Rear leg tremors?

[Greydusk]

I've become increasingly curious/concerned about Blitz's leg tremors. He's had them ever since I adopted him in 2010 but they don't appear to be getting any worse (that I can tell).

They typically occur when we're out on walks. Once we stop walking, one of his hind legs will shake. It doesn't seem to be related to distance as sometimes we're only a few feet from the house and his leg will shake. Also if he's laying on his side and stretches out his rear legs, one of them will shake. He's not in pain, there's no limping and he doesn't seem to notice it. We still go on 3+ mile hikes and I take him on 2 mile runs with me in the mornings with no pain or stiffness. Since taking him on runs and switching to a higher protein food, his rear leg muscle mass has actually increased somewhat, but it's not as good as it could be.
From what I've read it's something that older dogs seem to experience but I can't find out why. Truth be told, I nor the vets have any idea how old he is as he has unusual teeth wear. Around 5 to 8 is their guess.

I've asked the vet about them and they don't seem to be too concerned, he's due for a rabies shot in a few months so I'll ask again, I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this or knows the cause.

[huntergreen]

my airedale has this, its referred to as the terrier tremor. i have never seen this in a gsd, but if your dog acts fine and your vet is not worried abut this, then i wouldn't worry.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by Greydusk

I've become increasingly curious/concerned about Blitz's leg tremors. He's had them ever since I adopted him in 2010 but they don't appear to be getting any worse (that I can tell).

They typically occur when we're out on walks. Once we stop walking, one of his hind legs will shake. It doesn't seem to be related to distance as sometimes we're only a few feet from the house and his leg will shake. Also if he's laying on his side and stretches out his rear legs, one of them will shake. He's not in pain, there's no limping and he doesn't seem to notice it. We still go on 3+ mile hikes and I take him on 2 mile runs with me in the mornings with no pain or stiffness. Since taking him on runs and switching to a higher protein food, his rear leg muscle mass has actually increased somewhat, but it's not as good as it could be.
From what I've read it's something that older dogs seem to experience but I can't find out why. Truth be told, I nor the vets have any idea how old he is as he has unusual teeth wear. Around 5 to 8 is their guess.

I've asked the vet about them and they don't seem to be too concerned, he's due for a rabies shot in a few months so I'll ask again, I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this or knows the cause.

I don't want to be an alarmist but have you had him tested for DM?

[Greydusk]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I don't want to be an alarmist but have you had him tested for DM?

I thought about this, but wouldn't it progress quicker? He's had this for at least two years and hasn't worsened.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by Greydusk

I thought about this, but wouldn't it progress quicker? He's had this for at least two years and hasn't worsened.

I honestly don't know. I missed the signs in Shadow, so by the time we discovered it he, progressed very quickly. However that being said I've read stories of dogs having it for years before it starts progressing.

[Greydusk]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I honestly don't know. I missed the signs in Shadow, so by the time we discovered it he, progressed very quickly. However that being said I've read stories of dogs having it for years before it starts progressing.

I hope it's not...
Is the test a DNA test?

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by Greydusk

I hope it's not...
Is the test a DNA test?

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I, can chime in on the DM. I believe there are a couple of different tests from different universities. Jocoyn one of the moderators on this board had the test done on her dog. I would ask her about it.

[GatorBytes]

Could be magnesium deficiency.

I give my dog 100mg/day split am/pm

[Greydusk]

Originally Posted by GatorBytes

Could be magnesium deficiency.

I give my dog 100mg/day split am/pm

Interesting...
I might do an x-ray or blood work next time we're at the vets.

[GatorBytes]

Magnesium is indicated for smooth muscle contraction, muscle weakness, spasms, as well as seizures and the heart (a muscle). It's an important mineral, with low risk of toxicity (unlike zinc/copper imbalance or too much calcium/phos. etc.)...the only caution I have read is with a pre-existing kidney problem, then it should not be used.