HELP FOR MY WEIM HARVEY

[Deejay09]

My 4 yr old Weimaraner has suddenly started having very strange spasms/seizure type symptoms that has my vet baffled. He will suddenly for no obvious reason, hold his front right leg out high straight in front of him. He knows when it is about to start because he will come looking for me, it panics him and his pupils go very large. This can happen up to 4 or 5 times a day. Some days there are none.

Vet initially tried Rymadil thinking it may be an effect from an unknown injury or pain to no avail. Then tried Epiphen on the basis it may be a seizure, but again, a week on and still occuring although to a lesser degree. These spasms can disapear as quickly as they come on. There seems to be no pattern or specific trigger, although sometimes if caught in the early stages he can be snapped out of it by occupying him with something else.

When in normal mode he is very fit and has good movement. I did notice yesterday whilst he was walking in front of me that for a couple of paces, his back right toes dragged along the road surface and then immediately his front leg came up into spasm.

I know there are multiple possible causes for seizures but just wondered if any one has had experience of this type of behaviour. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Have you had a second opinion? Has he had a brain scan?

Obvs query something neurological, a back problem or something like CDRM (your last par put me in mind) although he is very very young for that.

 

[CAYLA]

Have you had a second opinion? Has he had a brain scan?

Obvs query something neurological, a back problem or something like CDRM (your last par put me in mind) although he is very very young for that.

^^^ I think i would possibly be going down a neurological route too.
It does sound like a very mild seizure.
Is he eating ok? and coughing or difficulty swallowing (odd questions) I know.
Have you had a look up any breed specific conditions out of curiosity.

 

[Deejay09]

No second opinion other than relating symptoms to veterinary nurse who bred him. My vet has suggested brain scan may be next step, and although he is very experienced I would have expected a blood test in first instance to rule out other possibilities.

 

[CAYLA]

I would be going down the blood test route first and then scan, also film an episode. My dog has a very rare neuromuscular problem and I filmed him, we also go what we where looking for in the blood tests so did not have to go with a scan but I was a step away from the scan.

 

[lq22]

Would agree that it sounds neurological. Does he tilt his head sometimes or have any trouble focusing his vision (pupils darting to the side for a split second)? Your nearest vet school will probably be best equipped to do any tests and provide advice on treatment so I'd ask your vet if they would consider referring you.

 

[Deejay09]

Eating very well even more so since being on Epiphen, which I was told to expect. I'm not aware of any breed specific conditions that are similar.

 

[Deejay09]

He does occasionally tilt his head and the eyes sometimes look a bit vacant although I haven't noticed the darting you suggest, but he can snap out of it instantly.

 

[lq22]

They are just some common symptoms of neurological conditions. It's the not knowing what's wrong and how you can help that is worst. I hope you find out soon and your boy is feeling himself too.

 

[Deejay09]

He actually had one of these episodes whilst in the vets and he was totally baffled. Thanks for the comments

 

[CAYLA]

Seizures can commonly be brought on by stress and a vet visit would be a bit stressful. Did you vet not mention running bloods?

 

[Deejay09]

Bloods were not mentioned but I think that will be the next step however I don't know if the Epiphen might have a masking effect now. All the web information seems to suggest that bloods ought to have been the first option.

 

[Deejay09]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Bloods and MRI and spinal fluids now done and it would appear that they are in fact just inexplicable mini seizures and nothing more sinister which can now, hopefully be controlled by the correct medication. Ok we have been relieved of £1500, but have the satisfaction of knowing that there is no tumour and that we have done all that we possibly could to sort the boy out.

Thanks again

 

[Dobiegirl]

Glad you got your dog sorted out and its nothing life threatening and can be controlled, cant believe it cost that amount of money I just hope you are insured.