All:
This just cropped up suddenly yesterday--
Last evening we noticed that Atticus's head would suddenly twitch, say, 1-3 times/minute for several minutes, then it would stop. Not rhythmic nor consistent in strength or presentation. It seems similar to a petite-mal seizure (only involving a portion of the body--no major flailing of extremeties or body...) We also noticed on one occasion that his right shoulder (in a sitting position) twitched--like a minor muscle spasm. Activity seems to increase the liklihood of the twitching/spasms--such as after walking up a short flight of stairs. When his head twitches, he occasionally moves his tongue/mouth like he is trying to get peanut-butter off his palate (but in a much more subdued manner).
Other than that, he is asymptomatic--except that he may be moving a little slower than normal.
He has a history of severe heart problems (multiple valve displasia, enlarged heart) and lately, arthritis has crept into the picture. He is on a large number of meds (taken regularly) including GlycoFlex II, and had Frontline (monthly) applied about 2 weeks ago.
Diet-wise, we've been feeding him (and the other two Goldens) Bravo mixed with some raw carrots or green beans in the eve with high-quality kibble in the AM. None of the other dogs seem to exhibit similar behavior.
Other than that, we've done nothing else out of the ordinary--at least that we can figure out. We went for a walk (infrequent) yesterday and Atticus and the other two ate some grass--but again, the other two seem fine.
We've been watching him closely since last night. He slept well as far as we can tell and the symptoms have not changed appreciably in frequency or intensity.
We called the vet--his vet (has Goldens of her own) is in this afternoon. She is to call us for a phone-consult--then we'll go from there. I expect we'll be seeing her sometime later today or tomorrow at the latest.
I probably sound like I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here--and I hope I am. We've been having some pretty serious medical problems in the household here over the past summer and we're a bit frayed. Atticus is our heart-dog and we've been dreading the day that something new and sinister makes itself known--perhaps something that Atticus--nor we--will be able to overcome. We're scared.
We'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions that you may have. I searched the Forum for threads similar to ours--but found none. Perhaps I searched in the wrong place.
And we--especially Atticus--could use some good wishes for the coming days.
We'll keep everyone updated as things progress.
Thanks,
Scott J.
This just cropped up suddenly yesterday--
Last evening we noticed that Atticus's head would suddenly twitch, say, 1-3 times/minute for several minutes, then it would stop. Not rhythmic nor consistent in strength or presentation. It seems similar to a petite-mal seizure (only involving a portion of the body--no major flailing of extremeties or body...) We also noticed on one occasion that his right shoulder (in a sitting position) twitched--like a minor muscle spasm. Activity seems to increase the liklihood of the twitching/spasms--such as after walking up a short flight of stairs. When his head twitches, he occasionally moves his tongue/mouth like he is trying to get peanut-butter off his palate (but in a much more subdued manner).
Other than that, he is asymptomatic--except that he may be moving a little slower than normal.
He has a history of severe heart problems (multiple valve displasia, enlarged heart) and lately, arthritis has crept into the picture. He is on a large number of meds (taken regularly) including GlycoFlex II, and had Frontline (monthly) applied about 2 weeks ago.
Diet-wise, we've been feeding him (and the other two Goldens) Bravo mixed with some raw carrots or green beans in the eve with high-quality kibble in the AM. None of the other dogs seem to exhibit similar behavior.
Other than that, we've done nothing else out of the ordinary--at least that we can figure out. We went for a walk (infrequent) yesterday and Atticus and the other two ate some grass--but again, the other two seem fine.
We've been watching him closely since last night. He slept well as far as we can tell and the symptoms have not changed appreciably in frequency or intensity.
We called the vet--his vet (has Goldens of her own) is in this afternoon. She is to call us for a phone-consult--then we'll go from there. I expect we'll be seeing her sometime later today or tomorrow at the latest.
I probably sound like I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here--and I hope I am. We've been having some pretty serious medical problems in the household here over the past summer and we're a bit frayed. Atticus is our heart-dog and we've been dreading the day that something new and sinister makes itself known--perhaps something that Atticus--nor we--will be able to overcome. We're scared.
We'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions that you may have. I searched the Forum for threads similar to ours--but found none. Perhaps I searched in the wrong place.
And we--especially Atticus--could use some good wishes for the coming days.
We'll keep everyone updated as things progress.
Thanks,
Scott J.