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Expert: - 10/22/2010


Question
Hi, I have an 11 year old Australian Kelpie, 25 pounds in
weight. Healthy, active, still running around as if he was 3
years old, eating, drinking normally and happy. However,
when he stands still, especially after running around, his
hind leg or legs tremble like crazy! I am worried about what
might be causing this and as I am a student my funds are low
and if I can avoid vet costs that would be great. Thanks.

Answer
I totally understand about being a student and vet costs. There are many things that could be causing this at his age Jola.

The thing is, he would need a vet exam to really know but usually these things are neurological in nature. That means it could be that his spine isn't sending the signals as well to his legs or he could have a narrowing in the spine.

Sometimes heart failure causes a dog to lose feeling in their legs due to bad circulation from the heart not pumping right.

But remember, he is still active, and healthy you said, so the chances of this being serious are lessened.
I would have to say, since I am not a vet, that his legs are getting weaker due to age but again, it's usually in the spine that causes this.

If they get weaker or he starts to have issues standing or getting up, you are going to need to have him see a vet.
You might want to put some money away weekly just for a vet fund.

Keep an eye on his gum color after a run or walk as well so you can see if his little heart is doing ok. If his gums are blue his heart might be having some problems. Of course panting, coughing and fluid retention are also signs of heart problems.

As always, enjoy every minute that you can with him!!  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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