Involuntary Muscle Spasm?

[LisaBrass]

Hello, first time posting and hoping for some ideas.. I had posted in a vet group as well, but awaiting answers so thought I’d reach out to ya’ll.

My question is regarding my neutered, almost 2 year old, Zion. After reading that grain-free foods are being linked to DCM in dogs and some cats and learning that Sphynx are already prone to some heart issues, I decided to switch his dry and wet food from Instinct to Hills Science. It’s been about a month and he has gone from 10lbs to 9lbs and has developed what seems like an involuntary muscle spasm in his chest/shoulder area. By spasms I mean he feels like he’s tensing his muscles and relaxing every couple of seconds.
I notice the trembling mostly while he’s resting or sleeping and it’s not his normal dream twitches or shivers as he’ll do it even when he’s nice and toasty warm.

All of his body functions and behaviors seem to be normal.

I was just curious if any of you have seen similar issues and if you believe it could possibly be food related? Or are there underlying health issues I need to look out for that may be related to these spasms?

I took him to the vet and bloodwork came back good, but my vet had no other input on what his trembling could be.. I’ve never had any cat do it and just need some reassurance as I’ve read it could be an indication of seizures.

I appreciate any input and hope everyone is doing well during this crazy time.

 

[Yoda mom]

@LisaBrass , awh,. Zion is so handsome. glad you jumped in to post so members can chime in. can you take a video of it and upload to youtube to share it here ? my 4 eat hills urinary hairball dry food., 9 yrs old now and no issues with the food. how long does it last? it only when sleeping? wonder if it like when dogs twitch, dream in sleep sometimes mine do it more intense than other times. just so odd, wish I could add more. surely members will chime in. Did the vet take a good listen to Zion's heart for any murmurs? I just ask as a matter of routine on any vet visit to take a good listen to the hearts even if we are there for something else. following closely , hugs n head smooches.
the world is a crazy time right now for sure, can you set up a flwup appointment? send a video to your vets office for a peek at it? we can't diagnosis but do share info , experiences you can discuss with your vet.
I use internet to educate myself but never read more into it, always best to vet check for our individual babies circumstances , each kitty is different. hope you can share a video with us

Why Do Cats Twitch in Their Sleep?

Wondering why your cat’s twitching in sleep? Learn what’s normal, potential causes, and when to see a vet to keep your feline friend happy and healthy.

wagwalking.com

 

[LisaBrass]

Thanks for taking time to reply. I haven’t been able to catch it on video because it’s normally when we are laying down and I can feel it more than anything. It’s definitely not his typical dream twitch. I timed it the other night and it finally calmed down after about 30 minutes. The vet did give his heart and lungs a good listen.. said they sounded good, no need for follow up. He assumed maybe because he dropped weight he may be getting cold..he quivers even when nice and warm though so I’m not too sure it’s that.

After posting here I did see a similar post regarding food change and muscle trembling. The video in that post looks very similar to Zion’s little trembles. I will be reading more and looking into what could be linked.

Much appreciation!

 

[Yoda mom]

@LisaBrass awh,,you are a great mum... please please keep us updated. do you get any replies from the vet group?
hugs n positive vibe head smooches! tagging @StacyD

 

[juleshladik]

Hello, first time posting and hoping for some ideas.. I had posted in a vet group as well, but awaiting answers so thought I’d reach out to ya’ll.

My question is regarding my neutered, almost 2 year old, Zion. After reading that grain-free foods are being linked to DCM in dogs and some cats and learning that Sphynx are already prone to some heart issues, I decided to switch his dry and wet food from Instinct to Hills Science. It’s been about a month and he has gone from 10lbs to 9lbs and has developed what seems like an involuntary muscle spasm in his chest/shoulder area. By spasms I mean he feels like he’s tensing his muscles and relaxing every couple of seconds.
I notice the trembling mostly while he’s resting or sleeping and it’s not his normal dream twitches or shivers as he’ll do it even when he’s nice and toasty warm.

All of his body functions and behaviors seem to be normal.

I was just curious if any of you have seen similar issues and if you believe it could possibly be food related? Or are there underlying health issues I need to look out for that may be related to these spasms?

I took him to the vet and bloodwork came back good, but my vet had no other input on what his trembling could be.. I’ve never had any cat do it and just need some reassurance as I’ve read it could be an indication of seizures.

I appreciate any input and hope everyone is doing well during this crazy time.

Hi there! I was just curious if you ever figured out a reason as to why you’d little man trembled? My 3 year old female Sphynx does the same thing and it’s been really stressing me out. I was afraid of a neurological issue or possibly pain. My boy Sphynx doesn’t do it, just the occasional shiver when he gets cold. Hope you are well!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@juleshladik hoping you might be able to share a video with us.

 

[LisaBrass]

Hi there! I was just curious if you ever figured out a reason as to why you’d little man trembled? My 3 year old female Sphynx does the same thing and it’s been really stressing me out. I was afraid of a neurological issue or possibly pain. My boy Sphynx doesn’t do it, just the occasional shiver when he gets cold. Hope you are well!

 

[LisaBrass]

Sorry I’m just seeing this, we spent over 6 months in and out of different vets trying to get the trimmer, ear infections, UTIs, and then idiopathic Cushings under control. Somewhere along the way the trimmer went away.


He was on antibiotics and steroids and has gone through a food change over to Purina Pro Plan UTI food which also helped him gain a little weight.


Soo our main thoughts are he was possibly dehydrated or dealing with an infection for longer than we knew which might’ve caused his body to shiver, it was going on for almost a year though so not sure.


It could’ve been a food sensitivity or him needing a bit more weight on him to help keep him warm. He was at about 8.5lbs and now sits around 9.5-10lbs which seems so much better for him.. we’ve been keeping the house a bit warmer as well just incase it may have just been a chill, which is what most of the vets assumed, I’m not completely convinced that was the case though.


We also got a genetic test done to check for common muscle disorders in the breed, which came back normal so really still wondering..


I’ve been concerned about neurological issues as well especially because he’s had issues with Horner’s Syndrome and vestibular episodes, which could’ve been medication reactions, we had so much going on at once it’s really hard to pinpoint everything.


But as of now the trimmer has seemed to resolve. He does get a chill now and then, but it seems quite different than the trimmer. If we’re able to get into a specialist I will definitely update this.


I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, but maybe it’ll give you an idea on some things you can keep an eye on or possibly try.


Has there been any updates on your girl?? Hope all is well.

 

[LisaBrass]

Hi there! I was just curious if you ever figured out a reason as to why you’d little man trembled? My 3 year old female Sphynx does the same thing and it’s been really stressing me out. I was afraid of a neurological issue or possibly pain. My boy Sphynx doesn’t do it, just the occasional shiver when he gets cold. Hope you are well!

Sorry I’m just seeing this, we spent over 6 months in and out of different vets trying to get the trimmer, ear infections, UTIs, and then idiopathic Cushings under control. Somewhere along the way the trimmer went away.


He was on antibiotics and steroids and has gone through a food change over to Purina Pro Plan UTI food which also helped him gain a little weight.


Soo our main thoughts are he was possibly dehydrated or dealing with an infection for longer than we knew which might’ve caused his body to shiver, it was going on for almost a year though so not sure.


It could’ve been a food sensitivity or him needing a bit more weight on him to help keep him warm. He was at about 8.5lbs and now sits around 9.5-10lbs which seems so much better for him.. we’ve been keeping the house a bit warmer as well just incase it may have just been a chill, which is what most of the vets assumed, I’m not completely convinced that was the case though.


We also got a genetic test done to check for common muscle disorders in the breed, which came back normal so really still wondering..


I’ve been concerned about neurological issues as well especially because he’s had issues with Horner’s Syndrome and vestibular episodes, which could’ve been medication reactions, we had so much going on at once it’s really hard to pinpoint everything.


But as of now the trimmer has seemed to resolve. He does get a chill now and then, but it seems quite different than the trimmer. If we’re able to get into a specialist I will definitely update this.


I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, but maybe it’ll give you an idea on some things you can keep an eye on or possibly try.


Has there been any updates on your girl?? Hope all is well.

 

[LisaBrass]

@LisaBrass awh,,you are a great mum... please please keep us updated. do you get any replies from the vet group?
hugs n positive vibe head smooches! tagging @StacyD

Thank you, my mama heart has been through a bunch with him lately, feels good to hear. I know this is a super late reply, I apologize, I don’t always get notifications and am not too familiar with the site. Appreciate everyone’s info and replies though.