Does anyone have an Epileptic Dog?
By minx267
@minx267 (15526)
Hartford, Connecticut
December 21, 2009 11:40pm CST
I am curious about Epilepsy in dogs.
I am not very familiar with Epilepsy in general.
My dog Braedyn had a seizure they night before Thanksgiving (last month)
I was asleep but my roommate came down to let the dogs out and everyone ran out but Braedyn (who is a very active dog) remained laying on the floor. He woke me up saying there was something wrong with him.
He wasn't severely twitching or convulsing- But then I don't know if he was prior to us discovering him.
There was a fair amount of drool on the ground and his eyes were quite big and he kind of postured a little and then it was over. He stood up.. a little lethargic, stunned maybe. I walked him to the door and coaxed him out. He piddled and slowly started acting normal, he even chased a cat a few minutes later..
He did drink a bit after coming in and ate 15 minutes later. No ill effects.
I told the vet- they said to watch him..
and so far nothing.. -GOOD NEWS
Until today.. Again I was sleeping (I work 3rd shift) When My roommate came down
Braedyn wasn't his normal self- he didn't run for the door. he sat curled up in the recliner. I had to get up and coax him out the back door.
There was nothing obvious.. NO drool anywhere. But his behavior was similar to that of last month.
So now I am worried that my dog might be epileptic, and I don't know anything about this disease.
I hope he doesn't have to take meds forever.. I am gong to continue to watch him. Maybe I should install a video camera so I can monitor him while I am at work.
Any advice, tips or stories would be helpful -trying to gather as much info as I can. Thanks
3 people like this
8 responses
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
10 Mar 17
my torbie has seizures-it's not epilepsy,but cerebreal hyperplasia in her case.
she can't take meds they make her worse..we usually have to wrap her up til the seizing stops.i've found with her,getting too worked up about something usually brings them on.
1 person likes this
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
10 Mar 17
Aw, that is sad.. I have a tortie that I thought early on had CH.. but I think it is just Neurological damage from an OTC flea med.. she doesn't have good control over the back half of her body and she is quit funny to watch sometimes. but she gets around great and even uses her upper body strength to pull herself up to about 6 ft in kitty condo... some old video of her.
My Tortie Precious was a healthy kitten until I put some over the counter Flea medication (the Drops) on her at about 4-5 months of age.. within 2 days this ...
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@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
10 Mar 17
@minx267 hers is a bit more pronounced of a wobble than that-but she is 17,so age is playing a hand a bit.
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@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
10 Mar 17
@scarlet_woman Aw. that is so great. have you had her from a baby? most people don't even bother with a handicapped kitty.. my roommate doesn't like my baby girl because she poops in the garden.. but I would rather her poop outside than in.. because she cant really use a box.. she has a wee wee pad on the floor.. but mostly she goes out to pee.
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@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
22 Dec 09
I wouldn't worry to much. I know people with epilepsy and they lead normal lives. They may seizure sometimes, but after a rest they are back to normal. Dogs don't worry about it like people do. They live in the moment. I have had many pets with problems. The animals just live their furry lives as if they are just like all the others.
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@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
22 Dec 09
yea, it's easy to say that but I would be a nervous worry wart every time it happened.
I am still hoping that it is nothing and it was just a fluke. But I don't like the lethargic behavior he showed last night.. It's just NOT like him.. He's normal so active.
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@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
22 Dec 09
The lethargic behavior is normal after a seizure. Don't worry. It could have been a fluke. If you are worried, take your dog to the vet for a complete work up. I know us mommies of fur faces worry and worry.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
25 Dec 09
My dog, Cujo, mother was epileptic and Cujo also has seizures. He lays on the floor, throws up, staggers around.
Now, my vet says there's some weed in the yards around Central Texas that give dogs seizure like reactions, and we're pretty sure when the roomie's dog, Zoe, has something like that, its this weed, but Cujo gets them sometimes when he gets excited.
My vets suggest leaving him alone and letting him recover and not trying to do too much treatment because, while there are anti-seizure meds on the market, most are too strong for a little dog like him and too expensive since he mostly has a good quality of life.
I would say - if he's only having seizures once a month and they sound pretty mild, just to watch him but let him alone (no, they won't swallow their tongues...)
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
25 Dec 09
Thanks Elic.. I hope he doesn't have anything- but I see that he is more normal than not.. I wonder though why it seems to happen at night when he already is at his calmest.. He goes crazy with his daughters in the yard an the bright light- and nothing happens then.. So maybe I'm just paranoid..
still hoping it was a fluke.. :-)
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
22 Dec 09
Happy holidays, minx! Both my dearly departed friends "Oef" and "Tosh" spent their last 5 & 4 years, respectively with epilepsy, and they did have to spend those years on "meds"....once on the meds tho, their quality of life truly seemed to improve...and they both lived to 15+ years. I think it was familial with them, as they were full brothers, but a litter apart! I only witnessed the "full blown" seizure with "Tosh".....but I did recognize all the symptoms of disorientation, and confusion, weakness! Their symptoms parallel those of humans after the seizure, and if possible, I just cleaned out my shoes from my closet, made a warm, comfortable bed for them, partially closed the doors....as light can also trigger another seizure...eliminate noise and distractions...keep them peaceful & quiet.
I found, very seldom, were they hungry after a seizure...and I think I would keep food away from them for a while...as there really is a vegetative state, after the seizure, where they are not in full control of their faculties, and they may choke. Sleep and Quiet...is truly good medication! I wish you the best, and it is not insurmountable...and your little "furry friend" can live a truly good life, with very few limitations! Good luck..and cheers!
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
22 Dec 09
Great idea, to have it noted on his/her Chart. And I truly understand it is difficult to diagnose....as I said, the vet felt it was inherited in my "little friends!" Other than the sputum, did you notice any incontinence...not as common in dogs as humans, but sometimes there...or they will need to eliminate, when orientation returns. That is the body's way of shunting, vomit, drool or kidney/bowel elimination to rid the body...so the heart can deal mostly with the body core. Truly, I understand your trepidation, but if it is diagnosed..and you have meds, you will not fear the unknown! Good luck..and try and have a Happy Holiday!
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
22 Dec 09
No, Other than the drool. I almost wouldn't have known he was having a seizure.. from what I saw of it, it was mild..could have been worse before I woke up...
But he was laying there unresponsive and his eyes were wild. then he did a little posturing and his head went back.. then he was fine.. well almost fine.. he got up on his own. And slowly made his way to the door to go outside.
Yes, I did call the vet already and they made the notations on his chart.. I guess I just keep watching and hoping nothing else happens. :-)
Thanks for the encouragement.
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
22 Dec 09
Great info, Thanks.. I am a little worried because he is only 3. I wonder what causes it. Well, I am still in the watching stage.. Vet says keep an eye on him.. Hopefully the one he had was a fluke- but can't figure out why a healthy dog would have a seizure.
His lethargy last night had me worried though that he had another one that I didn't see. I am going to call the vet today and have them note it in his file "just in case".
Thank you for the information.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
22 Dec 09
We have had an epileptic dog for many years, he is controlled with two pills a day one in the morning and one at night. Sometimes we need to increase his meds but that usually doesn't last long. This Dog has been with us for more then 10 years and leads a pretty normal life but we do keep an eye on him and watch him very closely if he is not acting normally. You cannot not just hope this condition will go away but once evaluated it can be easily treated. At least that's how it worked out for us.
1 person likes this
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
22 Dec 09
I still am hoping it is not.. I am bad giving medication to myself Daily. To try to remember 2 times a day forever.. Yikes..
Still keeping my fingers crossed. Although I am not sure what else could have caused him to have a seizure in the first place...
Thanks you for your info.. Just trying to gather as much as I can.. :-)
1 person likes this
@kellyjeanne (1576)
• United States
24 Dec 09
I feel very badly for Braedyn! I have seizures myself and I can give you some pointers. The first thing to remember is DO NOT put anything in your dogs mouth. There is no way you can swallow your tongue. Your tongue is connected to your mouth. There is simply no way you can swallow your tongue. This also puts him in danger of breaking his teeth. The next thing to be aware of is when Braedyn is having a seizure make sure that he is on his side or that at least his head is turned to the side. This will insure that he doesn't choke on his saliva. As you may have noticed you do drool a lot when you have a seizure mainly because your throat muscles are paralyzed making it impossible to swallow. The third thing to remember is that after a seizure you are pretty lethargic and because of that try not to prod him to get up and go outside or anything. Put a blanket under him and on him to keep him comfortable and warm. Let him sleep it off. If he goes outside right after a seizure he could be too slow to react to a situation that may require a fast reaction and this may put him in danger. Even though you did say he chased a cat a few minutes later after that one seizure it's still a good idea to keep him indoors for awhile to allow him to get his bearings back. I know for me after I have a seizure I'm very sleepy for the rest of the day and my energy level is VERY low. He will be able to live a normal life and do all the things that any dog can do, but, simply take it easy after his seizures.
I really hope this helps.
Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!
Purrs,
Catwoman=^..^= & Mija
@kellyjeanne (1576)
• United States
25 Dec 09
You sound like you are a good furmom and I know you love your furbaby so much! He's lucky to have you to take care of him. Give him a hug and a kiss for me, okay? Now I'll be thinking of him whenever I have a seizure. What's his name?
Merry Christmas, wolfie!
Purrs,
Catwoman=^..^= & Mija
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
24 Dec 09
That does help quite a bit.. Unfortunately I had to get him outside because I had to go to work and he would have been more uncomfortable trying to "hold it" all night.
He did get up on his own that night and walked to the door. But just stood there- I did prod him to go out.. but he went..
The lethargy.. makes me think maybe he did have one the other night that I didn't witness.. because he just wasn't his normal bouncy self.
Thanks for your advice!
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Dec 09
Minx I would take him to the Vet as this certainly sounds like some kind of Fit he is having and I think the Vet should check him over to make sure it is not life Threatening
Personally I would get the Vet to look at him
I really hope it turns out again
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
23 Dec 09
I'm not panicking at the moment as there has been nothing SEVERE.
I only saw the one episode.. and even then- I don't know how long that lasted or if it was severe before we found him..
We are in contact with the vet- they just want me to monitor and not to worry until there is more than one. I am hoping it was just some fluke- although I don't know why a healthy 3 year old would have one....
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
22 Dec 09
My first reaction is to tell you to find another vet. It sounds like something serious is going on with your dog and you need a professional who will take your concerns seriously. If it is epilepsy that is very serious. Don't wait too long to take action.
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
23 Dec 09
Oh, no- my vet is good. I am there so often we are on first names basis with everyone there..
The seizure that we saw was not severe and just not sure what caused it.
Until we see proof that this is continuing I don't want to panic about it. There is not too much you can do to find out what caused it I guess... So I was told to watch him like a hawk if he has more monitor them for severity and length etc..
But I haven't seen him have another.. so I am hoping it was a fluke.. I just thought he was acting weird yesterday.. and wondering if he may have had on while I was sleeping- I called the vet already they noted both instance in his chart.
So if anything else is amiss we will at least know how often even the suspected ones are apart. But for right now I have no proof that another has occurred and he seems perfectly fine again.. So just back to watching him like a hawk.
