Content
- Dog with generalized tremors and lack of coordination
- Dog with localized tremors and walking difficulties
- What to do with a trembling dog that can't stand up?
There are several causes that can cause tremors and mobility problems in dogs. In this PeritoAnimal article we will explain about the most common causes of why trembling dog can't stand up. When making a diagnosis, it is important to consider whether tremors occur at rest or during movement. The latter can be intentional, such as those in brain disorders, generalized such as those that occur in intoxications, or localized, such as those that occur in the hind legs due to old age. Read on and see more detailed information.
Dog with generalized tremors and lack of coordination
Tremors are involuntary, pathological movements that occur throughout the body or only in part. You may notice dogs shivering with cold or fear, but in this article we'll explain the cases of dogs shivering and unable to walk. This usually happens when, in addition to the tremors, there is muscle weakness, or even paralysis, which prevents the animal from moving correctly. Generalized tremors are those in which the whole body is involved. Some of the most common causes that cause a dog to have generalized tremors and incoordination are as follows:
- encephalitis or brain inflammation: this brain condition can have several origins and perhaps the best known is distemper. The dog convulses, walks uncoordinated, undergoes behavioral changes (especially increased aggression), has a fever and may end up in a coma state. Recovering puppies can permanently have neurological sequelae or seizure episodes.
- Intoxications: There are many toxins that can cause tremors and movement difficulties. The clinical picture will depend on the substance ingested. Some of the symptoms that occur are vomiting, weakness, spasms, convulsions, uncoordinated walking, nervousness, hypersalivation, restless breathing, staggering, diarrhea, abdominal pain, paralysis and even coma. The prognosis will depend on the toxic substance, the amount ingested and the size of the dog.
- several congenital, metabolic and nervous system diseases: these disorders will be characterized by weakness and instability, which will make locomotion difficult, which in other cases will be uncoordinated. The tremors also appear. Veterinary diagnosis and treatment are necessary and the prognosis will depend on them.
If the your dog shakes and falls it is likely to be caused by one of the above problems, so it will be essential to get to the vet as soon as possible to find the cause and treat it. In many cases, an early diagnosis makes the difference between life and death.
Dog with localized tremors and walking difficulties
In this section we will explain about dog shaking in a certain part of the body, specifically the Rear legs hindering mobility. In addition, we will explain why the dog trembles and falls, does not support itself or even trembles and does not want to move caused by some kind of pain.
In older dogs, it is possible to see the dog trembling more often. An example of this is the cognitive dysfunction syndrome that affects mainly dogs over 10 years old and there is a deterioration of mental faculties. So the dogs that suffer from it seem disoriented, they stop recognizing the family, sleep more during the day and stay awake at night, decrease their activity, may walk in circles, suffer from tremors, stiffness, weakness and some begin to not control their sphincters. Only the veterinarian can reach a diagnosis after ruling out other possible diseases.
When younger dogs do not want to walk or limp with one hind leg, they can be faced with other types of cases. In general, these cases are not accompanied by tremors. To learn more about the reasons behind a dog with hind leg weakness, check out this PeritoAnimal article.
On the other hand, with age, many dogs will suffer from osteoarthritis, a disorder that may also explain why your dog trembles and can't walk, all due to the pain you feel as the weakened muscle trembles. There are medications to alleviate the symptoms, as the disease is not curable or preventable. It is also advisable for the dog to exercise moderately, control his weight to prevent him from getting too fat, prevent him from getting cold and offer him adequate, soft and warm resting places.
Finally, a trauma caused by a blow or an accident can also leave the dog trembling and unwilling to move, depending on the area of the body that has been affected. As in the previous cases, it is the pain that prevents the animal from making any movement, so it will be very important to try to locate the damaged part and contact the veterinarian.
What to do with a trembling dog that can't stand up?
As the causes of a dog trembling and with difficulty in movement are very varied and in most cases quite serious, the best thing is find a veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, it is advisable to try to examine the animal to see if the tremors are general or localized. If they only occur in a specific area, check for any wounds, inflammation or abnormalities and inform a trusted specialist.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.