Trembling

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A pet may tremble for a number of reasons, such as excitement, nervousness, or fear. A pet that trembles uncontrollably may have a condition known as tremors. Tremors are an involuntary movement of the muscles, almost like a twitch. Dog breeds prone to this condition are the Labrador Retriever, English Bulldog, Doberman Pinchers, Dalmatian, Weimaraners, Samoyed, Springer Spaniel, and the Chow Chow.

The trembling most commonly occurs in localized areas of the body, such as the rear legs and head. The tremors can be slow, easy motions or a fast muscle contraction. Common causes of tremors includes disease of the nervous system, inflammation, plant or chemical toxicity, hypoglycemia, kidney failure, weakness, pain, drug side effect, a birth defect, trauma, a genetic disposition, or an unknown cause.

The veterinarian will proceed routine examinations and tests to pinpoint any underlying causes and assess the pet’s condition. Most diagnostic measures involve diagnostic imaging like an MRI or CT scan. In certain cases, a spinal tap may be required. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Adverse drug reactions will require prohibiting further use of the particular drug and prescribing an alternative drug. In the case of a toxicity, the pet will be stabilized with fluid therapy to dilute the blood and hydrate the pet. Then, the veterinarian will take appropriate measures depending on the type of poisoning.

Moreover, in the case of an ingested anticoagulant, the patient will be administered vitamin K, which will reverse the effects. In the case of bromethalin ingestion, vomiting is the best antidote. Activated charcoal may be administered to bind with the poison and neutralize the poison, which will pass in the stool later on. In other cases, vitamin D and calcium replacement will be administered to the dog.