trembling and panting in dogs

[txdoggirl]

ok, I have an 11 yr. old chow mix...found out this past week that he's basically blind (but my Veterinarian thinks he can see light/dark), which I didn't know because I have 3 other dogs that he follows around...I knew he had slight cateracts (sp?) over the last couple of years...anyway, to my question...over the last week or so, at night-but not every night-he starts shaking and panting and basically acting like he's scared out of his mind...crawling all over me, etc. but then it stops after about 20 minutes...he's eating, drinking, etc. normally...could it be that he's just nervous as it gets darker because he can't see? However, the sun's not up yet and he's fine right now...any thoughts would be VERY appreciated....

[latergatorj]

It sounds like it's possible your does is having seizures.

http://www.maybeckvet.com/epilepsy.html

There's an article on it- i'd consult your Veterinarian.

[LeytonMarie]

I have a 10 year old Shar Pei similar to a chow. He has been doing the trembling and panting as well. It started a few years ago. Now he is totally blind and not only does this happen at night but now during the day. So today after a walk (didn't help) looking online for some answers and found yours.

Not sure about epilepsy although he did have his whole lower body start shaking big time when he was asleep in front of the TV one evening.

Not sure about getting an MRI. The eye surgery was over a $1,000.

I had thought that the panting/trembling was from the pain of glaucoma but apparently not.