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.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Good for you for keeping calm, since it must be scary.  Hope this is the last of that!  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm really sorry to hear this about Pierson.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

We have a "Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy" Group on DK.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/seizures

Lots of good information and other links.

It is important to know what to do if your dog is having a seizure and what to do afterwards.

@Dawn - have you looked at environmental issues, such as cleaning supplies, air freshners, lawn and garden stuff, etc.  Also, some seizures are caused by low blood sugar, so look at diet and when and what his last meal was.  Also look at when his heartworm and flea and tick medications were given, they should be seperated by 10 days or more as both can tend to lower seizure threshhold. 

Do not give EPO (evening primrose oil) ever - can cause seizure in dogs prone to them.

 

There has been some thought that some dogs having seizures with no known cause may have had some unseen head trauma.