Muscle Spasms in Puppies

A muscle spasm is a sudden contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles within the body. They can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and often are extremely painful. As with humans, any number of factors can cause muscle spasms in a puppy. The causes can be physical, neurological, viral or induced by some toxin or disease.

  1. Physical

    • The most basic cause of muscle spasms in dogs, including puppies, is any form of physical injury, most notably to the back or legs. When a bone or joint is damaged, muscles surrounding the affected area tense up. This is done to project the damaged area. However, as a result, muscle spasms can sometimes occur. Muscle spasms can also occur after bouts of excessive activity. In this case, the spasms are often minor and can simply be "walked off," according to VetInfo.com.

    Neurological

    • Muscle spasms in puppies can be a result of any number of neurological issues or disorders. A slipped disc can press against the nerves in a spinal cord and causes muscle spasms anywhere throughout the dog's body. Muscle spasms can also be a symptom of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome, or epilepsy. Epileptic muscle spasms can take place at any age, including puppies.

    Other

    • Aside from physical and neurological origins, muscle spasms in puppies can be a result of any number of things, including diseases, disorders or toxins. Canine stress syndrome (CSS) is a hereditary disorder of which muscle spasms are its primary symptom. Distemper, encephalitis and brain tumors are all possible contributors to muscle spasms in dogs. Hypoglycemia has also been known to cause muscle spasms in puppies under three-months-old.

    Response

    • Certain breeds of dogs may be more prone to muscle spasms, depending on the cause. A handful of symptoms in your puppy can be attributed to a muscle spasm. These symptoms include: staggering, dizziness, trembling, excessive stretching, abnormal walking or movement, falling over, cries of pain, unusual or anxious behavior or visible muscle contractions. As always, at the first sign of a possible muscle spasm, it's important to immediately contact your local veterinarian.