Convulsions/seizures

[Irish]

My brother's 7-year-old mixed breed, who has been totally healthy, went into severe convulsions today. Or seizures - I'm not sure what the difference is. Anyway, the dog was fine one minute, seizing the next. The thing is, he did not stop, he kept doing it. He would stop briefly, and would lay there panting, and as soon as he'd try to get up - he would go into seizures again. My brother rushed him to the emergency vet, and he is still there, they have to keep over night. They ran blood tests and checked his kidneys, and nothing abnormal came up. Their first thought was anti-freeze poisoning but now they don't think so because the kidneys are checking out fine.
I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions on what this could be?

 

[poodlesmom]

One of my dogs, Chloe, has a seizure a few months ago but luckily it has never repeated. I have never had any experience with cluster seizures which is what it sounds like your brother's dog had. There are meds that can usually help depending on the cause of the seizures. He's in the best place to get the care he needs & I'll keep him in my prayers that the vets are able to help him out. Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

 

[bubbatd]

I'm so sorry......the number in a row really bothers me. One of my sold pups had 3 in a row...antifreeze was questioned, but proved false too. He did love golf balls anad they wondered if he chewed one up ...I guess the core of a golf ball is a real no-no for dogs. He's never had one since then. Good luck !!! let us know...........

 

[chell78]

Hmm I am wondering if he was posioned in some way?? snail pellets make them seizure like that as well. Its a bit strange it came on so suddenly and so many of them, I hope he is doing ok and they have figured out why he is doing this!
Send him our love!!

 

[Renee750il]

Heat stroke, as well as dehydration, I have read, can make them seize like that as well. There are all sorts of causes. Hopefully this was an isolated incident!

Keep us posted; we'll all be waiting and worrying about him!

 

[bubbatd]

another thing that was questioned besides the golf balls, was poison put in neighbor's mole holes.

 

[Irish]

Well, my brother was able to pick up his dog this morning. They found nothing to positively diagnosis him, but they are starting him on Phenobarbital to control the seizures, high dosage at first, then tapering to a lower dosage. Poor guy is tired and worn out, but not seizing for now.

Thanks a lot for all your input and prayers!

 

[BabyBoo]

Hi Irish. My dog was just recently (this month actually...it seems like a lot of dogs here are having the same problem?) "diagnosed" with canine epilepsy. He too has to take medication- but he is taking Potassium Bromide. Phenobarbital is very harsh on the liver and, if used for a long time can cause liver damage. I would suggest that your brother talk to his vet ASAP about switiching your dog's medicine to PB once they get the seizures under control. Please go to this website http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com It has everything you need to know about canine seizures and the medication.

Believe me I know what it's like..I'll be praying for the doggy.

 

[Irish]

Thank you Babyboo for that info. I did not know that pheno is hard on the liver. I will definetly tell by brother about the Potassim Bromide, especially if he'll have to be on it long term. Thanks again!