Bulldog with shaking head.

[Traci66]

We have a male bulldog who is two years old, sometimes when he is asleep his head starts to shake rapidly but when we wake him it stops. Last night this happened again but continued when he was awake, the shaking lasted for approx three minutes when he was awake.

I phoned the vets last night who said because it had stopped to just keep him calm, not make a fuss and offer him water and if it happened again to call her back. It did not happen again but I have him booked into the vets this afternoon so they can check him over.

What I was wondering is if anybody has any experience of this and what to expect, eg, will this be an ongoig thing? TIA

[Old_Geezer]

My pure guess would be that he's experiencing a recurring nightmare. Has it started recently ? If it doesn't ease off soon the vet will be the best bet to make an examination and see they can find a physical cause. Maybe he's sleeping on a nerve and causing a tic ?

[Booldawg]

We had a Bulldog that did that. Low blood sugar levels. Its something that happens from time to time and does occur in the breed.

Our Bulldog was wide awake when it happened. Give him a teaspoon of honey or syrup. If he's still having bouts of it 5 mins later then repeat with the teaspoon. The main thing is not to panic, he's not in any danger.

[Traci66]

Well just got back from the vets, he checked his blood sugar, 5.7, said he seems fit and healthy and to just keep a diary in case it recurs and then he will do blood sugars over a period of time.

[Booldawg]

Hope it all goes well Traci. I panicked when it happened to our boy as we had no clue to what was going on! We have a friend who is really involved in the breed (Tanya at Bulldog Rescue) and suggested this remedy as it is something that is peculiar to Bulldogs, alot of vets have generic knowledge and not breed specialists.

Without disrespecting your vet, even though the blood sugars may've fine 'on the day' it could be a case of a dip that bought the head shake on.

Maybe worth googling to see if their are other cases out there.

[Traci66]

I googled it earlier booldawg, and it seems it is fairly common in bulldogs and starts around two years old, he was two in January, and you're right, the vet didn't know much about bulldogs, there is a vet at the practice that does though, so if I have to take him again I will make sure that I see that one. Thank you.

[Booldawg]

a quick google bought up this youtube video with a comment;



'I have been told that these tremors are common in Bullies and it is caused by low blood sugar. A few drops of honey on your finger or just a small piece of muffin or something that has sugar will stop it. NO candy or Chocolate!'

'

[Booldawg]

lol, sorry, posted same time as you!