Thrashing rear legs while sleeping....(caused by Rimadyl and Tramadol ?)

[Fade2Black]

Anyone ever experience anything like this??

I have an 9 and 1/2 year old GS "Kaos". He is on Rimadyl and Tramadol for his hips. About a week ago I noticed his right rear leg would twitch while asleep. Didn't think much of that since every GS I have had at one time or another the legs would twitch. But it did seem to last longer then normal....

Last night after he went to sleep his legs started thrashing (like restless leg syndrome in people I guess. Or like if he was scratching himself for an itch). Depending on what side he was on the other leg would do it every minute or so for a few seconds. Turning him on his back helped but then both would go back and forth. This continued all night at varying intervals lasting a few seconds each. He didn't seem in any pain. It continued even after he was awake lying down. Right now it has stopped. I called the Vet first thing to get him in today. Any guess what this is. Could it be pain from his hip problems?? Thanx Much.....

[1sttimeforgsd]

My lab does that quite often when she is sleeping, I just always thought she was having a bad dream.

You mentioned that your pup does that when awake also, so I don't have any idea, sorry. Maybe someone else will come along later with a suggestion for you.

[Felix's Proud Mammy]

Felix does this also. Only his 2 rear legs so I'm convinced that he's a human in his dreams. It's usually accompanied by some muffled barks and breathing as though he's running. I chalk it up to a dream.

[Fade2Black]

Thanx for the replies....Just got back from Newkirk vets an hour or so ago. He thinks it was caused by a slight pinched nerve in his back. He did some chiropractic work on Kaos spine.....

This was different from the normal doggie mares as it lasted all night even when he would wake up during the night it continued....

Kaos wasn't due for the rimadyl - tramadol blood work until next month. I had them do the tests today. Came back at 26 which they said is where it should be.....

Took him just to make sure it wasn't a seizure of any kind.... I am aware of the risks and side effects of the meds but he has to be on them or he won't walk. Or he will be in my last GS Genesis DM cart. In addition Kaos gets fish oil tabs. 3000 mg of glucosamine. 1600 mg of chondriotin and 1500 mg of MSM. Kaos had had stem cell done last April which didn't work at all (and with the complications cost me $3000). Having total hip replacements done at the University of Penn would cost me over $11,000 which I don't have (already way to much debt). If they could guarantee me no rejection and everything would come out fine I would sell my car and have it done......

(edit) Has anyone tried giving deer antler velvet supplements on their GS for hip problems. I am thinking of trying it.....

[shepherdmom]

I hate to say this but my dog started to do that rear leg thing shortly before we were told he had dm. Later after researching I discovered it was often times a sign.

[zivagirl]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I hate to say this but my dog started to do that rear leg thing shortly before we were told he had dm. Later after researching I discovered it was often times a sign.

:flashing my ignoranceM?

[Fade2Black]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I hate to say this but my dog started to do that rear leg thing shortly before we were told he had dm. Later after researching I discovered it was often times a sign.

Been through that nightmare once. Vet has done that knuckle test on Kaos before....

I discovered my last GS had it around age 10 after he just wobbled in the kitchen while standing up. He never did the rear leg thing. But ya once you go through DM it always crosses your mind......

[I_LOVE_MY_MIKKO]

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I hate to say this but my dog started to do that rear leg thing shortly before we were told he had dm. Later after researching I discovered it was often times a sign.

Pinched nerves can mimic some of the symptoms as DM. Vet gave me a heart attack when he mentioned DM as a possible diagnosis for my dog...turns out it is a lower back problem (not great either, but at least it can be cured with surgery if it ever gets to that point).