Why is my 10-Year-Old Boston Terrier Shaking, Sensitive to Touch and Seeming Unwell?

Dear VetBabble, What might Cause my Ten-Year-Old Boston Terrier to be Shaking, Sensitive to Touch, and Seem Unwell?

As a loving pet owner, it’s understandably distressing to see your Boston Terrier in discomfort. The symptoms you describe—tremors, hypersensitivity to touch, and overall sickly behavior—are cause for concern, especially given your companion’s history with an eye ulcer, mast cell tumor, and possibly Lyme disease. You are absolutely correct to contemplate about seeking prompt veterinary attention for your four-legged friend, the wellbeing of our beloved pets cannot be overemphasized.

Part 1: Possible Causes for Your Dog’s Symptoms

The symptoms your Boston Terrier is manifesting could potentially be associated with various disorders. Referencing your query about Lyme disease, it can indeed cause hypersensitivity and unstable doggie behaviors. However, it’s important to note that these signs could also be associated with numerous other health issues. We have a detailed post here about Common Eye Conditions in Dogs which may enlighten you concerning possible complications from your pooch’s previous eye ulcer.

Mast cell tumors can recur and are unfortunately one of the common forms of skin cancer in dogs. We have this enlightening resource onCancer in Dogs: Facts, Symptoms and What to Expect that you may find highly informative. Keep in mind, too, that dogs of any age can also develop new health conditions irrespective of their past medical history.

Part 2: When to Seek Emergency Vet Care

In some circumstances, your buddy’s symptoms may demand acute medical attention. If your dog exhibits severe pain or distress, or the symptoms persist for a couple of hours or worsen, seeking immediate care is critical. An in-depth read on Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry could give you more insights into signs that necessitate emergency intervention, as the guideline there applies to general unease as well.

Part 3: Lumps, Bumps and Regular Check-ins

Noting any physical changes in our pets and regular check-ins with your vet is vital for early detection and management of numerous conditions. Some growths, for instance, are harmless, while others like the mast cell tumor your Boston had, demand immediate veterinary attention. Our guide on Lumps and Bumps: When to Worry, provides comprehensive information on discerning concerning growths from less threatening ones.

In conclusion, while it’s valid to be concerned about your dog’s distress, remember that these symptoms may not always necessarily point to a specific disease. Sometimes it might be something less severe. That said, prompt and proper veterinary intervention is always the best course of action. Your vet is equipped to conduct a comprehensive examination, requested tailored diagnostic tests and later offer suitable treatment options.

We hope your furry buddy feels better soon! Please don’t hesitate to contact us again if you have any further concerns.