Seizures in Pets

RE: Seizures in Pets

Submitted by WashkuhnR on Thu, 2004-01-29 - 10:34

I don't know if there are vets that specialize in this, but I've heard of this many times. They treat dogs just like humans. Usually they give them a drug like phenobrab because it's cheap and then you just have to see if there is a reaction. It's always hard with dogs because they can't express themselves.

RE: Seizures in Pets

Submitted by mexican_fire on Fri, 2004-06-18 - 11:45

I have some experience in this topic, because me and my brother got a dog in 1991, that was found to be epileptic. She was tried on a science diet by her specialist, and then put on Phenabarb.Dogs are like people in every way. they get sick with viral things, bacterial things, and even all ranges of neurologic things. Epilepsy is one of the more common ones.My dog would bring her right paw up in a funny curl by her ear, stiffen up, stare, and make funky sounds, and as she got older, would start to puke during her seizures.My aunt also had a dog that had epilepsy, as well.Depending on the breed of your dog, it could be considered old for that breed. Springers, which is what I had for years, last for 15 years on average, so 11 years wouldn't quite be considered old yet for him. Usually the bigger the dog the shorter the life they live. Your dog could just be having seizures from old age and a brain that is not working properly anymore.Usually the bigger animal hospitals are linked with the specialists. The Michigan State University Vet School in East Lansing, Michigan, did my dog's surgery, and diagnosed my epileptic dog's condition. So, yes, they do exist, but are hard to find. You might want to ask your vet about his specific condition, wanting to have more tests done because you are interested in knowing if in fact your dog does have a seizure disorder, and then to get him or her on the right drugs. He should be able to point you in the direction of a good specialist for your pooch.But, you need to know for certain he is having seizures, because the longer he goes with NO treatment, the harder it will be to control, after he starts treatment.Hope this helps.Nancy

RE: Seizures in Pets

Submitted by Amy_R on Fri, 2004-12-24 - 02:04

I've been finding a few things about epilepsy in dogs lately (in research for both my condition and in looking for a dog as my docters advised me haveing one around could be helpfull to lessen the stress and sometimes can help alert onset of a seizure. They was right too!) and was realy suprized to find it is not uncommen is some types of dogs, especily purebeed dogs who can be more susceptible (sp? sorry) to genetic abnormalites then mixed-breeds and mutts. I'am not sure of the ULR at the moment but there was one site totaly dedicated to awareness and information on dogs with E' (I'll have to look it up again and send you the link). It is scary but just like with us people, it is treatable and dosnt have to keep your pet from liveing a long and happy life.

BTW, my own little dog who I just recently adopted Winston, (who is my hero), doses a funny thing sometimes and though it seems harmless, being a purebeed Peke and consitining he is a senior dog with a pre-existing existing disability, I have wondered if this could be a type seizure. Winston will be acting normaly one moment then turn around a few times, drop flat on his back and wiggle like a worm. I have spent most my life around dogs but have never seen anything like it. Offten in the day too he will stick out his tounge over and over almost like he's trying to 'taste' the air like a snake, and rise up from a sound sleep only to bark for no apperent reson. It's cute but also a little confuseing seeing he is otherwise a very quiet little fellow. Should I worry about this or do you think he just likes to bark and wiggle for fun?