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...

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Sherri, I am sorry to hear about Winston.  I'll keep you both in my thoughts and hope that you get some news (hopefully good news!) soon. 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Got an appointment with my vet for 130pm. I also got a pee sample this morning so will bring that in.

The receptionist suggested that if it's fear it could be all the snow plows as she has seen some cases of that this past week. We had our first big snow on Christmas day and there has been a lot of snow. so there have been a lot of snow plows lately. I don't get why he would all of a sudden be petrified of snow plows, and I haven't noticed a connection, but I suppose that is a possibility to consider. Not too convinced though as he certainly doesn't react to every snow plow and I would think that would be the case if this was his fear.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He was living outdoors when you got him! I highly doubt he got this freaked out, to scream, run frantically, and lose control of his bladder and bowels because he heard a snowplow outside while lying safe indoors.

Perhaps the receptionist is doing reception and not veterinary work because.......

I'll be waiting to hear what the vet says.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

yes. of course. you're so right.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Sherri,

I am so sorry this is happening to you and Winston.  You are such a good person and doodle mom!  After hearing more information, I say this does not sound like fear to me because it doesn't make sense knowing his past history and personality.  You know your dog better than anyone.  I would be forceful with those vets. It is unfortunate that they are not caring for him the way they should be.  That would really tick me off!  I'm thinking (and I know nothing) that I would take him to his regular vet and hopefully decide he should see a neurological specialist of some kind.  Please continue to keep us updated regularly.  We are all very concerned about you all!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Traci. I will keep you updated for sure. I have all the time in the world for updates now that I've just booked the week off work. I said I have a family emergency. Which, in my opinion is 100% true :)

[Diana Erhart]

That is absolutely 100% true.  Our doods are our babies!  I hope that you are able to get some answers at the vet today.  Please keep us posted as you have.  My Charlie is a high anxiety dog and gets very stressed out but he has never been like you have described Winston.  I truly believe there is some underlying medical cause to all of this.  You and Winston are in our thoughts and prayers.  Charlie sends doodle slurps his way!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

yea, it's so true. Winston is my baby boy. My best guy. And not only that but I need to take care of myself. I'm exhausted, and really stressed out. I was having my own anxiety episode last night. barely slept. Which of course, doesn't help Winston.

[Bonnie and Kona]

If this is not a family emergency then I don't know what is!!! Gosh I would take the day off to take care of Winston if I lived close to you. Hoping today brings an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment plan. So sorry for both of you. 

[Christine & Shelby]

I completely agree... this is a family emergency!   I've been following your story/situation from the beginning and am praying that you get some answers today and Winston gets the good vet care that he deserves!  Please do keep us updated and until 1:30.... snuggle, play and snuggle some more!   I'll be sure to check back later this afternoon!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Considering the fact that you are a "Doodle Mommy" this qualifies as a family emergency in my opinion too. I will be waiting for your  updates later. Good luck

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

100% true.