FAQ: Has your bulldog ever had Idiopathic Head Tremors?

[2BullyMama]

My pup is recently suffering from idiopathic head tremors, possibly seizures. He is 9 months old today and we were getting ready to neuter him and look into stenotic nares and esp surgery. A few days ago he had his first episode at 2 Amin his sleep. He sleeps with us so initially I thought he was scratching himself. I reached to stop him and realized he was shaking. I was able to get video of the incident. His head was shaking back and forth in a "no" motion. This happened again in the morning around 7 am. It was a restless night and a sad sight to see. He was very coherent while it happened. I took him to the vet that morning and he had some bloodwork done and we were referred to the neurologist. His bloodwork came back normal. So today we visited the neurologist. We did additional bloodwork there and the next step is an MRI. This is quite an expense, but that is not the issue. I am heartbroken over this. He is a baby and I never expected any of this to happen to him. My concern at this moment is the MRI and the findings. Has anyone else had an MRI on their pup's head done? Also what is the procedure like. I know he will have to be put under for it and is expected to be there for 8 hours afterward to make sure he is ok after he wakes. I am scared for him and would just like to hear from someone who has been through this before. There are horror stories out there and I've read them and I'm not looking to read further more of those. So please be kind on here and keep my baby in your thoughts and prayers❤️

Can you post the video... try giving him a treat when it is happening. Is he responsive to you calling his name?

[MLCox]

@bullmama our vet called them idiopathic tremors but strongly urged us to visit the neurologist because they are happening in his sleep, which is when most seizures occur. Also he tends to stumble often over his own feet. The neurologist viewed the video and said they look like seizures. He's been a little disoriented since and very clingy. Although he is himself at times and wants to run like a maniac or mount somebody, haha😂. The reason we are doing the MRI is because we need to rule out a few things and make sure that if these are seizures that there hasn't been any damage done to his brain. So with all of that said, I would like to know of anyone with a pup who has had an MRI done so I know what to expect. The neurologist was very helpful and explained it to me. But it's very different when it is your baby and you are going through this for the first time.

[2BullyMama]

@bullmama our vet called them idiopathic tremors but strongly urged us to visit the neurologist because they are happening in his sleep, which is when most seizures occur. Also he tends to stumble often over his own feet. The neurologist viewed the video and said they look like seizures. He's been a little disoriented since and very clingy. Although he is himself at times and wants to run like a maniac or mount somebody, haha. The reason we are doing the MRI is because we need to rule out a few things and make sure that if these are seizures that there hasn't been any damage done to his brain. So with all of that said, I would like to know of anyone with a pup who has had an MRI done so I know what to expect. The neurologist was very helpful and explained it to me. But it's very different when it is your baby and you are going through this for the first time.

I know her baby Vegas has epilepsy, but not sure he has ever had an MRI -- @Libra926

[Bulldozersma]

Bocephus has ideopathic tremors at times as well. They started right around 8-9 months as well. I did a ton of research, took him to neurologist and had tests done. The bulldog specialists that I consulted with told me that there was an 80% chance the MRI would not result in any findings. Bocephus also shakes his head back and forth and it is occasionally when he first wakes up. I opted out of the MRI in my case because I did not want to have him under again, just too risky.
He has had maybe three episodes in the past si months that I've witnessed all when he was either stressed or hadn't eaten for a while. In my case I'm convinced low blood sugar and stress trigger them. He's always responsive during the shaking and I've been assured he is absolutely no pain.
Good luck with your baby, please keep us informed

[Libra926]

We opted out of an MRI because if it was any type of brain lesion or tumor...the neurologist said that he would eventually lose control of his motor functions. I chose to bypass the MRI because I didn't want them to do a spinal tap on him and I didn't want him sedated (both of which they told me would happen) This happened a few months before his first birthday and if it was going to be our one and only with Vegas, I wanted happy photos not ones with a shaved back. He is now 7 years old.

Here is our story if you are interested. Special Needs Bulldogs Forum - Bulldog spotlight: TheVegasShow

[stacey333]

I adopted tripper about 3 weeks ago and his previous owner told me his head shakes sometimes but we didn't see it until today...it scared us..we felt helpless...i did read a post from someone on here when i was browsing so i sorta knew to try and distract him...we scratched his butt and ears and gave him his cookies....it lasted about 5 minutes ...is that a normal amount of time? I saw the carrots idea ..ill have to see if he likes them...thanks to everyone for sharing

[2BullyMama]

I adopted tripper about 3 weeks ago and his previous owner told me his head shakes sometimes but we didn't see it until today...it scared us..we felt helpless...i did read a post from someone on here when i was browsing so i sorta knew to try and distract him...we scratched his butt and ears and gave him his cookies....it lasted about 5 minutes ...is that a normal amount of time? I saw the carrots idea ..ill have to see if he likes them...thanks to everyone for sharing

They can last for a few seconds to about 30 minutes is the longest i have experienced. Any type of treat will help, it is just to help distract the muscles and know they are alert... it they do not respond or take the treat it could be more serious

[RiiSi]

A friend of mine has a bully who has had tremors occasionally. They were away for a long time, but returned this spring. Some say that it is cause of lack of vitamin B's. Can be that they're not getting enough or something, medication or other inbalance, is causing the B's not to absorbe. Vitamin B's play a big role in the nerve system and this bully hasn't had a tremor since she started giving him Vitamin B supplement. Vitamin B's are also water soluble, so there is no risk of over dose.

[angel022566]

My Tank has them ever so often when he gets to excited. They do not last to long but I just make him feel safe and hold him until they stop.

[YHSublime]

Taco had head tremors once in the middle of the night. It was terrifying, and he woke us up because the bed was shaking. I had read about them, and we had just moved, so it was probably stress, or excitement, or both. It went away fairly quickly, about a minute or so, but it was really concerning not knowing what to do at the time. We have not seen it again since.

[cali baker]

Finn may have experienced idiopathic head tremors this afternoon for the first time. The boys' pet sitter came to let them out and she noticed Finn's head bobbing every which way. He was acting normal otherwise, though. I was at work when she called me and she tried to sound as calm as could be but i knew she was panicking and was trying to not sound panicky so that I wouldn't worry. Luckily i was able to leave work early. Finn seems like his usual self to me and I'm going to just keep monitoring him. Now that I've read a bit about IHT's here and hearing about other's experiences with it, I feel much better.

[Chumley]

Finn may have experienced idiopathic head tremors this afternoon for the first time. The boys' pet sitter came to let them out and she noticed Finn's head bobbing every which way. He was acting normal otherwise, though. I was at work when she called me and she tried to sound as calm as could be but i knew she was panicking and was trying to not sound panicky so that I wouldn't worry. Luckily i was able to leave work early. Finn seems like his usual self to me and I'm going to just keep monitoring him. Now that I've read a bit about IHT's here and hearing about other's experiences with it, I feel much better.

If you have any questions pm me..chum gets them quite often. Good luck to Finn he'll be fine..but it is upsetting to watch.