legs shaking/tremor

[CK]

I have a 4 1/2 year old male Airedale Terrier. Since he was a puppy, we noticed that his legs occassionally shake while he is standing still or sleeping. It would come and go, not too frequently. Lately it seems like it happens a lot more. It doesn't happen while he's moving and it is only his legs that shake (sometimes just one, sometimes two, sometimes the front legs and sometimes the back). i don't think it's because he's cold. Any ideas what this could be? Is it something to worry about? I plan to ask the vet the next time we go in, but wondered if it's something I should be worried about. Thanks.

[MissBandit]

I would be concerned. It could be neurological. Sorry I can't be of more help, but you should get him to the vet sooner rather than later.

[dog freak]

It could just be a dream while he is asleep, but i would call the vet in the next week.Good luck though!

[nmsassy22]

I just rescued two Airedales - 8 and 10 years old both have tremors - did you learn about the cause and treatment, if any?

[hadley]

My 9-1/2 year female Airedale, Hannah, has the same leg tremors, and has for nearly her whole life. Doesn't seem to affect her activity or comfort in any way -- just causes lots of questions from rude passerby. ("What's wrong with your dog's leg?")

One vet found some research that tied the tremor to thryoid imbalance, so I started giving her Soloxine pills twice a day about 5 years ago, and it does seem to lessen the tremors somewhat. It requires a blood test every 6 to 12 months to make sure you're giving the right dose.

Virtually every Airedale owner I've met reports the same tremors in their dog(s), some more, some less. Although it does seem to worsen with age, I don't believe it's fatal, and I've not heard of a case where tremors spread to other parts of the body. (A neurological disorder that causes head tremors is common in some other breeds.)

My friends who just lost their 15-year-old Airedale said he had the tremor nearly his entire life, and he was very sore and stiff in the last couple years of his life (15 is very old for an Airedale), but he died of cancer -- nothing to do with the tremor.

I'm no expert on this -- just an observor. If anyone knows more about the cause and/or treatment, I'd like to learn more.