Dog seizures

[Mildred]

I have a three year old Pom/Chi mix named Lady. A little over a year ago my niece hit her in the head and she had a few seizures. We ran to the ER and were told that the seizures were most likely due to the shock of the hit and that she was fine. She never had anymore seizures. Saturday night she had another one. It was terrifying. Last time, even though I was terrified, at least I knew what happened. This seizure came out of nowhere and the doctors are still telling me that she seems fine. Does anyone have experience with this? I want so badly to believe the doctors, but I love her so much and am scared that she may be sicker than she seems. I recently got her a little brother named Neo, and he was just as upset as I was. We need answers but don't know if there are any. If anyone has any advise please let us know. Thanks.

[wolfsoul]

Seizures can be caused by sooo many things. Mold, eating rotten or really oily food, chemicals (including parasite preventatives), vaccinations, brain tumors, liver or kidney problems, shock, etc. Some dogs have them every day, some have them once a year. If her seizures are really that far apart, I wouldn't worry about it. Are you sure that's the only seizure she's had since last year? Some seizures don't involve muscle spasms or unconciousness at all. Sometimes a dog will lay there staring into space. Sometimes it will chase shadows or lights. Alot of dogs will snap at "imaginary flies." Some run around the house in a panic for no apparent reason.

I would make sure your house is free of mold, keep your garbage well away from Lady's reach, and stop annual vaccinations. I'd also switch to another parasite preventative if she's on one. Pills tend to be better than the stuff you apply, or have as a shot. And flea collars are the worst. Make sure she's not getting any really oily foods -- alot of foods, even ones that aren't really oily, can trigger a seizure. I'd keep her on her regular diet. I read somewhere that incense can cause seizures, though I'm not too sure about that. You could have your vet do a brain scan and liver/kidney tests just to rule out health problems.

All in all, if she isn't having them very often, it probably isn't serious and I wouldn't worry too much. :) Good luck!

[4 Dog Mother]

My dog Snoopy has been having seizures since last August. He had about 5 then and then didn't have any until Easter of this year. He usually has clusters meaning every few hours he has one once they start. The vet has given me Valium to give him when he comes out of one so he doesn't have the clusters any more. Since Easter he has had at least two more.

When he started having them, they ran tests but did not really find any reason he was having them. Because he does have them as clusters, he is on phenabarbital. The vet says some dogs just have them and there really is not much you can do about it. It does seem to help Snoopy if I talk gently to him and keep petting him while he is having one. He seems to come out of it faster and doesn't seem so scared.

Good luck. I think it is worse on us than them - it is so scary seeing them like that. Hang it there!

[LKPike]

Jillian was diagnosed with Epilepsy after 2 grand mal seizures in less than 11 hours, her trigger is heat and a month before the seizures started she had a dangerous fever that required a 4 day hospitilzation. they basicly diagnose it by testing for everything, and when all is fine - its epilepsy. I'm not saying your dog DOES have epil. but its one of many a possibility that should be looked into :)

[Mildred]

Thanks for your replies, they are very helpful. I'm just frustrated b/c there really is nothing to do. All of Lady's bloodwork came back normal and I was told that I just have to watch and wait. Then unfortunately, I'm related to non-dog lovers who don't get why I'm concerned. Luckily she is back to her normal crazy self. Barking at anyone who comes within 3 feet of me as if she could do anything except attack an ankle or two and wrestling with Neo, her baby Yorkie brother.:D

[joycenalex]

alex the wonder dog has been living with epilepsy since april 1997, there are many things you can do to make ladys' and your life better. wwwcanine-epilepsy.com is a wonderful site for information about seizures in dogs, also www. canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com has alot of advice and support to share. hope this helps, ear skritchies to lady and neo

[crazmeese]

we used to have 2 dogs who always used to get seizures and we would put an icepack on them and they would be fine

[HollywoodNVegas]

Hello. I hope your little girl gets over these seizures. They can be caused by so many things - neuro disorder, being hit, vaccinations, etc. I would maybe get a second opinion from another vet just to make sure. We lost our 2.5 year old Akita from Epilepsy this past summer. We found him as a puppy on the side of the road, blind as can be. I know how difficult it can be dealing with seizures. But, I can say this, our original vet said he was just "fine" after his first and second. Third one came around and we saw a specialist. Radar remained on meds the rest of his life for epilepsy. Without the meds, he would not have made it to 2.5.

Make sure you watch her after her seizure. Note how long the seizure lasts and her reactions after it. Whatever you do, do not touch her during it! Post-seizure, if you notice she is walking in circles, there is a huge chance that brain-damage occured.

I wish you and your little one the best. My thoughts are with you.