SEIZING PUG? TEMPORARY PARALYSIS? PLEASE HELP!!!

New Topic

SEIZING PUG? TEMPORARY PARALYSIS? PLEASE HELP!!!

Posted : 1/20/2007 1:51:56 PM

I could really use help here guys! So I have a female pug aged 3 years 8 months. About 3 months or so ago, I began to notice that she was having problems with her balance. At first it was just after she woke up, like when you came home from school/work, etc. She was jump up to greet you and would lose her balance and fall over on her side. At first she would get right up, so I watched her for a few days to see in the behavior replicated itself. I noticed that it wasn't an everyday thing, and after the first few week she didn't stopped doing it. I also noticed that she had a minor ear infection, so I began to give her ear drops the vet had prescribed for a previous infection.
Then about two weeks later it started up again, but this time it was worse. Now she would completely fall over on her side and lie there as though she were frozen. Within a two-day time period, I would come home from school or walk into a room after hearing a thud to find her lying on her side all four legs completely outstretched and stiff, unable to move, with her eyes wide. At this point, I decided that something was most definately wrong. I took her to my veterinarian along with the ear drops that had been prescribed for her and voiced my concerns. At this point I felt that Midge might have some neurological problems. The vet essentially glossed over my concerns stating that it was simply an inner ear infection, and that I should continue to give the ear drops. I was told that inner ear infections could cause a loss of balance. I discussed with her that I felt Midge's loss of control was more than merely the side effects of an ear infection, but she simply stated that with a small dog ear infections could hit a little harder. At my insistence I was able to convince her to take my dog's temperature, which came back normal, and in the end, I went back home with my ear drops and no answers.
Initially she got better. Her ear infection went away, she stopped having her episodes, and I thought maybe the vet had been right. But then yesterday I noticed that she wasn't walking - or rather she could only do so with great difficulty. When I picked her up from the couch and put her on the floor, she stood as though she were in pain, with her back arched like a cat does when angry. When I tried to call her to me, she walked with this hitching motion, and I could see muscle spasms shooting down her back. I immediately took her into the vet - a different vet - the one I used to use before I moved. Although she was much better by the time we got there - approximately 45 minutes - he was able to appreciate the hitching motion that had initally concerned me that day. He ran some bloodwork, all of which came back normal, and is still unable to tell me what is wrong with her.
I know this is wrong, but can anyone PLEASE HELP ME! I don't know what to do. Once we got back from the vet Midge was perfectly fine, and today she is her usual self, but I know something is wrong.

Gratefully Yours,

Courtney

mrv

Posted : 1/20/2007 2:06:08 PM

I would take her to a vet school clinic for an evalation...will be pricey

dvet

Posted : 1/20/2007 10:03:09 PM

agree with Mrv.. here is literature that I gave to clients...might help and if the seizures are repetative....keep this on hand

http://www.ivis.org/special_books/Braund/berendt/chapter_frm.asp?LA=1

SEIZURE FIRST AID

Obviously the first thing to do is call your vet or an emergency clinic. (It is a good idea to keep an emergency number on your refrigerator regardless of your dog's health ... you never know when you may need it.)

Don't be surprised if your vet says to wait about 10 minutes and then call back if the seizure is still in progress. The reason for this is that most seizures will be over within approximately 10 minutes.

In the meantime, throw a heavy blanket over the patient and, if possible, hold him in a position to avoid self-inflicted damage. Do not try to kiss or hug the dog; there is a chance the dog may snap and bite, especially children. Dogs do not do this intentionally.

You may push gently on the eyeballs (on the lids, of course) to help stimulate the vagus nerve,possibly slowing the seizure. Start this immediately that you suspect a seizure, ie facial twitching, snapping at imaginary flies..apply this pressure for 10 to 60 seconds and it may be necessary to repeat it every 5 or 10 minutes…

Above all, don't panic because a great percentage of dogs will pull out of a seizure and be none the worse for wear.

For dogs that are seizure-prone, try to avoid stimulation such as flashing television pictures, flashing lights, excessive and strange noises (such as sirens or kids' toys). You can't avoid thunder,but you can take the dog into a closet or any place where you can administer TLC.

During a storm, create happy distractions by playing soft music, adopting a happy tone of voice during stressful situations, closing the curtains, and turning on lights to minimize the effects of lightning.

If a dog is seizure-prone, avoid sudden arousal from a deep sleep or too much excitement.

Above all, assuming the seizure passes, keep a diary as to how often the seizures occur and the motions and movements the dog makes.

It should never be necessary to put a block in a dog's mouth during a seizure but if you feel you have to do it, use a rolled-up cloth because the dog can chomp so hard he could break a tooth or even his jaw. You should not have to hold a dog so tight as to break a bone. Use a heavy blanket or pillows to hold him down.

Finally, once out of the seizure, it may take the dog anywhere from five minutes to one hour to completely recover as he has hallucinated (it is thought) and expended a lot of energy.

STAY CALM BECAUSE YOUR DOG CAN'T.