what helps eliminate tremors in dogs?

[tb76]

My 2 yo, 100lb dog has frequent tremors in his leg (s). They typically occur when he sits but he can also have them when he lays or sleeps. The vet believes phenobarbital will help but he doesn't have seizures. Does anyone have experience with this?

[Ghilly]

That's an excellent idea.  Veterinary colleges have state-of-the-art equipment and know all the newest diagnostic techniques.  Hopefully they will be able to help your dog.  Please keep us updated.  Good luck!

Ghilly

[tb76]

Thanks for the advice. I am about to make an appt at a college veterinary hospital not too far away.

[Ghilly]

I don't think I'd be inclined to think of something having to do with the central nervous system, I'd lean more toward a structural problem with maybe a narrowing of the spinal cord in the cervical region impinging on a nerve or nerves that causes the tremors in the legs.  

What breed of dog is he?  I've also thought about Wobbler's Syndrome, however that doesn't just cause shaking or trembling of the legs, that would also cause an unsteady gait, which you did not mention him  having.

Has the vet suggested doing an x-ray or MRI before going with the anti-seizure meds?  I would much rather think that I had ruled out a structural problem FIRST before putting the dog on meds that might be difficult to stop using without problems.

I think in this case I would DEFINITELY go for a second opinion, and not just at another local vet, I think I'd go to a veterinary college where they have state of the art diagnostic equipment to figure things out.  This is a very young dog we're talking about here, and serious drugs like anti-seizure meds shouldn't be doled out lightly.

Please keep us up to date on how things are going or any new developments.

Ghilly