Need answers (Epilepsy, seizures?)

[Parajaka]

I first witnessed my Pomeranian lose control of all four legs, trying to regain balance and being unsuccessful three years ago. Nearly three years go by without another 'episode,' and he has now done it twice this year.

Veterinarian appointment will be on Monday or Tuesday, but I'd like to find some reasons before then.

He will lose control of all legs, basically scooting across the ground trying to get back up. He salivates quite a bit (not foamy). When I tried to pick him up during this episode, he scooted out of my hand twice.
Although, he does become stiff-like, he doesn't collapse to his side in a shake induced seizure.

He was around three years old the first time and is now six.

 

[SeniorPetLover]

Did you give him Ivermectin recently? I ask because I have a dog that has seizures if I give her HeartGuard...the vet did not believe me when I first took her in, but it is now a known possible side effect. I use a different drug for my heartworm preventative and she no longer has seizures. Have there been any other changes in his diet or in any of his treat or grooming supplies that can be related to the prior episode? Your vet will want you to record the date and time of each seizure along with the duration and any other information like how he acted prior to or after the seizure and how long it took to return to normal behavior. Keep a log of this and then you can begin to see if there are any similarities or patterns...blood tests will reveal if it is something obvious, but often they are idiopathic and your vet will need as many details as possible in order to try to figure out what is going on. Good luck to you...I know how scary it is. I hope you can find resolution!

 

[bubbatd]

It's so hard to go through !!!! Glad that you are vet checking !

 

[elegy]

When he's doing it, is he responsive to you?

Vet checking is a good plan. Hopefully they'll have some answers or at least a course of action for figuring out what's going on.

Usually with seizures, you don't start medication unless they're happening more than once a month.

Good luck!

 

[bubbatd]

Agree on the medication !

 

[darkchild16]

I wouldnt do it period with that rare of the occurance of them. Phenobarbital can destroy a liver and cause major liver issues in dogs.

I have a Greyhound that I have had for four years now. He had a few seizures after we had had him about a year and teo a few weeks ago. We found out his were due to stress and excitement. If you are truely worried that it may occure more often a natural way to help prevent them it doesnt prevent them completely mind you but it does help is Green Tea. Hope this helps.

 

[elegy]

Having just ended up head first in the whole seizure thing (thanks Harv) one thing that I've learned is that while, yes, phenobarb can have effects on the liver, the danger has been somewhat overblown. Monitoring liver values is important, but if that is done regularly, those effects can generally be caught while they're still reversible and other medication can be used.