Dog Community

Strange thing happened in the night....

Posted : 8/27/2009 6:13:36 PM

Maggie, age 10, woke us up around 3 a.m., panting, pacing, couldn't be still. Every so often her back parts would jerk, then she'd walk more, then jerk. It really scared me. We took her to emerg. vet place, doc gave her a good check up, blood work, etc. Said her temp was up a wee bit, liver enzymes up a bit, but otherwise ok. By the time we got her there, the jerking had stopped. Of course, she was a nervous wreck while there. He wasn;t sure if it had been a seizure, so couldn't treat her for anything. She slept the rest of the night and has been fine today, but we're watching her pretty closely. The bill was 240. yikes! Any thoughts or ideas on this, esp. the jerking? thanks, susan

denise m

Posted : 8/27/2009 6:47:08 PM

Wow, geezerwife (love the name LOL!) that would scare me as well. Sorry, I have idea. I guess it could be a lot of things. Is it possible her leg may have fallen asleep? How long did this jerking go on for? Whatever it is, I hope it's nothing serious. Sending good vibes to Maggie. Oh and I hear you about the vet bill. I am always amazed at vet costs. Being from north of 49, we never pay for medical care for ourselves, so it is true "sticker shock". But what are you going to do?

jessies_mom

Posted : 8/27/2009 7:49:37 PM

The panting and pacing are because she was in pain. Could you describe the "jerking" more? I wonder if she could have a disc problem with the lower part of her spine. Sending lots of healing vibes.

susan clark

Posted : 8/27/2009 8:12:14 PM

Well, the doc felt all along her spine, moved her legs, did several things, with no bad effect. It was like she was walking, then all of a sudden her rump would twitch off to the side, then back to pacing again. I'm stumped, but she still seems ok so far.

calliecritturs

Posted : 8/27/2009 9:59:29 PM

Don't rely on an emergency room vet for a diagnosis like that -- they aren't necessarily the best, and I've yet to have one do a really good job at diagnosing something difficult. I'd have your own vet look at her as soon as possible.

It sounds to me like a pinched nerve of some sort -- and the liver enzymes AND temp being up would drive me to the vet TOMORROW. Liver enzymes being elevated could indicate some seizure/toxin type of stuff and the temp could be inflammation somewhere.