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Anonymous
If the leg jerk is only with the hind legs and only when scratched on the belly then it is totally natural and just a reflex.
On the other hand, if she is moving all four legs and does it when scratched anywhere then she may have tricaiolypic dichorthamin which is a nervous disorder that causes body spasms when the skin is agitated. If she has the disorder then sadly she will gradually get worse and worse until even simply moving about will cause the spastic movements.
Because its a neurological disorder we don't yet have a lab test for it. Most vets test by inserting a warm object into the dogs anus. A dog with the disorder will not become agitated like a normal dog, but will exhibit the trademark kicking (swimming) motion you describe. Since most dog owners don't have a canine enema kit at home, you can insert your little finger, but use plenty of petroleum jelly lubricant.
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