My Pierson had another seizure today

[Dawn Ross]

I woke up very early this morning to some loud thudding noises. I got up to see what was going on and immediately recognized that Pierson was having another seizure. I say 'another' one, and unintentionally make it sound like he has been having a lot of seizures. But this is actually only the second seizure that I am aware of in his lifetime.

The first one happened on January 10th of this year, which also happened to be a day called his Gotcha Day (the anniversary of the day I rescued him since I don't know his birthday). That very first time he had a seizure was a bit scary, but I stayed calm for his sake. I've had dogs all my life and have never had one with a seizure, but thanks to my aunt and to all my online doggie friends, I've heard of dogs having problems with them before. So I knew immediately what Pierson was experiencing.

I got up this morning to see Pierson flopping around, his eyes rolled back, and his front paws curled stiffly to his chest while his back legs stretched out oddly. It was over quickly, but he had some short-lived aftereffects. He couldn't coordinate his legs and seemed a bit shaken. All-in-all, the whole thing, seizure and aftereffects, lasted less than 4 minutes. As soon as Pierson was able to walk, he was bouncing around and ready to go outside for potty. It was like nothing had ever happened.

Since this is only his second seizure in several months, since the event was short lived, and since no underlying issues were found from the first time he had a seizure, the vet does not feel it is necessary for me to bring him in again. They noted it in his file and advised me to keep an eye on him. If he has a seizure lasting several minutes or if he has several seizures back-to-back, then I should bring him in. Otherwise, some dogs just have problems with seizures and no known cause can be found. Medication is not even needed unless Pierson has them regularly.

Being aware of seizures in dogs helped me get through this with very little stress. It seemed scary when it happened, but knowing what to expect made it easier. Even if you don't have a dog that has seizures, read up on it. It is more common than you think.

[Dawn Ross]

Thanks everyone! Since the first one he had was back in January, these seem to be very infrequent and short. Most of the worst possible causes have been ruled out so it is probably just one of those things. Pierson is doing great, otherwise. I got an agility dog starter kit for him the other day and can't wait for the rain to go away so I can set it up in the yard and he can try it out.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I hope Pierson does not have another seizure. Good luck!

[F, Calla & Luca]

We have a group devoted to dogs with seizures here on DK. I hope Pierson has no more seizures.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Our cat Banjo had periodic seizures for the last eight years of his life. They were very distressing to watch but he always bounced back and our very experienced vet did not feel that seizure meds were necessary.  He lived until he was 18.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am sorry this happened. You certainly handled it well.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

So sorry Pierson had to go through this again and it is always scary when seizures occur.  Hopefully it was his last.  It's a good thing you stay calm and keep things calm for him.  

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

I have had two mixed breed dogs who had occasional seizures.  Two different vets did not feel it necessary to treat them for seizures. One dog as she got older quit having them altogether.  I do know how scary it can be when it happens. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thanks so much Andy, for linking Dawn to the group. You are so passionate with seizure issues and I was hoping you would chime into this blog.
I'm sorry Dawn. My husbands Beagle also had periodic seizures ( not all the time), and she lived a long healthy 18 years, otherwise. Hoping the same for you

[Dawn Ross]

Thanks, Andy&Sharon BoomerShaynaMariner! I will check out the group. The only thing that seemed like a possibility with Pierson is the low blood sugar. My vet mentioned this as a possibility but by the time he did the blood test, Pierson was fine. He eats good healthy food, otherwise. But now that spring is here, he probably finds more rabbit poo from the wild rabbits that come in our yard. Could that be it?

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm sorry to hear this but it sounds like you're doing the right thing. The Seizure Disorder and Epilepsy Group has some good info. Finn had 2 seizures in February, but none since.  FIngers crossed it was an isolated incident caused either by a change in heartworm medication or an infection. Don't know.  Like you, I've tried to learn as much as I can just in case.  Our vet suggested adding Taurine to his diet as, anecdotally, he has seen it raise the seizure threshold in some dogs.