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Question

My dog supposedly has allergies, but he also seems to have some muscles sensitivity in his hind quarters. If someone pets him, his rear leg starts to move; people often think it means he likes it, but I try to stop them as i know he can get to a point where the muscle will not stop. Tonight he has a muscle spasms in that muscle after we gave him a bath today. He cannot stop the back legs from moving. Sometimes he will scratch himself with the leg, but generally it is just an uncontrolable movement.

Submitted: 1214 days and 19 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Accepted Answer

Hi Parks,

Based on what you are describing your pet could possibly have either a neurologic disorder or one of neuromuscular origin. Any kind of tremor, shaking, or fine muscle twitching that is involuntary, is NOT normal, and you should seek professional veterinary counsel and a diagnosis for your pet.

If there is any chance that your pet's symptoms stem from a degenerative disc or lower lumbar spinal disease, than your pet could be experiencing alot of discomfort and pain that you are not able to appreciate due to the fact that dog's can hide pain well!

I would surmise that you must have mentioned these problems to your vet??? If not, than you need to be more specific about your concerns and request that a complete neurologic and musculoskeletal assessment of your pet be done. In addition, I would have a complete blood count, chemistry, thyroid profile, and urinalysis done to be sure that your pet has no metabolic or systemic abnormalities that could cause muscle hypoxia or abnormal motor movement. ( IE: deficiencies in Calcium, Potassium, Sodium and Chloride).

If bloodwork is normal, than the next step may be to do radiographs of your pet's spine, pelvis, and hips to screen for any evidence of intervertebral disc disease, congenital malformations, hip dysplasia, or degenerative arthritis.

Advanced testing for specific neurologic and muscular dystrophy type disorders can be done if your vet feels that there is any potential for this in your pet. Certain breeds of dogs can have both skeletal and muscular disorders that can be treated if detected early. Common breeds for some of these type problems would be German Shepherds, Boxers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Dobermans, etc.

If allergies are his problem, than all of his movements are under the control of his VOLUNTARY muscles.....

If he has red skin, any evidence of pustules or red bumps on the skin, crusts, scabs, or scales, than you also need to seek veterinary help in diagnosing what allergies your pet may have and how to symtomatically treat for them!!

It's time to find some more answers for yourself and your pet. If you wait, and a potentially dangerous or painful process is "brewing", than you will regret not acting sooner.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Remember NO BONES for your pup!! Guard the trash with your life!!

Please remember to press "ACCEPT" upon reading this answer. Bonuses area accepted with gratitude. I appreciate your trust in my professional knowledge and clinical experience. Please remember to leave feedback, as feedback affects my ratings and earnings.

Best Wishes to You and Your Pet!
Dr. Jodi L. Smith

 

 

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Expert: Dr. Smith
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 337
Answered: 11/23/2006

Veterinarian

Veterinarian in Small Animal Practice for 13 years

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