Mild leg tremor

[Fasb's Owner]

Over the past several months, I've been noticing a mild tremor in one of Fasb's back legs. When he's standing still (at rest), sometimes his leg trembles. It's not a violent tremor, fairly slight, and he only does it when he's standing still. It doesn't seem to bother him any, and he appears to have complete control over the paw. If he starts to walk or run, or sits down, or just shifts his paw, it goes away immediately. So far as I can tell, he's not bothered by it. No sign that he's in discomfort. No sign that he's losing control of the leg. There's been no change in his activity level, moods, habits, appetite, etc.

He doesn't do it all the time. Just sporadically.

I realize it's hard to diagnose without seeing the dog, but does this sound like something I should be concerned about? I'm thinking of talking to my vet about this, but there's not really been anything to indicate this is an immediate problem. You have to spend a lot of time with him and observe him closely to even notice it (my wife didn't notice until I told her about it), so it's been something of a non-issue thus far. It's not a dramatic problem. I tend to think it might be a symptom of his age. The way he stands makes me wonder if the muscle just isn't as elastic as it used to be when he was younger.

For background, Fasb is a 10 year old male sheltie. Weights about 28 pounds, good general health. No significant health problems that I'm aware of & his last checkup with the vet was fine.

Thanks. Just wondering what people think. I tend to think it's a minor issue or just an age-related problem. On the other hand, if it's an early sign of something serious, I'll want to get out ahead of it before it becomes a major issue for him

 

[Lunatic59]

Our Schipperke (Skully) has a spinal birth defect that rendered is hind right leg weaker. During periods of high activity or stress his leg will tremble. When our blue merle (Winston) was in decline and not eating, Skully would go after Winston's food and put on a few extra pounds.

The vet has told us that it's probably nothing to worry about, although to be certain they would need to do periodic x-rays (or an MRI) to see if there is any change to the spine. She did say that extra weight will aggravate it as it puts pressure on the rear end, so Skully is on a diet and getting some extra exercise.

I'd be concerned only if it gets noticeably worse in a short period of time.

 

[labgirl]

Cadbury has a similar tremor in his right front leg. I always put down to the way he was standing and had put pressure on a nerve.

I would not be unduly concerned, but I would keep an eye on it.

 

[Sheltiemama]

Casey, our 13 yo, has recently developed a leg tremor in his hind legs. I noticed it when he lifted his leg. The one on the ground was quivering. So he put his lifted leg down and squatted.

The vet says we want to rule out arthritis pain so we are giving him Tramadol for a little bit to see if that cures the tremors. Just started Monday so nothing to report just yet.

I put my hands on his hips yesterday and I could feel his back end quivering. Couldn't see it but could feel it.

I know Shelties are stoic but Casey has to be THE MOST stoic I have EVER seen. I tell the vet you could probably cut off his foot and I'd never know it from his behavior.

Vet's second thought was that it could be neurological. So we're trying to rule out pain before we move on with our investigation.

Casey is also the one in renal failure. So we'll see what we find out with the pain meds first.