I think my dog had a seizure this morning - need advice

[ernstbass]

Does anyone have a dog with a seizure disorder? My 4 year old bluetick hound was on the couch this morning and her head was bobbing as if she had Parkinson's disease. It lasted about one minute and she looked at me when I called her name. When the shaking stopped she ran up to me, wagging her tail and begged for a cookie. She will be by herself for a few hours today. Does this sound like a seizure? Should I leave work to get her to the vet today? She has had no other symptoms and she hasn't had an opportunity to ingest anything. She does eat poop, however. Any advice will be welcomed. Thank you!

[IndyOp]

1. If you are worried then maybe you should try to get her in today...

How much will you accomplish at work if your mind is elsewhere? Maybe you can get a late afternoon/early evening appointment and just leave work a bit early?

I have heard of some dogs have seizures as a result of chemicals in flea collars - but I don't know any more than that - other than that seizures can be the result of many different factors - some minor, others serious.

A hug for you and your hound - :hug:

[livetohike]

2. Yes. I would get her to the vet today if possible

It could be as simple as an ear infection. Our dog had similar symptoms and was diagnosed with vestibular disease (a balance problem).

Good luck and a big hug to you both :hug:

[ernstbass]

3. I'm taking her this afternoon

Thanks so much

[IndyOp]

4. Let us know what happens!

Another hug for you and your hound --> :hug:

[Carla in Ca]

6. Oh, ernstbass

All my good wishes to you. You were there for me this week and please know that my thoughts are with you now. Please let us know what happens.
:hug:

[kestrel91316]

5. When i still treated dogs, I had a policy of allowing everybody one

"free" seizure. Anybody can seizure under the right circumstances, but that doesn't mean they have a condition needing treatment.

It's a good idea to get the dog checked out by your vet in the next day or two, maybe some blood/urine tests (maybe NOT). No need to panic at this time. Observe closely, take notes, don't get the dog too excited between now and then.

[lukasahero]

7. My Lab has had seizures from epilepsy for almost 10 years

I don't think you have to "rush" her to the vet but yes, you probably should have her checked out. One of the cause of seizures is epilepsy which, unfortunately, can be difficult to diagnose. However, since seizures can be caused by things (toxins, poisons) other than epilpsy, you definitely want to get her checked out sooner rather than later.

If your vet suggests it is epilepsy, do not let them talk you into putting her on pheno-barbital (the recommended treatment) immediately. As I said, my Lab has lived with epilepsy for 10 years and he has never been on barbituates. His seizures happen about once every three months, and while they are grand mal (pretty severe), there it little danger in the seizures themselves and once you put a dog on barbs, taking them off can be worse than the normal course of the disease.

Monitor her seizures - if they happen frequently and last for a long time, then you probably will have to go with the pheno, but again, take your time before deciding that - you do have time.

It's a real tough thing to watch - they suddenly seem so vulnerable and small (no matter their size) - but it's not as dangerous for them as it looks to us. Hang in there and let us know what your vet says and what you decide to do.

[ernstbass]

8. Sweet Magnolia is fine

As a preface to this story, one of my dogs had bad diarrhea on Tuesday while I was at work. I have 5 dogs, so I didn't know who had it. The vet checked Magnolia and did some bllod work. She was mildly dehydrated. He thinks she had the diarrhea and may have had a mild seizure due to possible electrolyte imbalance. Her lytes were fine yesterday when he did the blood work. He said just to watch her but she has been her normal energetic goofy self so far! She is such a special dog with so much personality. Thanks to all of you for your supprt and advice. This is the best board in the world!:)

[livetohike]

9. That's great news!

Have a really good weekend. :-) I'm glad it was nothing serious.

[Grateful for Hope]

10. This is wonderful news!

So glad it was something minor!!