Seizure disorder??? Please help.

Shannyn · 03-21-2007, 08:36 PM

Hi, I'm new here and would really appreciate any advice or information you could give me. Sorry for the long post - I'm just so worried.

Two weeks ago this was my situation: I have a 6 month spayed female chihuahua, Lola. I spent a lot of time socializing her and she gets along perfectly with dogs, cats and absolutely LOVES new people. She never barks, whines, or growls, doesn't jump up or beg, and waits patiently to be picked up.

But starting two weeks ago, several things happened. She started barking at EVERY little noise (a loud step, door closing) it seemed almost fear-induced, she started whining constantly (something she hasn't done for a few months), was being aggressive towards dogs she didn't know, and shaking with any new people or places (typical chi, I know, but not typical Lola).

I took her to the vet today, because I was at a loss - all my hard socializing and training seemed to be worthless. The vet was as befuddled as me, and thought it looked like she was having separation anxiety reactions when I set her on the floor until we noticed a strange repetitive head movement - something I had seen but never considered a problem.

Lola, when sitting or standing still will move her head up and back (almost curious like) for 3-4 seconds, and then move it forward quickly, almost like a miniature lunge - over and over. He said it looks like the beginnings of a seizure disorder. I'm supposed to record her "episodes" and see if the head movement is constant, episodic, or only occurs when certain things are happening. I'm also supposed to watch her eyes for uneven dilating and rapid movement. He is doing more research, because he's never had experience with this specific type of head movement.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation or seizures in general?

What was the outcome/ how was it handled?

What are the chances of this becoming a life-threatening type of disorder?

Thank you so much for your time and any information you have. Sorry again for the long post.

Shannyn & Lola

sobreeze · 03-21-2007, 09:32 PM

My dog Sherman a Westie mix has had sezures most of his life and he is 10 years old . His starts by rocking back and forth very unsteady on his feet shaking a lot it does not last long and he only has them about every 2 to 3 months . But if he starts having them alot more often we will try puttig him on meds for sezures. I have never heard of this type before did your vet do a bloodworkup on your pup that sometimes will help pinpoint the cause. Hope you find answers soon good luck .

Ginny01OT · 03-21-2007, 10:10 PM

My sister has a chihuachua who also just developed seizure disorder (Cha-cha is a little over a year old). They ran some blood tests which all seem to come out normal. In a few weeks they want to check her kidneys, etc. Interestingly my sister just changed her dog food to a better brand because she is hoping that the seizures were precipitated by an allergic reaction to the food she was eating. She also put the cat food out of reach as she was also eating some of the cats food. She is hoping this would resolve the issue--which would actually be the best way for it to resolve--otherwise it is more testing. Good luck.

Shannyn · 03-21-2007, 10:31 PM

Thank you both!

Blood-work was not done, I will discuss this with my vet.

And she has always (even with her breeder) eaten Science Diet, so I don't think it's a food allergy.

Thanks again, any other info. would be great.

Shannyn

briteday · 03-22-2007, 01:35 AM

Science Diet could be a food allergy since it is pretty heavy in the grains dept, and dogs don't digest grains very well. It is well known that wheat and corn are some of the worst dog allergens. Just because you can buy it at a vet's office doesn't mean that it is high quality.
If your dog has a seizure disorder, depending on the severity and frequency of the seizures the vet may put the dog on some meds. Phenobarbital is the most common one. It is generic, cheap, and can even be bought at a pharmacy with a prescription.
I just fostered a dog with seizure disorder because her owners lost their apartment. Since money had been an issue for the owners and the dog was on a kibble with corn as the first ingredient, I tried switching him to a higher quality food with more animal protein. For the 6 weeks that I had the dog it never had a seizure. Previously he had been seizing at least once per month.
Also, especially with a small breed, you must be sure to feed at least 2x/day. They can have what appear to be seizures because of low blood sugar. If they go too long between meals...well if you've ever done that yourself you know how you get all shaky and dizzy.

Ginny01OT · 03-22-2007, 04:23 PM

Oh wow, I have to tell my sister, that may make her feel better. Let's keep our fingers crossed that food is the culprit!!