Head Tremors in Dogs

The symptoms of head tremor in dogs include:

• Head bobbing back and forth (similar to bobble-head doll)
• Shaking head up and down (like saying yes)
• Shaking head (like saying no)

Types

• Cerebellar head tremors (intention tremors) can be related to damage to the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls coordination; these are usually noticed when your dog is intending to do something such as reaching to his food or water bowl
• Toxin related head tremors are caused by the ingestion of some toxins such as rat poison, slug or snail baits, or compost
• Drug related head tremors have been reported in dogs that have ingested certain drugs like antidepressants, amphetamines, and anti-emetics
• Idiopathic head tremors are the most common and include any form of head tremors in which the cause is unknown

The most common head tremors have an unknown cause, but there are other types of head tremors that have certain causes such as:

• Hereditary
• Injury or trauma to the head
• Certain medications
• Extreme pain
• Renal (kidney) disorders
• Low blood sugar
• Low calcium level
• Toxicity from chemicals or plants
• Central nervous system (CNS) disease
• Swelling of the brain

Diagnosing head shaking is extremely difficult to diagnose, especially when it is idiopathic. However, the veterinarian will do this by excluding other causes and narrowing it down. The first step is to perform a comprehensive physical examination. This usually includes a complete assessment of your dog’s entire body, including vital signs, auscultation, and palpation.

The veterinarian will also need your dog’s complete medical history and immunization records. Be sure to mention any medications you have given him. Laboratory tests are done next, which usually include a complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen, blood sugar, urinalysis, fecal examination, and electrolyte analysis. Finally, your veterinary care provider will get some head and spinal x-rays and possibly do a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound.

Treatment for head tremors involves addressing the underlying illness or condition your veterinarian finds. This may be medical or surgical, depending on the cause.

Medical

If your dog is suffering from some sort of treatable condition of the cerebellum, the veterinarian may prescribe an anticonvulsant drug such as potassium bromide, diazepam, or phenobarbital or an immunosuppressive dose of corticosteroids. If your dog is suffering from a toxin or drug ingestion, an emetic will usually be used to induce vomiting and an antidote will be given, if available. Intravenous fluids are given to flush the system and prevent dehydration. Mannitol may be given for CNS problems. Kidney disorders may be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the case.

Surgical

If your dog has a CNS condition or cerebellum damage, a surgical approach may be the best option. In some cases, the pressure may need to be relieved from the brain and the veterinarian may place a shunt to redirect the fluid.

Hospitalization

If your dog is having trouble breathing or needs to be stabilized, the veterinarian may admit him to the hospital until he is stable. The length of stay depends on your dog’s condition and the cause of the head tremors.