Muscle Spasms In Dogs: What To Do?
Muscle spasms in dogs can occur as a result of a localized problem. They usually result from overexertion, neurological damage, or physical injury.
While the spasms are not inherently dangerous, they can be painful. Especially if they are not taken care of when needed. They can also be indicative of a more serious condition, such as a pinched nerve, misplaced spinal disc, or muscle damage.
Some conditions that cause muscle spasms in dogs are directly related to neurological disorders, which often cause seizures. Let’s see together what to do in case of muscle spasms in dogs.
What are muscle spasms?
It is important to keep in mind that seizures in dogs, both epileptic and non-epileptic, consist of a series of recurrent muscle spasms. The origin of these spasms is based on electrical activity in the brain.
Additionally, muscle spasms may also occur in dogs not associated with seizures. When they occur in isolation, they are usually less severe.
Consequently, it is important to know the specific cause of muscle spasms in dogs before trying a treatment on your own.
In this article, we will discuss the things to consider if your dog has muscle spasms.
Causes of muscle spasms in dogs
First of all, keep in mind that muscle spasms are not caused by just one factor. Each cause is characterized by a set of symptoms and subsequent treatments. Here are some of them:
1. Muscle spasms in dogs 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 squirm while sleeping.
If you suspect your dog is having a seizure while sleeping, try waking him up slowly. If nothing happens, the dog will immediately shake up, but if he is experiencing a non-epileptic fit, it will be much more difficult to wake him up.
2. Injuries
As with humans, dogs’ muscles, bones, veins, nerves and cartilage come together to form a complex system. For this reason, muscle problems are often directly related to joint problems.
When a joint or muscle is injured in the dog’s body, the surrounding muscles shrink or stiffen, which can cause spasms. These injuries generally cause him to limp.
In the case of head trauma, the brain is often unable to control limb movements well, causing muscle spasms.
3. Hypoglycemia
Although a rather rare side effect, a low blood sugar level in dogs can cause muscle spasms and convulsions.
4. Excessive effort
When a dog plays or runs too hard or for too long, his muscles can be affected. Time spent outdoors without drinking 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 are very curious and tend to lick or swallow things they shouldn’t.
Loss of balance, which is a defining feature of canine poisoning, is often mistaken for muscle spasms. If not treated right away, poisoning can lead to kidney failure and serious complications.
6. Distemper
Distemper is a viral disease that affects puppies and dogs that have not been vaccinated and can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms.
7. Canine Stress Syndrome
It is a neurological disorder that some breeds are susceptible to, such as the Labrador Retriever . Some studies have shown that it can also be induced by excessive exercise.
Veterinary care
Unless you are sure that the spasms are isolated, you should contact your vet immediately. It is good to urinate in a timely manner if the spasms are constant and combined with vomiting or lethargy.
- If the vet suspects poisoning, the animal will receive an injection to induce vomiting and intravenous hydration.
- In the event of muscle spasms or seizures in dogs, the vet will perform blood tests to check enzyme levels in the most important internal organs.
- In the event of a limp, recent fall or other injury, x-rays will be taken.
- If your vet suspects a case of epilepsy or any other neurological disorder, they are very likely to want to perform a test such as an EEG. These tests will be performed to observe and record the electrical activity of the dog’s brain.
- In the event that epilepsy is diagnosed, antiepileptic drug therapy will be applied to stabilize the dog’s condition. This drug tries to lower the seizure threshold as much as possible.
- Other laboratory tests may include: urinalysis, stool and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
How to prevent muscle spasms in the future
With the right diagnosis and your vet’s advice, appropriate measures can be taken to alleviate the condition. These measures should prevent your dog from suffering from muscle spasms in the future.
Depending on what triggered the muscle spasms, additional treatment may be needed to address the root cause. This includes physical therapy sessions, massage, or surgery to remove the affected nerve or source of the cramps.
The best way to treat muscle spasms in dogs is to prevent them. Both during and after exercise, make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially in the summer.
