Austin is having Seizures

[godfreyc]

OK everybody our new rescue boy is having seizures. He had 2 on sunday and pretty sure he's had 2 previous to that. I've never had this problem with a dog before so you guys please educate me some before I go into the vet. From what I've read this morning on the web he show classic symptoms for moderate (grand mal) seizures but I have no idea what would cause them. What should we be testing for? What is our best course of action in terms of food? What do those of you who have dogs that have seizures do and could this be a temporary issue that will go away? Thanks in advance for the help.

[jas'smom]

I just went through this seizure episode with my Anya. She had one full seizure and has not had one since. Took her to the vet, they did a complete blood work up, and urine check, no abnormalities other that evidence of an infection. We put her on antibiotics and she has been fine. I also had a terrier who suddenly started having seizures. He too had a staff infection and when the infection cleared up the seizures stopped. Not saying that an infection is the cause of your pups seizures just that there can be many causes.. and your vet should guide you in this. At the very least I would get the blood work done as soon as possible.

[godfreyc]

We have an appointment for today at 2. Hopefully I can at least get some guidance.

[LavenderRott]

I don't have any advice but will be thinking of your boy this afternoon.

[jas'smom]

Originally Posted by godfreyc

We have an appointment for today at 2. Hopefully I can at least get some guidance.

It's frustrating, since you have to adopt such a "wait and see" posture:( until the tests come in. All Anya's tests were negative and the vet says just watch her.

[godfreyc]

what are they testing for?? sorry but I have no clue. I guess from what you said infection, but can they find other things that are causing it? I heard once that unless a dog is having a seizure in the vet's office it's almost impossible to diagnose?

[spidey]

This is likely to be a bit tricky to diagnose with a rescue, since you don't know his history. Normally, seizures that start as adults are related to something else (liver problem, kidney problem, infection, whatever), and aren't related to epilepsy. You'll want a full blood work-up on him at very least. Seizures can definitely be one-time things, but four seizures in close proximity is worrying.

I can't really offer anything else to help you, but I'll be thinking of you!

[jas'smom]

it can be anything from diabeties to a brain tumor, liver problems, epilepsi (spelling?)) a whole host of things. You might want to take a urine sample with you too although the first pee of the morning is best for this. And yes it can be hard to diagnose what the problem is that being said on the more upbeat side sometimes they go through these attacks and never have another one.

[godfreyc]

hhhmmmm, urine sample. Hey, there he goes hurry :D

[jas'smom]

Originally Posted by godfreyc

hhhmmmm, urine sample. Hey, there he goes hurry :D

its easier with the girls!!;) I have a regular bowl that I use, keep it seperate:p the look on Anya's face when i shoved it under her was priceless!!! ARE YOU CRAZY!!!!!

[Brooke&Ryan]

Thinking good thoughts for Austin.

Please keep us updated!

:)
Brooke

[godfreyc]

Well, the vet did a full blood panel on Austin yesterday. He said that if any of his levels are elevated it will show that. He said it could be anything from organ damage or malformed organs (he kept mentioning liver shunts) to head trauma or a brain tumor although he wouldn't expect a brain tumor in a dog so young. He did say that he looks good to him in every way and he's surprised. Austin is putting on weight at a good rate about 3 pounds in 2 weeks so far. The tests won't tell us if he has a tumor or head trauma and very well might not say anything at all. He agreed with my SO kinda and said that if there's an underlying problem and the crate causes him alot of stress then it could trigger a seizure. Because of that I left him outside in the kennel with my youngest girl for company last night. That's the first time he's slept all night since he got here. The vet said if we could leave him out of the crate in the house to try it, but he's still a pup and chews everything within reach. I'd baby gate him in the laundry room but he has no respect for baby gates and just blows through it. I'm begining to wonder if he's going to be able to adjust to life inside. He lays in the living room while we watch tv in the evening but after a bit when it's time for bed, he gets antsy and starts to pace until you let him out. Anyway they'll call with his results sometime today and I'll let you all know what they say. Thanks for the help and support.

[jas'smom]

I will be waiting for the news!! Also, since he stresses in the crate you might try crating him for shorter periods and building up to longer times. Not sure if you have tried this yet. I feed my puppies in their crates and they get their "goodies" there too, such as bones etc.

[godfreyc]

oh if there was ever a dog that should love his crate it's this boy. He gets a goodie everytime he goes in there. I think because he started out life as a stray he's just not use to being confined. He walked in it when he thought no one was looking last night but came right back out. I am thinking of looking online today for a wire crate instead of my vari-kennels, maybe if it feels more open he'll do better.

[godfreyc]

OK I talked to the fill in vet yesterday, he told me the readings that were out of range and his opinion then said to call back Thursday when my regular vet is in. He advised that his cholesterol was high at 239 but he doesn't think that's anything to worry about. High end of normal range is 230. His Magnesium is low at 1.0 with normal range being between 1.5 - 2.5 and his Phosphorus is high at 7.9 with normal being between 2.5 - 6.0 but he thinks that can be explained because he's a puppy and those two have to do with bone growth somehow. His Platlet count was high at 431 with the top of the normal range being 400 and he said that just means his blood will clot faster. Basicly nothing that would cause seizures. He said he could refer me to Auburn if I wanted a definitive diagnosis but that wouldn't really change the course of treatment because 99% of the time it's epilepsy. He also advised that is he's had 4 within a two week period he thinks we probably have a problem and he'll need some medication. He said that they don't use Phenobarbatol any more they prefer Potassium Bromide. All this and then he stressed the fact that I needed to call back thursday and talk to my regular vet. Anyone have any opinions on any of this MaryDVM if you read this and have an opinion I'd love to hear it. Oh and he also said that if a dog only has a couple of seizures a year they prefer not to treat it. Thanks everyone.