shih tzu with muscle spasms

[akg02]

I have a 5 year old Shih Tzu who weighs about 10 pounds. She has muscle spasms that affect all 4 limbs every 2-3 months (sometimes longer apart). When the spasms occur, her extremities stick straight out, she starts shaking, and she breathes heavily. They last for 1-2 minutes, and she's fine afterwards. She's also had a slipped disc twice, and was on pain meds, antiinflammatories, and cage rest when they happened. I've taken her to the vet several times because I'm worried she may be developing IVD disease. He told us that because she acts fine afterwards and does not have any pain or bowing in her back (except for during the spasms), that she is fine right now and further investigation (i.e. x-rays, MRI) isn't warranted. He gave us Previcox to give her when her spasms occur and told us to not allow her to jump, especially off of things. Should we push harder for more investigation? We have been following his rules, but she still has the occasional muscle spasm. It's so hard to see her in pain... I just want to make sure I am doing all I can. Thank you!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

They will probably have to perform spinal X-Rays if you have the MRI performed.  They can cost anywhere from 30.00 to 100.00 per X-Ray depending on your vets practice location.  Ticks can be found under fallen leaves and in grasses, which can be found in cities.  Though,  if your dog is mostly just walked on concrete or asphalt her risk for tick disease is pretty low.  

[akg02]

Thank you for your answer. At first, I thought they were seizures, but my dog is responsive during the episodes and if I put her down she will try to walk (but will end up falling over, of course). Given her history of slipped discs, the vet said it was more likely muscle spasms.

She's had bloodwork numerous times but hasn't had x-rays or the tick disease profile. What all would that profile entail? We live in the city and she is an inside dog, so I've never even considered that. I've also been thinking about an MRI, but I don't want to spend the money unless it's warranted now (and then I would definitely do it!). Thanks again!!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Are you and your vet convinced that these are just muscle spasms (a musculoskeletal problem), or could the episodes be from a seizure disorder?  Seizures themselves can cause musculoskeletal problems, due to rigidity and spasms that occur during the seizure.

Your vet is handling everything else just as I would.  These episodes only occur once every 2-3 months, so that seizure medication may not even be warranted.

If you could afford the additional diagnostics you could have an MRI for both IVD and for changes in the brain or spinal cord (for the seizures), and you could also have a muscle biopsy performed.  X-Rays and blood-work should be performed regardless.  Definitely have a tick disease profile, if it has not already been performed.