What happened to our dog?
Discussion
OP, the symptoms you describe, including the post-fit disorientation (I think the vet called this a "fugue state"), drinking a lot and then sleep, match those of our dalmatian cross who was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Sadly, at the age of two, he went into status and fitted continuously for 36 hours, and we had to have him put down. Shame. He was a brilliant dog.
Wish I could tell you something positive.
Sadly, at the age of two, he went into status and fitted continuously for 36 hours, and we had to have him put down. Shame. He was a brilliant dog.
Wish I could tell you something positive.
My late springer x lab was epileptic and fitted similar to yours. They started at 3 and continued off and on for the rest of his life. He was on epiphen twice daily which kept it fairly well controlled.
If it's any consolation, I always thought it was worse for us than for him, as when he came round he was oblivious to it and was ready for a wobbly walk or some grub!
His also seemed to trigger when he was "wound up" in some way.
I also think it helps to leave them alone during a fit, no stimulus by stroking etc.
Probably sounds awful to you but I used to just shut him in the kitchen and leave him to it until he was ready.
If it's any consolation, I always thought it was worse for us than for him, as when he came round he was oblivious to it and was ready for a wobbly walk or some grub!
His also seemed to trigger when he was "wound up" in some way.
I also think it helps to leave them alone during a fit, no stimulus by stroking etc.
Probably sounds awful to you but I used to just shut him in the kitchen and leave him to it until he was ready.
Edited by Dennis99 on Wednesday 6th June 12:23
boobles said:
They were 100% certain that it wasn't brain related or anything else too serious but like I keep saying, "something is causing this to happen"
I'd have it done more to rule things out. I may be jumping the gun or being ott. But I know 100% if it were my Jimmy and he started doing this at his age (he's 8) I'd want the MRI then I could concentrate on the fits and not worrying that it could be something else.Dennis99 said:
I also think it helps to leave them alone during a fit, no stimulus by stroking etc.
Probably sounds awful to you but I used to just shut him in the kitchen and leave him to it until he was ready.
Not sure if dogs respond the same, but humans respond much better when coming out of a fit if someone they know is with them. When coming round you are often disorientated and confused and having someone you know with you and talking to you can be very re-assuring. Although Mr XL has never rubbed behind my ears...Probably sounds awful to you but I used to just shut him in the kitchen and leave him to it until he was ready.
OP, I hope you get a positive outcome and some answers. Epileptic cats and dogs are not uncommon and are mostly treated with medication same as humans.
mrsxllifts said:
Not sure if dogs respond the same, but humans respond much better when coming out of a fit if someone they know is with them. When coming round you are often disorientated and confused and having someone you know with you and talking to you can be very re-assuring. Although Mr XL has never rubbed behind my ears...
OP, I hope you get a positive outcome and some answers. Epileptic cats and dogs are not uncommon and are mostly treated with medication same as humans.
I agree.... He seems to come round fairly quickly knowing that we are there with him. I am dreading the day we are not there for him. OP, I hope you get a positive outcome and some answers. Epileptic cats and dogs are not uncommon and are mostly treated with medication same as humans.
Just caught up on this thread, I hope he is ok and Im crossing my fingers for you.
A friend used to have a Gordon Setter and she had fits quite a bit, I never saw it happen but my wife did and she said it wasn't pleasant and she felt a bit helpless when it happened.
Hoping the best for you!
A friend used to have a Gordon Setter and she had fits quite a bit, I never saw it happen but my wife did and she said it wasn't pleasant and she felt a bit helpless when it happened.
Hoping the best for you!
After speaking to the vet for half hour yesterday she has ruled out an MRI scan at this stage because he acts perfectly normal & shows no sign of anger. She said that anyone who has come to her with a dog with a brain tumour have all said the same thing... "this isn't my dog anynore" She went on to explain that he would have shown signs by now of being aggresive & completely diffrent to how we know him. She has prescribed some pills (can't remember the name) but they are supposedly safe & won't cause him any harm. He has to take two a day & this should reduce the amount of fits to maybe 2 or 3 per year. She did say that he will act strange for a couple of weeks until he is used to them. Wasn't keen on putting him on medication but she assures me that these particular tablets are fine for him.
bexVN said:
Fair enough and she does have a good point re: behaviour and least it's been discussed thoroughly for you now. Hope the medication helps him. I was thinking more about ruling out a possibility of a tumour rather than confirmng. (I like ruling things out )
I hope so because not all brain tumours lead to changes in behaviour.)R300will said:
bexVN said:
Fair enough and she does have a good point re: behaviour and least it's been discussed thoroughly for you now. Hope the medication helps him. I was thinking more about ruling out a possibility of a tumour rather than confirmng. (I like ruling things out )
I hope so because not all brain tumours lead to changes in behaviour.). Damned if you do and all that.bexVN said:
R300will said:
bexVN said:
Fair enough and she does have a good point re: behaviour and least it's been discussed thoroughly for you now. Hope the medication helps him. I was thinking more about ruling out a possibility of a tumour rather than confirmng. (I like ruling things out )
I hope so because not all brain tumours lead to changes in behaviour.). Damned if you do and all that.Hey I appreciate everyone's help & advice on here. I think she was basing it on other factors like his brain function being normal & the fact that they are happening once a month. She didn't rule out an MRI scan altogether & perhaps I should have said that, but at the moment they don't seem to be concerned about it being brain related & this is why they suggested these tablets & see how he gets on.
Boobles my comment was in no way a dig at you or a criticism of your vet. Sometimes I find it hard to know when I've said enough or not esp as I don't want to be going against vets who know your pets better. Too much experience is not always a good thing! Anyway I hope the meds do the trick.
bexVN said:
Boobles my comment was in no way a dig at you or a criticism of your vet. Sometimes I find it hard to know when I've said enough or not esp as I don't want to be going against vets who know your pets better. Too much experience is not always a good thing! Anyway I hope the meds do the trick.
I am always thankfull for you're help & advice aswell as others. I was also suprised that the vet didn't seem concerned & I am going to see how he gets on with these tablets & if the fits continue, I will see a different vet. 
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