Chihuahua's shake, but mini-siezures?

[paterson3713]

Okay, from all of my reading it's quite obvious that chihuahua's are prone to shaking and shivering for whatever reason. Whether their cold, nervous, etc. But lately we've been noticing that our pup has been having what seem like mini-siezures.

He'll just be sitting there, then seem to sorta stare of into space and his head will shake, for about 2-3 seconds. Sometimes when he's doing this he will even fall over.

Is this common, or could it be a serious health issue?

 

[dr2little]

Sound like a seizure I'd get him to a Vet. for sure. Let us know....good luck.

 

[LabBreeder]

a similar situation happened in s.c. at the vet's office i was working at. a guy brought in his male chihuahua and said he was having seizures. he didn't do it while we had him in the room, but as soon as he was in a cage (inside of course) his neck got stiff, his eyes went vacant and his legs gave out on him. it only lasted for about a minute or two, but you could tell it was a seizure. he was put on IV and given something (can't remember now, it's been a few years) to help stop the seizures.
Not to be a downer, but after all the bloodwork and tests were done the vet told the guy to take him home and if it got significantly worse he may want to consider putting the dog down. the guy said he'd take him home (after putting the title to his home up for payment!). he came in a week later and said the seizures were the same, but not as often as long as the dog was kept on the meds.

hopefully it won't be the same with your little one.

 

[paterson3713]

Everything I have read about siezures in dogs people say they lasted 1+ minutes. That's why I'm unsure about this, because it only last 2-3 seconds MAX. Sometimes it only up to a second.

 

[LabBreeder]

hopefully you are catching it early...whatever the problem may be. maybe that's why it's only short seizures, cause you've caught the problem early.

let us know what happens with the vet. i'm sure boss will be ok.

 

[dr2little]

Many dogs live long lives with seizures either on meds.. or depending on the severity, without medication. I still think that it's worth a look/see from your Vet. It really doesn't sound normal. One of my past dogs (Rosie) had seizures, some so mild that she appeared to be licking the air for a few short seconds, with the vacant look that you describe. She was blind and deaf (she was a rescue who suffered from severe breeder neglect) and she was never medicated for her seizures.
This is the first time I've written her name in a while now I'm all choked up...I miss her so very much

 

[paterson3713]

hopefully you are catching it early...whatever the problem may be. maybe that's why it's only short seizures, cause you've caught the problem early.

let us know what happens with the vet. i'm sure boss will be ok.

Yeah I hope we caught it early. They happen quite often, I'd say 2-4 times per hour.

Many dogs live long lives with seizures either on meds.. or depending on the severity, without medication. I still think that it's worth a look/see from your Vet. It really doesn't sound normal. One of my past dogs (Rosie) had seizures, some so mild that she appeared to be licking the air for a few short seconds, with the vacant look that you describe. She was blind and deaf (she was a rescue who suffered from severe breeder neglect) and she was never medicated for her seizures.
This is the first time I've written her name in a while now I'm all choked up...I miss her so very much

Aww that's so sad. I couldn't imagine having enough time to care for a dog like that. That's very kind of you.


He has his next needle coming up next week so we are going to talk to the vet about it then and hopefully find out some answers.

I will let you guys know what happens!

 

[SummerRiot]

I was pet sitting for two people that had two border collies.

one was an epileptic. I babysat there for about a week and no seizures during that time and she wasn't even on meds for it either. Shes not an extremely healthy pup to start with though she has hip displasia and gland problems at times. But other then that she is soo happy and loves life!

Riot and her were best of friends!

 

[thewhitewitchone]

I know this sounds weird and far fetched but could your dog just be falling asleep while sitting up? I have seen dogs do that. Could he possibly have a mild form of narcolepsy? Or maybe he is just tired and trying to fight it. Just a thought...though probably not a very good one.

Pam

 

[paterson3713]

I know this sounds weird and far fetched but could your dog just be falling asleep while sitting up? I have seen dogs do that. Could he possibly have a mild form of narcolepsy? Or maybe he is just tired and trying to fight it. Just a thought...though probably not a very good one.

Pam

That's a good thought actually, but it doesn't look like he's falling asleep. And I definately know he's not tired because he sleeps like 16 hours a day, LOL!

I hope the vet next week has an answer.

 

[Giny]

How old is he and how much does he way? Seeing that he's a toy breed you may want to get his glucose levels checked by the vet. Toy breed puppies are notorious for getting low blood sugar and one symptom of it is seizures. Do you have any Nutrical for him? If you don't then I highly recommend you get some and give him some on a daily bases till you see your vet.

 

[tinksmama]

Pam, your doggie picture is so cute! what kind is she?

 

[thewhitewitchone]

Thanks, Tinksmama. She is a Rat Terrier/Pug.

Pam

 

[tinksmama]

Pam, she reminds me of my little one, who's a peke/chi- but she's only 9 weeks,they could be cousins! haha here's her picture....
http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=313273

 

[thewhitewitchone]

Tinksmama....Yep...they do look similar! Your baby is VERY cute! Wonder what she is going to look like when she is all "growed up". Chynas legs grew more than the rest of her.

Pam

 

[paterson3713]

UPDATE
Brought Boss to the vet today and asked him about his mini-siezures he has been having. He told us not to be worried about it if it doesn't appear to be hurting him. He said it might just be something he does when he tries to focus really hard, like a simple form of torrets, and he might grow out of it.