Epilepsy in small dogs - any help most welcome

Orthe's Daystars

Orthe's Daystars

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 January 2013
Messages
105
Location
New Forest
Visit site
Hi there Our 3 year old sweetheart of a JR has had 3 short fits so far - 1st 3 months ago, then 2 in past 24 hours. She staggers around, shaking head, wobbles but doesn't fall, shaking and very frightened. Doesn't lose consciousness but very 'out of it'. Helps if cuddled. Took to our good vet yesterday who has taken bloods to try & rule out other possibilities& to check liver function etc. I have no experience of epilepsy and need to find out as much as I can? Poor little dog is so scared & so am I She is the love of my husband's life (mine too) and I just want to help her cope. Does this shorten life expectancy? She is insured with Petplan (covered for life) not that money matters - animals come 1st in this house! Any advice/info very welcome???
 
I have a blue working Lakie who has always had "petite mal" episodes,she is semi out of it during these.She is not given any treatment,just left alone to be quiet and recover,now she is approaching twelve years old.I doubt very much if it will shorten her life either,treatments are not usually very successful,and can make things worse.Just LEAVE alone,perhaps in a dog crate covered over?She has enough going on in her head at tose times and does need peace ,same as humans.
 
Tod my Old Black & Tan Working strain Lakeland started with Petite Mal at about 18 months and he lived to 16 1/2 years, he could go over 12 months without a fit or have 3 on the same day just keep calm and re assure the dog firm hands seem to be a great comfort to him and he never was treated with any medication.
 
I have quite a bit of experience with epilepsy in Norwich Terriers (I no longer have the breed since my last Norwich died).

If all the blood work on your dog came back negative for anything causative or sinister, the diagnosis will be idiopathic epilepsy (idiopathic meaning arising spontaneously and for which there is no known cause). Your description of your dog's seizures is very similar to those of my dogs. Being there for your dog is comforting for her. It is recommended that you keep her quiet and away from any loud noises or activities when she is in the throes of a seizure. Seeing as she had two fits in one day, my inclination would be to have a consultation with your vet about the possibility of putting your dog on daily medication. The danger of frequent seizures, particularly several in one day, is the possibility of status epilepticus. This condition is described as seizures lasting thirty minutes or more, or clusters of smaller fits that last for thirty minutes with little recovery time in between. It is a medical emergency. The most commonly used drug is phenobarbital. Some dogs respond well to a very small dose, and others need a much higher dose to be effective. Two of my Norwich were on medication to control their seizures. 'Control' is the operative word here. In the case of my little dogs, one was on 60mgs a day, while the other needed 120mgs daily. The boys were the same weight, but each one metabolised the drug differently. Every six months they had blood tests to analyse the effects of the drug on their livers. Before they were medicated, both boys vomited violently post seizures. The drug eliminated the vomiting and the intensity of the fits if they had the occasional break-through seizure. That's where the 'control' comes in, by ameliorating the severity of the seizures. Both boys were as active and lively as any 'normal' dog. They both lived to be almost 16 years old, a great age for any dog, epileptic or not.

I hope this has given you an insight into this condition. It need not be the end of the world for your relationship with your beloved pet.
 
my old boy had petit Mal fits regularly and he lived to 15.5 years old. He would suddenly shake, and wobble and be clearly absent. could last for about 10 mins at a time. Odd thing was I could bring him out with cheese. Strong cheddar was the best. if I got him to sniff it and eat it he would come out of his fit. Vet was astounded by it but it worked every time. He was distressed by them and needed reassurance, and calm handling. But I never stopped him from doing anything. Just meant I always had cheese on me.
 
please listen to your vet re: treatment not internet forums but for helping her until diagnosis-leave alone during a seizure, just talk to her and keep the room darkened and quiet.
 
SusieT said:
please listen to your vet re: treatment not internet forums but for helping her until diagnosis-leave alone during a seizure, just talk to her and keep the room darkened and quiet.
Click to expand...
Thanks to all the kind people who have bothered to reply to my post still waiting for reply from vet about her blood results. Will post again as soon I have any more info. No more fits so far today. Lots of thanks from Welly the JR
 
Our staff has 3 grand mal seizures in 24hous and was put on phenobarbital, currently 50 mg twice a day but we've just had her first bloodtest (only diagnosed 6weeks ago) so may change.

Shes only had one fit since when she missed a tablet (our house got flooded :/ ) and is quite happy to take them. So needing meds isn't the end of the world. hope you all sorted soon :)

ps. if you ring petplan you might get me I work in customer services :D
 
hi i have an english bull terrier and up until a year ago he was fitting several times a month ,very randomly and in different circumstances each time,he was put onto phenobarbital which did not suit him at all i was feeding a supermarket dried complete food and it never occured to me that it could have been allergies causing it . we changed his food to a gluten and allergen free dried complete and he hasnt had a fit since. im not saying your dog is the same but just consider what outside factors may be involved . good luck hope ur doggy is ok.xx
 
Have just heard back from vet - she has liver enzymes that are too high & will be going in next week to have liver fasting function tests. She is so fit, active & full of life I'm hoping its nothing too serious. She's the most accident prone dog we have ever had - gate shut on her, dew claw pulled off, several wire cuts, horse stood on paw & broke it!! If she can find a way to worry us she will!! She's on first named terms with all our vets & receptionists, so hopefully this is just another "Welly moment"!!! Will post again once we know more, thanks for all your kindness she means the world to us!!
 
Tomorrow is "test day" at vets for Welly - she is not going to be impressed with the nil by mouth! Thinking back (we have been fighting a bad flea infestation & I wonder if 2 doses of Frontline - which incidentally did NOT work + Stronghold has caused her liver problems & hence fits?

Anyone else had this sequence? I doubt vets will agree but I feel as if we have poisoned our own lovely dog!! Would really like to hear from anyone with similar problems.

Many thanks in advance!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top