Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Artemis is not doing well. She's been shaking most of the day, having difficulty walking every now and then, and clearly having a hard time getting comfortable (the problem seems to be with her hind quarter). I made a vet appointment for tomorrow and then just got so concerned that I took her to the emergency vet. They spent a long time examining her, but couldn't find anything wrong conclusively. She walked for them and didn't flinch when touched (the vet thinks it might be a combination of adrenaline and stoicism--not uncommon for dogs at the vet; there was another shiba there for shaking all day, too, and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with that one either). We're guessing it's a strain, sprain, or disc problem, and the vet prescibed an anti-inflammatory and an opiate for pain. I'm supposed to make sure she rests (not a problem; she can't do much of anything and only wants to snuggle). She had her medicine around 6:00 tonight, but she's still clearly uncomfortable. Any advice? Ideas of what else might be wrong? (The vet had a huge list of possibilities, but nothing certain.)

Melissa what kind shaking was Artemis doing? Was it whole body shaking or more like a trembling in a certain area? It could be a tweak or sprain... our dogs are getting older and it doesn't take much for them to come up with some sort of problem. It's interesting that there was another Shiba with a like condition. Let us know how she is on Monday after having had her meds.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I'm so sorry I don't have any advice to give you....All I can do is let you know that Beni, Kari, and I have Artemis and you in our hearts and thoughts...We are hoping for an update that will be filled with positive news. Please stay in touch.

Patty, Beni, and Kari

What major noise or change happened in your area very recently? That shaking is what we get from Kita when she's terrified of something (for her it's a noise) and it's not your common everyday household noises either. Sonic booms will do it as a loud transformer blow will set her off for hours.

If it's not noise, it could be muscular/skeletal- and for that it's typically they overdid it and tweaked something. The vet is right, the stoic nature of the shiba does not allow for a decent diagnosis- especially the day of the injury. I don't want to disagree with your vet too much because I can't see your dog, but what I do to "test" my dogs is to take them to a new area and have them walk a bit. If they are so focused on the new place they can't even think about their injury- I know not to panic. The walking loosens them up and sometimes that's all they need. IF they don't walk normal or continue to be miserable, then we investigate further.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

I'm sorry to hear Artemis is so uncomfortable. I am not sure what it might be, but Brewster did a similar thing for a bit a couple of years ago. He was acting exactly the way you're describing. He acted much better at the vet (I couldn't believe the remarkable recovery, actually) until he picked Brewster up and touched his ribs. It was a mystery. They put him on pain meds anti-inflammatories (after doing some xrays that revealed nothing). It went away after a couple of days. I never found out what had happened.
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Amanda's Pack: Greg the Husband, Kate the daughter, Liam the son, Brewster the Shiba Inu, Cassie the Torbie & Fenway the Leopard Gecko!

It doesn't really explai nthe shaking but did you do a lyme and or Ehrlichiosis test?
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Alicia,Owned by 2 Shibas, Niko and Avari, 3 cats, Miss Kitty, Mr. Grobbles and Al E. Cat and 2 beautiful daughters, Gwen and Penelope

Happy Easter/spring vacation to all of you out there!

I hope the weather is wonderful so you can do a lot of walking, exploring, smelling, chasing, and feeling alive! I look forward to hearing updates from all of you soon.

Patty, Beni, and Kari

We are still worried about Artemis - please let us know how she is doing.

She's okay now. The anti-imfamatories and pain meds seemed to work, and she's been on total rest--except for walks to do her business--for two weeks. She was playful again after a few days; she must have pulled or strained something. Thanks to you all for your messages. Sorry I've been out of touch. Artemis turns seven tomorrow!

Happy B-Day Artemis!!!

We hope you had a wonderful day filled with a lot of smelling, scratching, belly rubbing, critter chasing, and good old fashioned doggy do nothing but laying around all dog day afternoon!

Patty, Beni, and Kari

Just revisiting this thread adnd I see that Miss Artemis has had a 7th birthday! I'm guessing a walk to her favorite ice cream stand was in order?
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

No ice cream this year, but she did get a new blanket, which she was quite happy about. Maybe when it warms up a bit she'll get her ice cream.

So sorry to hear about your dog Artemis. I am going through the same thing with my dog Mojo. I came home the other night and she was limping a little and acting odd - almost scared. My husband had her in bed and she tried to jump off - she cried and her back end almost "went out" and she just laid there shaking. I called the emergency vet and we took her in. After a thorough exam the vet said it looked like a neck strain or a disc problem. She gave her an injection for pain and one of Metacam (anti-inflammatory). The next day she was walking around and almost seemed drunk. She was kind of walking sideways. She ate good that night - I am feeding her wet dog food so that she does not become dehydrated. I took her to my regular vet yesterday and he said it was a neck strain or a possible week disc. But to keep up with the Metacam and give it time to work and rest, rest, rest. I am concerned because she does not show interest in going to the bathroom. She has one or two good pees a day but she has not had a bowel movement for 4 or 5 days. I mentioned this to the vet and he checked her anal glands and they were full so he expressed them. He said as long as she is eating and not throwing up - not to worry about the constipation (she always has trouble with constipation). I am giving her flax in her food to try to loosen things up.

I am wondering if your Artemis is avoiding going to the potty. and what is the appetite like? Mojo will only eat about once a day now - but she eats really quite well.

Have you noticed any improvement in Artemis' condition?

It is hard to watch our pets when you know they are in pain - Mojo still shakes once in awhile - the vet said it is in response to pain and also may be feeling anxiety as they don't know why they are feeling the way they are.