Muscle cramps

[LRiffe]

My 8 year old female yorkie started having muscle cramps in her right front leg. Last Wednesday (1-5-10) after work, we started our normal routine of playing when she suddenly stopped and it looked like her right front leg was being pulled up and out. She became very scared and yelped when I grabbed her and massaged it away, then she was fine. Then, last night at about 4 a.m., I awoke to her yelping and my wife trying to massage them out, but they kept coming back. We've been to the vet twice today, he took xrays, prescribed muscle relaxers and gave her a shot for pain. That was about 10 am, and she just had another one not ten minutes ago. Does anyone have any idea what causes these, and if there is anything that we can change as far as diet, or vitamin supplements, whatever that will make this stop? These cramps just started out of nowhere and we're afraid of leaving her alone because they are obviously so painful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[salazark]

I don't really have any advice for you but I do want to say welcome to YorkieTalK! Have you been trying to keep her quiet? Did the vet suggest crate rest? Good luck. I'm sure some other members will come by with ideas for you.

[TxVicki]

There are many things that can cause Muscle Cramps and sometimes the cause is unknown.

Did you have Blood Work run to check the potassium, calcium or magnesium levels? As sometimes if these are low it cause cramps. Also sometimes, it could be kidney, thyroid, diabetes, or nerve problems. Which blood work will also tell you.

Over use of the muscle can cause this and dehydration can cause this as well.

I'm sorry your baby isn't feeling well.

[MaddiesMommie]

I have no experience with dog muscle cramps but suffer from them myself. Sorry about your girls pain. Hopefully, someone will be able to help.

[yorkieusa]

I really don't know. Muscle cramps can also be a sign of tapeworms, too. Low magnesium can cause muscle cramps.

You are saying it looks like muscle cramps, but could pain be causing the muscle to tighten? If so, I would have her checked for Lyme disease:

Lyme Disease Symptoms:

In dogs, Lyme disease produces symptoms characterized by arthritis, though it can sometimes involve heart, nervous system and the kidneys. The arthritic joints may become swollen and hot, and there may be a fever (102 to 105 degrees) and poor appetite. Dogs may also become lame because of the disease. This painful lameness often appears suddenly and may shift from one leg to another. If untreated, it may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later. The glands (lymph nodes) of the dog may also be swollen.

I just thought I'd make a few suggestions in the hope that something may help you. Let us know how things go.

[Yorkiedaze]

To add to the list of others, it could be over activity or abrupt movement. It could also be low blood sugar or under physical parasitic or nutritional stress. It could be caused by brain tumors & encephalitis.
If it's food related, take her off of all gluten. Try just giving her rice and red meat for a couple of weeks to see if she improves.

[Breezeaway]

I found this info about them........Yes, dogs do get muscle cramps and they can be as painful as the cramps you experience. Muscle cramps are defined as spasmodic muscular contraction and many dogs get them from exercising too much, playing in the sun or because they are genetically inclined.

Most dogs get muscle cramps when they lose large amounts of fluids and electrolytes. This loss can occur during exercise or stressful conditions. A dog can also get muscle cramps after he experiences a heat stroke. In most cases where muscle cramps occur due to exercising or stressful conditions, you can control them by giving your dog electrolytes especially formulated for dogs. In addition, if cramping is severe, you can give your dog a dog massage.

Intervertebral disk disease can cause muscle cramping in the rear legs

There is a nerve pain that is called Neuritis, that is very painful. It can run down the leg (like from the sciatic nerve) or go across the back.

Hypoadrenocorticism can also cause painful episodic muscle cramps.

As you can see there are are several things which can cause leg cramps A good place to start, would be an exam with your vet.

In addition, warm water therapy is being used quite frequently to help dogs to overcome muscle cramps. This therapy creates an environment of weightlessness that allows the stress on the muscles to reduce substantially and thereby helping the dog to relax his muscles.

[ladyjane]

I see that you have been to the vet. If the vet is not sure what this is, I would suggest that you ask for a referral to a board certified specialist.