Head tremors? - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

kpal4978 · 11-25-2012, 09:30 PM

Last night, when Mariano was in his terribly uncomfortable looking position on the couch, I noticed whenever he would stretch his neck out a little bit, his head was shake a little bit. I tried to show my mother, who is up from florida visiting, and she did not notice anything. So I of course thought it was just me being crazy and over thinking something, and he was fine.

Tonight, Mariano was using my mother as pillow on the couch, and then she saw what I was talking about. It was a bit more noticable than last night, but doesnt seem to bother him much.

My mother has worked in exotic and domestic animal hospitals for over 20 years, and she gave him a quick feel down... he just acted like his normal tired sell... a lump. She noticed it is ONLY his head, his body does not move. And he is not shying away from touch or anything like that.

He has had a pretty exciting and busy weekend; thanksgiving was at my house with 12 people (never had that many house guests before), our first overnight guest came to visit, he managed to destroy a lemon icebox pie by eating the the topping in 30 seconds before anyone could get to him, and he had a playdate with 8 other doberman puppies today.

I have done a TON of google-ing, and I am not sure it has done anything but make me panic. Any ideas? He is otherwise, his normal self. NO other signs of anything. He did get a new worming med and his heartworm med this week.

**NOX** · 11-25-2012, 09:46 PM

Idiopathic Head Tremors

Wylde · 11-25-2012, 11:30 PM

I had a friend with a Dobe that developed head tremors. Didnt affect him really at all. She could usually stop it if she got his attention or redirected him in another manner... Like " Do you want your toy ?" or treat ? It kind of snapped him out of it. he was fairly young and outgrew it after some time.

Doberman head tremor 1 - YouTube

Jhagman · 11-26-2012, 08:17 PM

Yep, some Dobes do this when they are tired. And you can usually snap them out of it by distracting them with a treat. I wouldn't use a toy if they're already tired.

Looks bizarre and scary, but from what I've learned, it's an unexplained condition that is usually benign. (Assuming it's not related to something serious, like a tumor.)

Can't find any info about genetics, but I've read that a lot of Dobes "outgrow" it.

Rouleaux · 11-26-2012, 08:23 PM

Don't psych yourself out just yet

Stay positive.

kpal4978 · 11-26-2012, 08:34 PM

Yeah, I think he is going to be alright... he is currently trying to eat my pony tail, so I am thinking we're fine lol.

Rouleaux · 11-26-2012, 08:38 PM

Sounds like normal Mariano activity going on!

kpal4978 · 11-26-2012, 08:42 PM

yup lol...

He was in the crate longer than ever before today, and no time for a hike, so he is taking it out on my hair right now.

I also just noticed he has 1.5 canines on each side! The big boy teeth are coming in, but the baby ones are hanging on for dear life... it is only a matter of time now!