problem.