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Oh Jennifer, I'm so sorry to hear that your dog passed away. The surest way to try to determine what caused the seizure would have been to have a necropsy performed by your vet. Since the blood tests came back normal, it probably wasn't a toxin issue. Sometimes seizures are caused by brain tumors, but it's difficult to say at this point. I'm just so sorry for your loss. :(

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog had her first seizure around 1AM on a Sunday morning - then had 2 smaller episodes 2 hours later and then 2 more seizures 3 hours apart. We took her to the vet and after meds she only had one other seizure, but she passed away 2 days later. She never regained "woke up". The doctor said she had some movement, but never came out of her comotose state.

Her blood tests were normal, but we do not know what really caused this - she was only a little over 2.5 yrs.

-- Contributed by: Jennifer

Hi Cindi,

I don't think it's very common for seniors to suddenly develop seizures, but it does happen. You are wise to take your dog in for an exam. Your vet will want to check for any possible source for the seizures, including brain tumors. If you do find a cause, please let us know what it is. I'm sure other dog lovers find themselves in a similar situation, and the information might prove helpful.

Thanks for your question, and keep us posted.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have had epi's in the past.. this is new to me though, my senior gr (will be 11 in May) with no history of any epi activity suddenly is having grand mals... I suspect some medical condition underlying and will be taking him to the vet in the am... how common is onset of epilepsy in a senior? My previous gr's were epi's from a very young age. Thank fully because of my previous experience I got the Breyers out right away. Postictal was minimal. Thank you

-- Contributed by: Cindi

Hi Tiffany,

I have two articles I think you'll find helpful. They explain what happens during a seizure and how to help your dog during one and immediately after.

I hope you find this information useful, but don't hesitate to consult with your vet too. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hello I'm Tiffany and I have a 1year old great pyro and on 11/14/08 He had one seizure for the very first time what do we do about it a home while it's happening please let me know were I can try to help him through it.

Thank you ,
Tiffany

-- Contributed by: Tiffany

Hi John,

I'm glad you found something that worked for your dog. I'd just like to caution everyone that it can be dangerous to experiment with any medication without consulting your vet first. Suitability and dosages need to be established before giving a particular medication to your dog. Otherwise, the dog may become even sicker.

Thanks for sharing your story. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Just would like to let everyone know that I've discovered (For my dog) a very effective way to recover from seizures, as well as the wanting to sleep all the time syndrome from taking anti seizure medication. My dog was always walking into walls and stumbling, as well as not acting like himself for day's, after a seizure. My ex wife had some mental issues and was taking a lot of pills, and she left behind these pills called Neurontin. Well I reserched the pills and saw that it is sometimes used for humans as an additional drug for seizures. Well I gave it a shot, and my dog began acting like a puppy again. After a seizure, he gets right up and acts almost normal, and within a half hour it's like he never had a seizure! I called my vet, and she now prescribes the dosage that I was successful with, which is 600MG a day. I break the pill in half and give him 300 in the morning and 300 at night. He is 145lb German Shepherd.

-- Contributed by: John S

for the past few days my dog hasnt been himself. he is 7 years old and he has never had a seizure before but we think that might be what happend. ever since a few mornings ago he hasnt been able to close his mouth all the way and it seems difficult for him to lick things. he cant drink properly since he cant really close his mouth. he takes small sips and starts drooling like crazy. he has never done this before. also, his "third eyelid" has been covering half of both of his eyes. it looks like he aged overnight. he is usually a perky happy dog but he seems very mellow and out of it.. his face looks droopy and he looks miserable..... will he get back to normal?

Hi Jill,

Honestly, I think this might be a case of Fifth Nerve disease. It's rare, but I have heard of three cases, and the dog's aren't able to close their mouths. This might also acount for the eyelid problem. The most important thing you can do is take your dog to the vet. The inflamation of the nerve might be aleviated with steroids.

Thank you for your question, and I hope your vet treat the problem.

-- Contributed by: jill

We have a 9 year old rotwreiler. He is and has been having multiple sezuires. About 6-10 through the night. he has currently gotten worse. I heard the life span was 8 to 10 years. Should we put him to sleep since he is so old or try to prolong his life with medicine. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Shayla,

I'm so sorry to hear about what your dog is going through. When it comes to the question of euthanasia, my guide has always been "what is the quality of the dog's life?" Have the seizures caused neurological damage? Does your vet think phenobarbital would be effective in this situation? These are the issues I would discuss with your vet to determine your next step. I have no doubt that whatever decision you make, it will be done with a lot of love and in your dog's best interest.

Thanks for your question, and I'll keep you in my thoughts.

-- Contributed by: shayla

I have a three year old female husky! On Tuesday night she has three seizures in a space of 6 hours, approx 2 hours apart! She was shaking, and dribbling, they lasted about 2-3 minutes and this is the first time she has ever had them. We took her to the vets and she has all her blood tests, they all came back normal, so they are thinking it is neurological. She failed one part of the neuro test, which was having a pen shoved up her nose. We have been referred to a specialist but funds are getting low, will she have more of these?? She still seems to be recovering as the vets gave her valium on Tuesday night, her balance is not to good and shes sleeping alot. How long does it take to recover.

Hi Lou,

Whether or not your dog has more seizures depends on what's causing them; something the neurologist will help determine.

In the meantime, I'd like you to check out our article on Canine Epilepsy. I think you'll find the information on dealing with repeat seizures very helpful, even if your dog doesn't turn out to have epilepsy.

Thank you for your question, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that your dog's diagnosis is a manageable one.

-- Contributed by: Lou

I have a AKC pomeranian she will be 4 years old April 2, 08. Last night I looked over at her and I didn't see to me what looked like a seizure but she was sleeping and when I looked over at her she looked like she was trying to turn over and get up but was unable to do so. she was drooling and I think she pee'd a little. This was so weird for her she had never acted like this. She was prefectly normal within a min. or two. (she is up to date on ALL her vacinations) when she was about 6 months old we had to do knee surgery. But other than that she is a very healthy dog. (was wanting some advice on this) Thank you Jamie

Hi Jamie,

It does sound like your dog had a mild seizure. I think it would be a good idea to have your vet examine her for possible epilepsy. If nothing else, you'll feel better if the condition can be ruled out.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Jamie

We have an older Golden. She's recently experience three seizures in 2.5 weeks. The emergency room, and now the vet have not thought it was too horrible - although I find it completely different trying to comfort the dog during the ordeal. She awakens from the seizure, takes 20 minutes to regain balance, and walk. However when she does get going, she is completely driven by food. She searches the dog food bin, and attacks it. If you give her kibble, she will eat it (not sure she sees it, going only by smell.) She remains awake for hours, looking for food, smelling hands or anyone else that has given her kibble. She finally will sleep after exhausting herself. We have medication now, but at 14 years old, I really wonder if this is just prolonging a death, not to mention some horrible accident / broken bones that will result as her not having the strength following these episodes. I do wonder if "quality of life" is considered any longer with the vets - vs presciptions and office visit charges.

Hi Splugin,

I'd like you to read our article on Canine Epilepsy. It addresses your dog's hunger after a seizure, as well as how to handle this. I think you'll have a better understanding of the situation after you read it, and then you can make a clearer decision about your dog's quality of life.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: splurgin

I have a 9.5 year old Female Golden Ret. Today while walking, she began walking diagonally, and trembling a bit. I had her sit down and waited a few minutes...after wards she was fine. She was playing ball and acting normal. On one other occasion she seems to do something similar...walking a little off balance, and shaky. Just wondering if thsi may be a seizure, a stroke, or something else. Thank you.

Hi Aimee,

I believe I answered your question at the Expert page. Check your inbox. :)

-- Contributed by: ALR

hi My dog had multiple seizures for the first time in her life on wednesday- we took her to the vet. We were given medication, and don't know what exactly caused the seizures, but will take her for another checkup in a week or so. Since then she has only had mini seizures-very short and containing only teeth knashing, no paddling. She has had a ravenous appetite, though for food and water- do you know why? Also, how long does it take for the dog to become not so distanced/ distracted? She seems very out of it like she doesn't fully recognize us.

Hi Jane, i found your question first at the Ask the Dog Expert page. You'll find my reply there listed under "My Dog has Seizures".

-- Contributed by: Jane
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