Dog Community

I think my dog just had a SEIZURE

Posted : 1/9/2007 10:14:52 PM

my 6 year old cockerspaniel mix just became paralyzed, all 4 legs were curled up and rigid and she seemed to be shaking, this lasted for almost 5 minutes and then she became suddenly "normal" she did not wet herself and her face did not seem to be affected.

3 years ago a similar episode landed us at the vet and she was diagnosed with a disc problem in her lower back, she was given a cortisone shot and steroids to reduce inflammation.

I do not know if this suddenly paralyzation could be from a disc problem, it seemed more like a seizure to me. i called the vet and he said there is no way to tell for sure unless they see it happen.

has anyone experienced anything like this with their dog? i am so worried, I want to know what this is so i can fix it, i love her more than anything!

dvet

Posted : 1/9/2007 10:20:31 PM

here is information I used to give clients

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.

Jennifer Moraski

Posted : 1/9/2007 10:25:54 PM

thank you so much for your response.

I'm just not sure if it was a seizure, i know there are all different types and severities but she was completely alert, but paralyzed from the neck down, her legs were rigid and bent underneath her, does this sound like a seizure?

she did not bite at anything or seem confused, just paralyzed and scared ..she was conscious and I moved her to the couch where it eventually stopped as i petted her

I feel that if it was a disc problem, it would be gradually getting worse, or happen more often

dvet

Posted : 1/9/2007 10:37:42 PM

sounds more like a muscle spasm but what it is and what it sounds like can be entirly different...be sure you write down everything, I mean everything you can think up so the vet will have a better idea...Doesnt sound to serious but best to get it checked ASAP, ie tomorrow if possible

Jennifer Moraski

Posted : 1/9/2007 10:57:15 PM

thank u again for your reply. i am going to take her to the vet tomorrow, i only hope they can determine what it is that is happening.