Luth was shaking now and then near the end of his days. Is this more often than not a sign of pain or a sign of chilliness? It didn't go on for long periods of time, or I'd have taken him in sooner; our hounds tend to like it best being either in the sunshine or near the wood stove. In a general sense, animals do a good job of hiding pain as a natural defense mechanism; I'd just like to know a little more about this for future reference. Thanks!!
I think it depends. If they tend to like warmer temps and nothing else seemed 'off' I'd try warming them up with a fleece blanket or something. If something else seemed wrong and warming them up didn't help the shaking stop or if they are panting, pacing, etc. then I'd call the vet because I would assume it was pain.
Chilie will shake if food is nearby...but it has to be hooman food. If I'm sitting there with a plate of whatever, she will shake and shiver. My parents have commented on how she shivers when she is sitting in their laps. They always ask, "Is Chilie ok? She's shaking. Is she cold?" And I tell them that she does the same thing with me sometimes; I really don't have an explanation for it though. I don't think that she's in pain, but the fact you brought up about animals instinctively hiding their pain is interesting.
Quote from: Dackelrich on April 12, 2006, 11:13:41 PM
Luth was shaking now and then near the end of his days. Is this more often than not a sign of pain or a sign of chilliness? It didn't go on for long periods of time, or I'd have taken him in sooner; our hounds tend to like it best being either in the sunshine or near the wood stove. In a general sense, animals do a good job of hiding pain as a natural defense mechanism; I'd just like to know a little more about this for future reference. Thanks!!
It really depends... but it is OFTEN a sign of pain that goes unrecognized. I always take it very seriously in my house.
MaryAnne
Shaking can be a sign of pain years ago had a American Staffordshire Terrier with 4+ hip displasia to wards the end her eyes glazed over and she would shake took the poor thing in confirm with the vet and had her put to sleep.
papbouv