About 3 weeks ago, I noticed that Mackenzie's rear leg was shaking when she stands.  At first it wasn't so noticeable but in the last week and 1/2 or so it's gotten much worse and more frequent and she's a lot more slow moving.  I took her to her regular vet last Sunday and she thought that it could be some nerve pain or discomfort.  Took an x-ray of her hips to rule out arthritis or hip dysplasia.  X-Rays came back really clean – everything looks perfect. She didn't see any other cancer except for the 2 tumors we already know about.  So she recommended that I give Mackenzie a Gabapentin once a day and see how she does.  She also said to give her a tramadol if I think she seems to be more uncomfortable.  So she seemed to be doing ok with just the gabapentin until Friday when her rear leg was shaking really badly.  I ended up giving her a tramadol which seemed to help (but it also made her kind of loopy.) Over the weekend she's been a lot more slow moving and it's harder for her to climb the stairs and get in and out of the car (she was groomed on Saturday and not sure if this wore her out as well..)   Her one leg has weakened a lot and seems to be shaking even with the Gabapentin and tramadol.  I've been giving her a 1/2 Tramadol twice a day since yesterday – hoping that it would minimize her side effects.  I also noticed a couple more lumps that have recently popped up (fairly large).  My oncologist ended up increasing her palladia dosage so we could see if maybe these new lumps will respond.  (Mackenzie's on Palladia/Cytaxin and has been for the last 5 1/2 months. ) Just a quick background: Mackenzie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 09 and then amputation in Nov '09 (front right leg.)  She's had 5 carboplatin treatments and has been doing the metronomic since June when she first was diagnosed with lung mets (4 nodules but haven't grown since that time.)

So my question is what could be the cause of her leg shaking and does that mean she's in pain? Should I have her leg x-rayed to see if there's anything going on? Could it be an injury….I'm at a loss and not sure what I should do or up her pain meds? To make matters worse, I started a new job and can't monitor her during the day (although her petsitter does.) I'm also traveling to Hong Kong for 2 weeks on Jan 2nd and I'm worried about how she'll do when I'm gone.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)

I'll echo what Shanna said – we're here for you and are sending tons of healing and pawsitive thoughts your way. 

Sending big hugs across the miles,

Holly, Zuzu and Susan

Thanks Jim – that sounds like a great idea.  I know when I saw that you were having this chat I would have really benefitted from it but I couldn't make the time.  Will definitely look them up.  When I feel her rear leg, it feels like she's lost some muscle mass – maybe it's atrophied and that's also causing this weakness and shaking if something like that can happen.  

Shanna and Susan – thanks so much for your very kind words – it really means a lot to me.

Kami

Kami,

I have noticed Fortis' remaining rear leg shaking radically at times. Just today I noticed it to a degree that was at that moment very alarming. It has always subsided and for us has never seemed to have any long lasting effects. I'm not saying that makenzie's situation isn't something to be concerned about only that Fortis' has not caused us problems up to this point.

Makenzie and you are very very special to us. I can't seem to find the words that I'm so desperately seeking for but please know my prayers are with you. I can only borrow from Shanna in saying we are sending positive healing thoughts your way.

Brett and Fortis  

You guys are the best!!  I so appreciate your comments and am so grateful for your support.   You know, Comet you might be on to something. I noticed that her leg that shakes seems like it lost some muscle mass compared to her other rear leg. And maybe this is the problem.  I was massaging it earlier and she didn't seem to flinch in pain or anything.  I was moving her leg around to see if she moved but she stayed still which leads me to believe that she's not in pain.  She seemed to enjoy the massage.  Brett, I know what you mean by radical shaking and it brings me a lot of relief to know that Fortis goes through similar shaking and it's not for long periods.  But the alarming part about this is how much she's slowed down and how much more difficult it is for her to move around (and not even sure if it's because of her pain meds.)  But I will keep everyone posted. And I so so appreciate all of your support during something like this – I can only hope that it's nothing more than muscle weakness. 

Thanks again everyone!! This community is truly amazing!!

Kami

Reading your post again…getting in & out of the car, getting up, and walking up stairs were just what Isabelle had problems with when her arthritis was diagnosed. We did the same initially, w/negative hip & leg imaging. The minute the integrative/rehab vet saw her, she did spine films & the problem was obvious.

Thanks Cynthia and Tracy! Makes total sense and makes me feel better that maybe we can work through this.  I am definitely calling Dr. Waldman to see about getting a diagnosis.  And maybe you're right Cynthia – it has to do with her spine.  She has an awfully big lump on her back and that may be adding to this.  Appreciate you sharing your experience with this and glad that Isabelle is doing well now. 

Thanks again!

Kami

Hi Kami,

Sammy's leg does that too.  It isn't a specific leg, but at least once a day one o them will start this shaking, like his leg is on vibration mode.  It will last from a minute or so, up to several minutes.  I think the difference between Sammy and Mackenzie is that Sammy has always experienced this. 

Mckenzie is so well taken care of that I am sure you will figure out what it is and hopefully it is going to be nothing at all.  Being away from her is really going to be hard, but you have to do what you have to do to be able to provide for her health.  So maybe, we can be around for whomever is taking care of her while you are away.  If they have questions or concerns not only is your vet available, but so are we.  I hope that gives you some comfort.

Hugs and good healing thoughts and prayers from us to you and Mckenzie,

Elizabeth and Sammy