Expert: Jannie Balliett - 12/31/2008

Question
Three days ago we brought home a nine week old boxer who seems to be in complete health. Yesterday we noticed that while playing, he has 'twitchy' back legs, similar to when a dog's leg shakes when you scratch him behind the ear. This happens constantly while he is playing with toys by himself. When being held or while in the crate asleep, he is completely still.

We've checked him for flees and bathed him, but the twitching continues. It seems he can't take three steps without one of his back legs shaking uncontrolably. Conversely, when walking on a leash to go potty, this does not happen.

He just had a vet check up yesterday AM (he recieved his second set of booster shots) and the vet didn't notice anything other than the typical slight heart mumur that occurs in puppies.

Is this just puppy-driven excitement, or a larger problem?

Thanks in advance.

Answer
I am unsure about such a "twitch."

Once in awhile is a flea-scratching twitch with puppies do at an early age and continue for awhile, but if you feel it is excessive, then call and ask your vet.

Since the vet said he was healthy when he got his checkup, it might simply be the puppy-learning-twitch.