Anyone have a dog that occasionally has seizures?

Question

I have a Cocker Spaniel and he had two seizure within two days. He had never had one before. He is 1 1/2.
I researched on the internet and I am thinking if might be epilepsy. I also took him to the vet, but our vet was terrible. He did some bloodwork and still hasn't gotten back to me.
I am wondering how people normally deal with epileptic dogs and if they suffer and what life is like for them.
Thanks!

Answer 1

My dog used to do that sometimes, the vet gave me some pills to give her when it happened....its been a long time so i don't remember what they was called

Answer 2

I have an idiopathic epileptic dog, she started seizuring at 2 years old. I didn't treat her until she had more than 1 seizure in 6 months (they will become more frequent).
Now she is on phenobarbitone twice daily, this maintains her well. She only has focal seizures now instead of grand mal.
She has been on these meds for ~5 years and is still going strong. I do however need to get her blood levels checked every 6 months (they are all within normal).
Other than that she leads a normal life. Dogs are unconscious when they have a true seizure so they are not suffering from any pain. Please don't ever put your fingers in their mouth to stop them swallowing their tongue (a bit of an old wives tale). Just keep them in a quiet place on the floor, and away from anything that can harm them (eg. other pets etc...).
With him having 2 seizures close together it is good that your vet took bloods because it may be toxicity related. Call your vet back to see what results they got. Otherwise if your dog is healthy otherwise started him on antiseizure meds may be the way to go.

Good luck with it all.

Answer 3

Find another vet ASAP, epilepsy is not a good thing and neither are seizures! Call around and ask each one if they have had any experience checking for this type of thing. Also, think about any new chemicals, shampoos, flea treatments, etc. you may have used just before the first seizure. Sometimes any of these enviromental hazards can cause seizure-like activity. Also did you check with cocker spaniel breeders, maybe if you know your dog's breeder, ask if the breed is prone to seizures or if the parents were prone. Hope I helped you and I hope your dog will be okay : )

Answer 4

I have a Dalmatian that is 9 years old and has had seizures occasionally since he was about 2years old.
I took him to the vet about it and the vet told me that, as long as they are only once in awhile and not happening for too long ( Still hasn't told me what that is) That he is fine. He has them about 2 to 3 times a year that we see and they last for about a minute or two. He is very disoriented for a bit after and the vet told us no food or water for about 15 minutes after one, like a person.
We give him tons of love after and pet him and relax him by talking to him and cuddling him. It is always scary though still no matter how many times we have seen him do this. My vet told us to time each seizure and Keep track of how often they happen. We give him space while he is having one. He is over all a healthy dog and seems to have them mostly in strange places, maybe from stress. Also he has them if something really scares him ( fireworks, sirens to close, alarms, etc.) He is more likely to get them in situations like that. He is a great dog and is just like any other dog. We just don't let him swim around in the lake anymore though but that is about it. Good luck with your dog and I hope you get a better vet.
Our vet said our dog didn't need meds because of the frequency of the seizures make sure that you talk to your vet and see what he says he may or may not need them. There is animal health plans out there that can help with the cost of the meds.

Answer 5

More than likely your dog does have epilepsy, you will need to find a vet that can help you out, he also may have had to send the blood work in somewhere, check back with him, he should put your dog on phenabarbitol to control the seizures then at least yearly he should do blood work on the dog to check for liver damage, however dogs can live long lives on the phenabarbitol. You vet will give you the correct dosage for your dog. This is normally a heriditary problem, so I would inform the breeder that you got the dog from, if it is a reputable breeder they shouldn't repeat that breeding again, and should also find out which parent carries the epilepsy.

Answer 6

I have a black maltese poodle who has seizures. My dog is about 8 years old though. Look, it's not that big of a deal. It's epilepsy. Dogs get it like humans do. It is often characterised by the dog shaking, turning it's head side to side, yelping, and sometimes wetting itself. If it happens regularly get some anti epilepsy medication from a pharmacy. dont waste your time with a vet. Give it human medication in SMALL doses. If the fits continue, increase the dosage SLIGHTLY!

After a seizure or fit, the dog should go into shock or be scared. wrap a towel around it's body and keep it warm. Talk to the do gand comfort it. It should be running around in no time.

If you have anymore problems email me on [e-mail]

Dont worry. The dog is ok. Epilepsy is not that serious!

Answer 7

MEDICAL CONDITIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH
THE AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL
By Lee Weston
The following medical conditions that are associated with the American Cocker Spaniel, do not normally appear all at once in the same dog. It can not be stressed enough that breeding practices, environment, socialization are all important aspects that the potential owner of any breed should be considering. Heredity plays an important factor in the health of your dog. If the dam and sire of the puppy are healthy, chances are excellent for your puppy to be healthy. Professional, responsible breeders spend years building a bloodline, and a reputation amongst their peers for the quality of their dogs. Most professional breeders will have a contract with the buyer, guaranteeing the quality and health of the puppy. Certification of a puppy's health can also be requested of the breeder. O.F.A.; C.E.R.F. certification, Baer Testing results are some of the quality checks for dogs. Take the time to find the best animal you can, this is an investment for the next ten to twenty years in the life of your family.
Some of the most common health problems found in Cocker Spaniels are as follows:

Answer 8

Hi. my lab has epilepsy and yes it is very scary. it is common in a lot of breeds of dogs. Vets usually use phenobarbital to combat it or they can use other drugs too. blood work rules out other problems and there are tests such as an ekg to tell you if it is definitely epilepsy. I am not sure what symptoms your dog is showing. My lab throws up and staggers. Her lips peel back but she never falls to the ground. I think she has partial grand Mal seizures. Sometimes they will just be lying down and act as if they are looking at the sun. this is called a petite Mal seizure. They can be triggered, as in my lab, by the heat or the cold.
I hope this helps some

Answer 9

YOU NEED A NEW VET!!! I think seizure disorders and epilepsy is fairly common in dogs. My brother and my in-laws both have dogs who suffered from seizures. Both dogs were given medication (phenobarbital). My brother's dog did not do as well on the meds and his seizures got worse. However, my in-laws dog is doing well on phenobarbital and has been seizure free for a long time. You need a good vet to help regulate the medication, but most dogs can live out a normal healthy seizure free life while on the medication.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 10

Seizure suffering animals are very hard to keep but the love they give makes it worth it. Life actually gets in the way because you are always caring for them and wondering when the next seizure will be.
But, there are meds available. Find a better Dr immediately.

Answer 11

W have a Saint Bernard with Epilepsy. In my experience I would say get the dog to a better vet as soon as possible as these fits are extremely painfiul to the dogs & they will die if not treated soon. I also suggest that if you see the dog having a fit, pet it & talk to it gently. It helps to calm the dog down.

Please dont ignore this. Go to a vet ASAP