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Full Body Shakes?

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(I don't think my first message went through, I apologize if this is a repeat)
I have an 8 yr old yellow lab. Two years ago he survived having his head run over by a van; he's lost his right eye and we think hearing on that side as well. He appears to have recovered from this. One and 1/2 months ago, he had an interaction with a rabid racoon. He licked it's back, that was it. The thing didn't bite him or scratch him. He's completed his quarantine of 45 days from the state. The reason I write is this. Approximately 2 weeks ago, Tucker began experiencing complete and uncontrollable body shakes. He seems as though he is frightened during these episodes (as are we). We try to comfort him best we can, by holding his head telling him all is well, that he's a good dog. We cover him with a blanket to help him feel comforted. When they pass, he is exhausted and breathing hard. The last couple days they ave increased. I plan on calling his doctor tomorrow (it is Christmas day today...and today was the worst), but am curious to see what the problem may be. We can't figure out if it's old age, the accident, the racoon...all of the above?? Any ideas?

One Response to “Full Body Shakes?”:

  •   M. Kyle Moody says:

    January 08th, 2009 at 04:48 PM

    My best guess is that your dog is having seizures most likely from the head trauma.

    My dog has seizures every month or so and they come in clusters.  Typically he will have them while sleeping or waking up from a nap, but he has also had them out of nowhere while awake and running around.  For him, he gets tense, his whole body shakes, he sometimes swims with this legs, he breathes heavy (especially afterwards), drools and foams at the mouth, and for a period afterwards, is terrified of his own shadow, let alone myself or the other dogs in the house.  He often paces afterwards, disoriented, and is very instinct driven: especially concerning food and relieving himself.

    If this sounds anything like your dog's episodes, it may be that he is having seizures.

    My dog is on medication, but will still have 1-3 seizures a month (usually within the span of 2 days).  Cluster seizures can be very dangerous for a dog and when my dog last had 3 within a 15 hour period my vet made an emergency visit to give him a special injection.

    I hope your dog is doing better and I hope you find some peace as well.  It can be terrifying and very emotional to experience this.

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    M. Kyle Moody

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