Winston's panic episodes (or seizures?)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Starting a new discussion to make it clear that the mouse is no longer the prime suspect in Winston's saga. He's at the ER where he's been since early this afternoon, being observed for what I can only believe is some sort of neurological issue.

His 'fits' start with with him suddenly bolting upright, a bit of drool falls out of his mouth, and then he starts wailing and flailing around, jumps on something (couch, bed, etc) pees and poops, and then sits there shaking and crying. Then suddenly, it clears up and it's as if it never happened. For the one he had first thing this morning we were heading out the door for a walk and it started. He ran down the hall, down the stairs and outside to the car, and begged me to let him in the car where I guess he feels safe (that's when I took off to my friends place, thinking if it was a mouse it wouldn't happen there, but sure enough, it did, and so off the the ER we went).  I am just so thankful it didn't happen while I was driving!

I think I will go pick him up in the morning and bring him to my vet's office which opens at 7am. They are not looking after him very well there, nobody knows what's going on, nobody is sharing information with each other. They didn't know about his food trial even though I told them when I admitted him and again over the phone. They didn't know he needed his thyroid medicine. Nobody in the back knew I was in the visitor room waiting to see Winston. I had to go knock on doors.  When I finally saw him he was still covered in his pee and poop and nobody had cleaned him or treated him yet. No blood tests were taken.

They told me the reason they haven't cleaned him yet is because he was nervous around them. That is impossible because there isn't a living, breathing, thing on earth that Winston doesn't adore. They didn't understand the seriousness at all. They just chalked it up to a nervous dog and a nervous owner. I explained, again, that he is not a nervous dog, and has never shown fear before, ever. Nothing startles him, bothers him or upsets him in any way, ever. I think they finally got it but how frustrating??? So in total I waited three hours, and maybe got about 20 minutes with him before he had another episode and they took him back to give him some valium. I waited for the vet to come talk to me and finally had to go knocking on doors again and it seemed nobody knew I was still there. Meanwhile the whole time I was sitting in that room, it turned out Winston was right on the other side of the wall. All someone had to do was bring him through the door. They promised a real live vet would call with a full update first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately the saddest news is that they have no idea what it is, and said they have never seen anything like this before. I asked them what the point was of me leaving him there if nobody was going to tend to him or treat him in any way. They reassured me they were watching him closely and that it was the only way for them to get a sense of what is wrong.

I'm thinking I will get him out of there in the morning and for now, at least he's spending the night with a doctor, so if something bad happens then he will be looked after. But if the issue is fear and fear only I sure wish I could be there with him. I hate the thought of him having these episodes with nobody there to comfort him. :(

I'm sure there's a gazillion spelling errors here, sorry but I'm so tired...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sherri, I am so sorry for you and Winston.  He is such a lucky boy to have you for an owner.  I know that you will get to the bottom of this with a full diagnosis.  Ned, Clancy and I are sending our best wishes for a quick diagnosis and a full recovery.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It is so sad to go through this when you have enough to worry about with Winston. I certainly don't know much about dog's neurological problems but I do not think this sounds just like fear. It comes out of the blue and yes, panic can. But the sypmtoms just sound too dramatic. The Valium should be helpful no matter what. I hope your vet is open tomorrow, it's a federal holiday here. Thanks for updating us, get some rest if you can.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear that Winston is having this issue Sherri. I just feel so bad for the poor guy. He just can't seem to get a break! Thanks for all your love and care for him. I know he is in the best hands with you and I hope you get some answers to this mystery soon.  Hugs!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sherri, I feel so bad for you and Winston.

These are not panic attacks. There has to be something physical behind it, whether it's thyroid, hormonal, neurological, whatever. He's not just going to just suddenly freak out like that while sitting quietly in his home with his canine and feline sisters and his mom right there. He's not a nervous dog, we know that, but even if he was, this still wouldn't happen. And if there was some exterior thing that was triggering it, like the previously discussed mouse, fireworks, whistles, etc., then it wouldn't have kept happening at your friend's house, the vet clinic, etc.

The sudden stare that precedes it sounds like something neurological to me, but I am not a medical professional and would not want to make any guesses.

I just want you to know that I am thinking about you and Winston and I am here for you- we all are- with whatever help I can give, even if it's just to make sure you know you are not alone in this.

Sending hugs and positive thoughts for you and your boy.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Dear Sherri,

I am so very very sorry that Winston, you, Sophie and the Kitty are going through this. Poor Winston must be so confused and frightened, and clearly you must be worried sick as any of us would be. I am praying the vets can clearly determine what is wrong with Winston and present an effective treatment plan tomorrow. I also pray that you will have comfort knowing so many of us care and are praying for all of you. I hope you are able to get some sleep tonight.

Please update us as often as you can. We are all hoping for a quick recovery.

hugs and doodle kisses from bonnie, kona and owen

[Leslie and Halas]

I feel so awful for both of you. It doesn't sound like the ER is doing much for him, but maybe the Valium will help relax him. If he does have another episode, let's hope they make some notes about it so they can pass along the information. I hope your regular vet can do more for him tomorrow.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm so sorry, I hope you get some answers soon.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

the vet just called asking a ton of questions about his thyroid. They think the dosage he got has been all wrong. They are redoing some blood work and since he's lost 9lbs since I've had him. i'm so hoping this is the answer as it will be just a quick fix.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Sherri! I am hoping and praying this is the answer and the correct dosage can be determined quickly. Poor guy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh Sherri, this would be such an "easy fix".  I so hope this is what is wrong.  You have been through so much, and I know you're heartsick about your Dood.  I'm praying for some answers today.  Please keep us posted.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm also hoping this will be the answer. Hugs to you, I'll be waiting to hear some good news!

[Leslie and Halas]

I hope that's it.