Head shaking

by Nan

Our year old male coton started having short episodes of involuntary head shaking. He's had them mostly when he's lying down and lifts his head but during a few of them he's standing. The vet is thinking it's epilepsy. Would love to know if anyone else has seen this in their coton.

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Sep 17, 2023
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Head shake NEW
by: Anonymous

My female 2.5 yrs started head twitching too. I may need to take her back to vet. They thought it was pain but it's not. She is running around eating good and happy. She is sleeping alot during day. Maybe white dog shaker syndrome or epilepsy

Apr 24, 2017
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Petit Mal Seizures? NEW
by: Anonymous

My 4 year old Coton has had petit mal seizures for most of her life. The seizures themselves consist of full body seizing, but she remains lucid. However, she does have occasional head shaking and loss of balance. We have her on a low dose of phenobarbital that keeps them from clustering, but we only put her on the medication once she began having them more than once in a while. Diet is also important and definitely worth discussing with your vet. Even though petit mal seizures are usually harmless, it's hard to see them afraid and in pain.

Apr 23, 2017
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Head shake NEW
by: Anonymous

Is it a normal head shake ( ie, remove water, anxious, hair in face or eyes etc )? Or a shake as in " Parkinson's...? That kind of shaking ?
Agree check with vet. My pup had ear infection ,one ear. Seemed to happen overnight....but my guess is I missed the " emerging signs . " I look and smell his ears ever day now !!! Especially if I see him scratch... ( paranoid I guess now has a ).He does however still shake his head or whole body. Often to release energy or I'm just bugging him ....grooming , brushing etc...
To be safe if you're uncomfortable with it bring him in. Also find a holistic vet. It's nice to have both. A whole different world of valuable information.

Apr 22, 2017
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colic? NEW
by: Anonymous

My Coton shakes when he gets colic after eating. I'd check the times that it happens to see if there is a pattern. A good vet should pick that up easily.

Apr 20, 2017
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Head shaking NEW
by: AnonymousJian

Our Sadie had tremors...head shaking...from time to time. We asked our vet and since she was otherwise healthy we did the wait and see approach. Has not had any more for about 5 months...I think hers may have been related to pain and medication given...she since has had the FHO surgery. No real answers here.

Apr 20, 2017
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Head shaking NEW
by: Iris Miller

I'm wondering, did that Veterinarian do a thorough examination of your dog's ears? If the dog got water in his ears he will shake hard to clear it out, or it could have become infected, fungus, or have fleas or lice or even ticks, My Coton's ears get itchy. He also shakes his head and body to release energy, which is normal dog behavior.
I personally would try another Vet.
I did have a toy Pomeranian once that had epilepsy. He would have seizures ( very similar to human seizures) (not head shaking ) but spastic stiffening and twitching on the floor and drooling) this only happened when he got over excited, and was put on a very expensive medication to control the seizures.
Good luck with your pup, I hope you find a healthy solution to his problem.
Blessings and love, Iris and Tuffy🐶💕

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