Idiopathic head bobbing

[Mirf]

Have any of you guys any experience in this? Any tips on dealing with it?

I'm almost 100% sure my 2 1/2 year old staffy has this.

He had his first 'fit' last November. Very obviously not an epileptic fit as he was fully aware throughout and had full function of his limbs, eyes, and bladder/bowel control. Distracting him stopped the 'fit' almost immediately. He had blood tests which, unsuprisingly, showed no abnormalities.

The vet was not terribly concerned as he showed no signs of distress during the 'fit' and recovered within seconds, but had no name for it. He has not had an episode since December of last year.

This week he has had a couple of episodes. After hours on the internet I finally found a name. On talking to a vet they agreed it was probably this and nothing to worry about as it is completely harmless.

Offering food is enough of a distraction to stop them in their tracks but (I admit) they do freak me out, much the same as when my other half has a diabetic hypo. I am cool and calm when he is affected, then become a gibbering wreck when I know he's okay.

For those who are not sure what this looks like, here's a vid I found. The most violent head bobbing at about 58 seconds is what my lad exhibits....

YouTube - tobas head tremor

[lilworm]

i have heard and seen it but no personal experiance of it.

Just a thought, I know food distracts him, i would be a little bit wary it may inadvertantly reward it, I would personally ignore it until it passes if it is harmless to him, rather than use food use another metheod of distraction like leaving the room knocking the door or dropping something so he hears it may stop the tremor, Do you have to stop the tremor? or do you stop it because it distresses you to see it? if its because you do not like seeing it, best to leave the room, come back in a minutes time, obviously this is only if he is in no danger of hurting himself,

is there a time or event that triggers it?
i would keep a diary of episodes see if theres a common trigger.

i know you have consulted a vet, but its been just shy of a year since his last episode, then you have had a series of them in a week I dont know i think i would pop back for a consult anyway, has anything changed recently? routine, food or anything? that may be contributing.

[Mirf]

Originally Posted by lilworm

i have heard and seen it but no personal experiance of it.

Just a thought, I know food distracts him, i would be a little bit wary it may inadvertantly reward it, I would personally ignore it until it passes if it is harmless to him, rather than use food use another metheod of distraction like leaving the room knocking the door or dropping something so he hears it may stop the tremor,

He's a staffy!! Food is therefore the most important thing in life!

No seriously though, I don't actually give him food every time. What I often do is shake my polo container ( he loves them) The simple sound of them can often do the trick. It's anything that can distact the brain and distract the 'misfiring bit. Sometimes sound works, sometimes touch, other times a taste stimulant.

Do you have to stop the tremor? or do you stop it because it distresses you to see it? if its because you do not like seeing it, best to leave the room, come back in a minutes time, obviously this is only if he is in no danger of hurting himself,

Although it does no physical harm or injury to the dog it is, however, very confusing when it initially happens. Imagine your head bobbing and you could not control it? What he usually does when it happens is climb on either me or my partner and I personally could not lift him off my lap even if I wanted to. Sroking him can often be enough, although not often. It's a combination of every sense, if you see what I mean?

I think I just confused myself then......

is there a time or event that triggers it?
i would keep a diary of episodes see if theres a common trigger.

The earliest new episode was a 1.40 a.m and the latest was 3.20. p.m. Time is not usually a factor. Nothing has changed routine or food wise either. I am usually pretty strict with their routine as I have a very old pup who doesn't 'do' change very well.

i know you have consulted a vet, but its been just shy of a year since his last episode, then you have had a series of them in a week I dont know i think i would pop back for a consult anyway, has anything changed recently? routine, food or anything? that may be contributing.

As I said, (although probably not very clearly) I've spoken to the vet last year and this and until he shows any sign of distress, paralysis (sp), loss of awareness etc during the episodes then not to worry.......

Show me a dog owner who wouldn't though.....

I would have to put him through some really nasty tests, such as a lumber puncture, to rule everything out. As he is fit and well the vet see's no point putting him through the stress at the mo.