RichardH Posted January 2, 2014 Report Share Posted January 2, 2014 Over the last few weeks, I've noticed Nessie has developed a head tremor that lasts bout 20-30 seconds. It doesn't seem to bother her. She responds to me and her behavior is otherwise normal - it's an involuntary shaking. Has anyone seen anything like this in their dogs? It's pretty intermittent and usually happens when she's relaxed at home. Not much has changed about her routine or food. If anything, she's had more attention than normal and a brief boarding stay. I've seen it happen 3 or 4 times across the weeks. I got a video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ymqcfgfhfM -Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted January 2, 2014 Report Share Posted January 2, 2014 Interesting. I'd have no clue. Have you talked to a vet about it yet? I'd be interested on knowing what you find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted January 2, 2014 Report Share Posted January 2, 2014 How old is Nessie? Does talking to her or having her move make it stop? I would show the video to the vet and see what s/he thinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Did I see Nessie's symptoms reduce just a little when it seemed as though the electric guitar music in the background had been turned down in volume? Of course, the moment you called her to you she seemed to be okay. My dog as a puppy didn't like Jerry Lee Lewis' frenetic piano rock 'n roll music (e.g. goodness gracious, "Great Balls of Fire"). She would become alert and excited, and sometimes misbehave. I just now found a YouTube version and played it. She showed no reaction, but she is 6 years older. I think dogs can react to sounds and music. Just a long shot to weigh-in with others' thoughts. Hope you figure it out, and that Nessie is OK. -- Best wishes, TEC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 I hope it's nothing serious. I think a vet visit, with video, is in order. Very best wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardH Posted January 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Doesn't seem music related as she has done it just as pronounced when I was quietly reading. I'll drop by the vet and see if he's got any ideas. She controls it after a bit of interaction with me and it seems to be something that happens when she wakes up. She's almost 2 years old (22 mo) -Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gideon's girl Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 I haven't counted, but I third or fourth the vet visit with video. I've seen something like this before, but the dog's vision and balance centers were affected. However, I don't know how long it had been having symptoms before it was brought in either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Vet visit and stop all topical flea tick treatments! ASAP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 I'd probably stop any oral meds/treatments as well until after a vet consult. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSnappy Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Some breeds are prone to what's known as "idiopathic head tremors" (we see it in bully breeds most frequently) but I don't think border collies are on that breed list. Tweed suffered from partial focal seizures when he was a puppy, and they looked like this. I agree a vet visit is a good plan, if for nothing else other than peace of mind. RDM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardH Posted January 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 So I went to the vet and he could definitely see a different response in her eye dilation on the left eye. He said it may be caused by a swelling in the brain (maybe infection - maybe head trauma) and put her on prednisone for a week. He was not totally convinced that it wasn't a congenital defect and I may need to follow up with a neurologist if symptoms get worse or start to bother her. -Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Best of luck to you. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 That sounds pretty scary. Best wishes to both of you. I'll send some Reiki and will be looking for updates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Ahh, Rich, glad you went to the vet, sorry it's not a definitive answer. Sending good thoughts for you both. Ruth and Agent Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Every step towards a diagnosis is helpful. I hope you can get a handle on this and get it taken care of. Very best wishes to you both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Yes, please keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Good thoughts beamed your way. -- TEC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligande Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Hope you find an answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 I am glad you were able to get into the vet this rapidly. I hope for the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G. Festerling Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 Praying for it to resolve quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardH Posted May 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2014 Well it's been almost 5 months without a recurrence, so I guess I should update this thread. I had her on prednisone for a couple of weeks back in January and that seemed to have nailed it. Still have no idea what she might have had, but I'm pretty thankful it hasn't returned... Her eyes react at the same speed now and I haven't seen any shaking since about a day after I started the drugs. Speaking of prednisone.. I don't think I've ever seen my dog drink 3 big bowls of water in a day weird effects on her appetite for sure. -Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted May 10, 2014 Report Share Posted May 10, 2014 Thanks for the update. It's good to know how these things turn out. Best wishes for NO unhappy returns of that tremor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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