Dog Community

Shaky and uncoordinated

Posted : 6/14/2006 12:35:09 PM

My female border collie mix, about 6 years old, was walking very shaky this morning, but she did not fall down. She is usually very coordinated and sure of her steps. I let her outside, and she still was shaky for a few minutes. She shivered a little, like possibly she was scared, but I could have mistaken that for how I felt. I called the vet, and talked to someone, I think a tech.. She told me to observe her throughout the day and call back if she does it again. She has never done this before. I am worried. Should I take her in for a check-up regardless of what the tech said?
She did eat some breakfast, drink water. She seems fine now, even full of energy to run around.

dyan

Posted : 6/14/2006 12:48:33 PM

Gee, I wonder if she had a seizure, or got bit my something.
She hasn't been to the vet and taken any drug lately, or had any shots or anything like that has she?
If no, then I suppose you need to watch her closely and make sure it doesn't happen again in case she is sick or so. If she got stung, or bit by something, maybe its over and she will be just fine. I would for sure watch for closely for a few days.

Jen Selmek

Posted : 6/14/2006 1:33:49 PM

Her last visit to the vet for shots and stuff was a couple months ago. She isn't on any medication.
I can't tell, but it's possible she could have been bit by a spider or something.
Yesterday I washed our wood floors with Pro-Care Premium Citrus Floor Cleaner. There is no warning on the bottle. She did sleep under the bed. My husband said that she was fine when he let her out around 5:30a. I didn't smell any fumes, but I know that their noses are much more sensitive. My other dog, 10 year old lab mix, who also sleeps on the floor, is fine.

dyan

Posted : 6/14/2006 1:48:00 PM

Maybe it is the cleaner,,,maybe she even licked some up,,,dogs like the taste of soap....but if she if fine now,,watch her carefully for a few days.
Good Luck!

ewin0210

Posted : 6/14/2006 2:12:42 PM

Do you have any mushrooms growing in your back yard? I think some mushrooms can do this...

Jen Selmek

Posted : 6/14/2006 2:14:18 PM

I just mowed yesterday, there were mushrooms, but knocked down now. I watch her outside pretty good, but it's possible.
She probably did lick the floor. I hope that is all it was.
So far, so good, but I will continue to be keep an eye on her.
Thanks for your help!

M.W.Lewis

Posted : 6/21/2006 7:53:47 AM

Jen your post sounds so much the way owners of Addison's dogs describe their symptoms. The shakiness, the shivering. If you have not found a culprit by now (I realize your post is several days old) then you may want to look into Addison's.
A dog with Addison's has low cortisol levels and many have high potassium, low sodium. Many show low glucose levels also. Owners describe them as fine one day but 'off' the next, symptoms wax and wane, then some go into crisis (or crash as it's called). Many show the shivering, shaking, some show hind end weakness, vomiting, diarreah, lethary, even depression. Then they are fine but revert back again.
An ACTH stim test would diagnose it. A chemistry panel would show potassium, sodium, glucose, etc.

Jen Selmek

Posted : 6/21/2006 2:12:00 PM

It has been a week now, and she has been fine; except for the thunderstorms this morning, she gets real nervous. I will mention it to the vet the next time we go.
Thanks for the info.

jessies_mom

Posted : 6/21/2006 2:32:57 PM

I got to tell you that if my dog acted like that I would take her to the vet and insist on a thorough examination including any blood tests that might be necessary; but that's me; keep us posted and I hope all will be well.

M.W.Lewis

Posted : 6/21/2006 6:59:56 PM

ORIGINAL: jen_s

It has been a week now, and she has been fine; except for the thunderstorms this morning, she gets real nervous. I will mention it to the vet the next time we go.
Thanks for the info.

That's good news! Hopefully it was just a one time thing and she's fine now.