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Jolting in Dogs
Written By Grace Park
Published: 05/11/2017Updated: 04/05/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Jolting?
If you notice your dog having jolts, spasms, and other sudden and unexplained movements, there may be a physical condition that needs to be addressed. Twitches and tremors can originate from muscle or nerves, and can happen at any time. If these jolts happen while your dog is sleeping, it may only be a physical manifestation of a dream. But if they happen when your dog is awake, there may be another cause. Reasons for such movements can include:
- Muscle conditions
- Brain injuries
- Neurological disorders
- Dehydration
- Toxin ingestion
- Tetanus
- Genetic disorders
- Canine distemper
Why Jolting Occurs in Dogs
There are many conditions that can cause your dog to jolt.
Muscle Conditions
Muscle strains, injuries, and malfunctions can cause tremors and ticks just under the skin. A thiamine deficiency can cause problems with muscle function. Muscle contraction disease, or Myoclonus, can cause sudden jerks and seizures.
Brain Injuries
Tremors can be caused by abnormal activity in the brain. Brain activity can be disrupted as a result of injury, strokes, or brain tumors.
Neurological Disorders
There are many conditions that disrupt the nervous system, many of which can result in involuntary twitches, such as Shaker’s syndrome, tremor syndromes, and cerebellar disorders. Many of these conditions can result in seizures, involving muscle spasms and jerks, including epilepsy and Lafora’s disease.
Dehydration
If the body loses too much water, it attempts to rebalance water levels by drawing water out of individual cells. This results in a loss of essential electrolytes, which ultimately affects muscle and nerve function.
Toxin Ingestion
Many prescribed and recreational drugs can cause a toxic reaction that can lead to involuntary jolts. Stimulants, such as caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamines, can produce tremors. The ingestion of many types of toxic plants, molds, mycotoxins, insecticides, pesticides, and other chemicals can also cause a disruption in brain and nerve function.
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the toxin released from the Clostridium tetani bacteria. The toxin affects the nervous system and causes intermittent muscle contractions, seen as spasms or jolts.
Genetic Disorders
There are many types of hereditary disorders that can result in involuntary tremors. Some affect the nervous system, such as Generalized Tremor Syndrome and Orthostatic Tremor, while others interfere with normal muscle function, as in the case of Myotonia Congenita. Many of these conditions are breed specific.
Canine Distemper
This is a very contagious viral disease that causes seizures and tremors. Distemper is contracted from contact with an infected animal and is often fatal. There are very effective vaccines that can prevent this disease.
What to do if your Dog is Jolting
If your dog has been suffering from involuntary jerks or jolts, there may be an underlying condition that needs medical help. Your veterinarian can help to determine the cause of your dog’s jolts through a complete medical and symptomatic history, and the results of various tests. Be sure to notify your vet of any recent injuries, exposure to new or sick animals, travel, or behavioral changes.
A physical exam, along with blood and urine testing, will be performed. Your vet may wish to observe your dog over a period of time to assess the length, frequency, and severity of the jolts. Imaging tests can help to reveal an injury or tumor, and can include CT scans and MRIs. An EMG test or muscle and nerve biopsies may be performed to assess their functionality.
Treatments will depend on the cause of the jolts, and can range considerably. Less severe conditions may need no treatments, while other more serious issues may be prescribed antiepileptic and immunosuppressive medications, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers. Tetanus infections can involve wound debridement and antiviral medication. Fluid and electrolyte therapies, massage, or even surgery to repair damage or remove tumors, may be needed. Hereditary conditions are not always successfully treated and may progress over time.
Prevention of Jolting
While it can be difficult to predict when a neurological disorder or virus can affect your dog, there are some precautions you can take. Keeping your dog safe from sick animals and risky environments can help to prevent exposure to dangerous infectious and toxic agents.
Muscle spasms can be prevented through proper hydration. If you know your dog is affected by a condition that can result in these spasms, ensure he does not overexert himself and remains well hydrated. Routine veterinary check-ups can catch many conditions before they are too far progressed, and may allow you to treat them successfully before they become debilitating. Prevent your dog from contracting distemper by getting him vaccinated.
Cost of Jolting
Costs for treatments can vary, and depend on the condition that is causing your dog’s jolts. While electrolytes, water, and vitamins can be around $10 to $30, serious conditions that need prescribed treatments can range from $200 to $6,500. As an example, myoclonus treatment can reach $3000, while therapy for involuntary muscle trembling may cost $2500.
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Jolting Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Mixed
Fourteen Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Jerking Head Back And Forth With Noises.
I noticed this about a month ago and thought maybe she had an ear infection. Took her to the vet and he said that she didn't have ear infection but had abcessed tooth. He removed two teeth and said that it is healed. But it seems that the head tremors/jerking are not going away. I think it may be getting worse.
Aug. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If the therapy that your veterinarian gave did not solve the problem, the best thing to do is to call them and let them know that things are not better, have a recheck if needed, and see what the next step in treatment might be. They will be able to examine her and know more about what is going on with her and what needs to be done. I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 6, 2020
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Terrior
Eight Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Twitching
my dog jolts when awake
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If your dog is jolting, he may have some nerve or muscle pain or joint pain. He may have an electrolyte problem. Unfortunately, without seeing him, it is hard for me to say what might actually be going on. If this is something that continues to happen, it would probably be best to have him seen by your veterinarian, as they can examine him, see if there is an area of pain or abnormality, and get treatment for him if needed. I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 4, 2020
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Mixed
10weeks
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Last night my puppy was sleeping with me and he was twitching but the best way to describe it wouldnt be that he was twitching. It was like he was “thumping” his ribs were contracting and if u leaned down by his face u could here a thumping noise almost like a heart beat but shaking his whole body and this went on for about a minute even after I woke him up
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm not sure what that was that was going on with your puppy, but it would probably be a good idea to have your veterinarian give his heart and lungs a good listen and feel his pulses and make sure that his cardiovascular system is okay at his next appointment. If he is acting normally otherwise, I'm not sure that this is an emergency for him, but I would definitely have it looked at in the near future.
I hope that all goes well for him!
July 31, 2020
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German Shepherd
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Stomach Started To Jolt A Little Bit But Stopped
Hello. My dog is currently taking those medications due to being struck by a car. I’ve been told to mainly watch his breathing because he had a small bubble outside his lungs. Pneumorax. Seems to be doing fine now. But his stomach jolted a little bit about 3 times. Breathing is stable
July 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that your dog was hit by a car! That sounds like it must have been very scary! I'm glad to hear that he's doing better now.
Without examining your dog, I can't know for sure what might be going on. What you describe could be consistent with pain causing clenching of the muscles around the stomach. It could also be a sign of nerve or muscle damage due to the trauma of being hit by a car.
I recommend calling your veterinarian in the morning and letting them know what is going on. They may want to listen to your dog's heart and lungs just to make sure everything sounds okay. If you notice any worsening or if you notice your dog having trouble breathing, I would have him seen by an emergency clinic right away.
I hope that your dog starts feeling better soon!
July 22, 2020
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Airedale Terrier
Two Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Twitching
My dog is not actually an airedale. I’m on my phone and it won’t let me scroll any further than that. She’s actually a shar pei/basset hound/boxer mix. Her back legs are twitching and she can’t seem to get comfortable. Does she need to go to the vet immediately or is this a watch and see scenario.
July 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If she is walking and is able to use the legs, and seems to be acting normally otherwise, you should be able to take her in to see your veterinarian in the morning if she is still having problems. If she does not have use of the legs or they are dragging, or she seems quite painful, then it would be best to have her seen right away.
I hope that all goes well for her.
July 21, 2020
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Labrador mixed
Abby
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Jolt
My lab mix started jolting but it only happens late at night.she hasn't had her shots
I had her ever since she's was a puppy, but I haven't had the money for a vet visit. But I know she has anxiety could that be causing the jolts? She is eating and drinking, she also has been playing with her brother.but she did throw up last night. I don't know how worried I should be.
Pekingese
Coco
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Spasm
We recently brought home a new puppy. My other dog, Coco, which I’ve had for 6 years, did not like the idea of the new puppy. Coco seems really anxious and not herself. I’ve never had any problems with Coco, until tonight. I came home and noticed Coco’s neck twitching every time she swallows, licks her mouth, and turning her neck. She’s definitely not herself, she’s normally welcoming and friendly, now she’s hiding away.
Could anxiety cause this? I’m worried if something was triggered causing long term problems.
