Muscle Spasms In Dogs: What To Do?
Muscle spasms in dogs can occur as a result of a localized problem. They usually arise as a result of overexertion, neurological damage, or physical injury.
While the spasms themselves are not dangerous, they can be painful. Especially if they persist for a long period of time. They can also be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a pinched nerve, a dislocated vertebral disc, or muscle injury.
Some conditions that cause muscle spasms in dogs are directly related to neurological disorders, which often cause seizures.
What are muscle spasms?
It is important to keep in mind that seizures in dogs, both epileptic and non-epileptic, are composed of numerous recurrent muscle spasms. The origin of these spasms lies in electrical activity in the brain .
In addition, muscle spasms in dogs can also (and do) occur without being associated with seizures. When they occur in isolation, it is usually a less severe symptom.
Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of your dog’s muscle spasms before trying to treat them yourself.
Next, we’ll discuss what you should consider when taking your dog to the vet because of suspected muscle spasms.
Causes of Muscle Spasms in Dogs
First, remember that there is no single reason why muscle spasms occur in dogs. Each cause has its own set of symptoms and forms of treatment.
1. Muscle contractions during sleep
During the deep sleep phase, the canine brain experiences a higher level of activity, which could explain why some dogs (and humans) often twitch in their sleep.
If you suspect your dog is having a seizure in her sleep, try to wake her up carefully. If nothing is happening, the dog will immediately shake, but if he is having a non-epileptic seizure, it will be much harder to wake him up.
2. Injuries
Muscles, bones, veins, nerves and cartilage in dogs come together to form a complex system. For this reason, muscle problems often coincide with or cause joint problems.
When there is an injury to a joint or muscle in the dog’s body, the muscles around it shrink or tighten, which can look like spasms. These injuries often cause the dog to limp or change gait pattern.
In case of head trauma, the brain’s ability to calculate limb movement can be impaired, causing muscle spasms in dogs.
3. Hypoglycemia
Although this is an infrequent side effect, low blood sugar levels in hypoglycemic dogs can cause muscle spasms and seizures.
4. Excessive effort
When a dog plays or runs too much or too long, its muscles can suffer from intense activity. Time spent outdoors without water will cause severe dehydration or heat stroke in dogs, which is also associated with seizures.
5. Poisoning
Poisoning is common in dogs, as they often ingest substances that are not intended for consumption.
Staggering, which is a defining feature of canine poisoning, is often confused with muscle spasms. If left untreated, poisoning in dogs can lead to kidney failure and serious complications.
6. Distemper
It is a viral disease that affects puppies and dogs without updated vaccines, and that can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms.
7. Canine Stress Syndrome
It is a neurological disorder to which certain breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever , are susceptible. Studies have shown that this syndrome can also be induced by excessive exercise in dogs.
Veterinary Care for Muscle Spasms in Dogs
Unless you are sure the dog’s muscle spasms are an isolated one, contact your veterinarian immediately. This is especially urgent if the spasms are constant and are accompanied by vomiting or lethargy.
- If the veterinarian suspects poisoning, the animal will receive injections to induce vomiting, as well as intravenous hydration.
- Whenever there are muscle spasms or seizures in dogs, the veterinary team will do blood tests to check enzyme levels in important internal organs.
- If the dog is limping or there is information of a recent fall or other injury, X-rays or CT scans will be taken.
- If your veterinarian suspects epilepsy or any other neurological disorder, tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) are very likely. These tests will be done to observe and record the electrical activity of the dog’s brain.
- If there is a diagnosis of epilepsy, therapy with antiepileptic drugs will be given to stabilize the dog. This medication aims to lower your seizure threshold as much as possible.
- Other laboratory tests may include: examination of urine, stool, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Home Assistance for Muscle Spasms in Dogs
With a diagnosis and advice from your veterinarian, you can take the appropriate steps to help your pet. These measures can even prevent your dog from suffering muscle spasms in the future.
Depending on the source of the muscle spasms, additional treatment may be needed to treat the root cause. This includes physical therapy sessions, massage or surgery to remove the affected nerve or the source of the cramp.
The best method to treat muscle spasms in dogs is to avoid them. So, both during and after exercise, make sure your puppy has access to plenty of fluids and stays hydrated, especially on the hottest days.
