shakes and spasms

[monkseaton]

I have a Jack Russel terrier 4 yrs old. She has been off colour for a couple of days. She seems to tremble every so often. You can feel the tremors or spasms going through her body. She doesn't seem to be distressed while this happens. She doesn't whimper although she does seem to 'frown'. As she is a rescue dog and we have only had her for a year we don't know her past history. Anyone got any ideas what this could be?

[JBR]

I have no idea but I can tell you, if that was my cat and I was worried about his health, I would be straight down to the vet.

Yes, I know they are very expensive these days, but if it is something of nothing I don't think the charges will be very high.

[Schutzengel]

I would suggest you have your dog checked out by a vet, as it is possible she may have a mild form of epilepsy. There are degrees of epilepsy in animals just as there are in humans (petit mal & grand mal). This can be controlled with medication. I have a 3yr old cat with a severe form of epilepsy, which is well controlled, and he's quite well and happy. It's worth asking the vet to check for this, it only requires a blood test. If hopefully it isn't a mild epilepsy, it still needs investigating. Hope all goes well.

[WaldoMcFroog]

I had a JR growing up, had exactly the same thing; would fit several times a week. It is epilepsy, as suggested above by Schutzengel. You should go to your vet, though they can't always do much.

Just to put your mind at ease though, my JR lived to be a very happy 19 years old, so don't worry that it means a shortened life.