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Dear Dr. John,
Last evening, our three-year-old Shepherd X was in the course of what appeared like a seizure at 1:30 am. He thrashed round and was clearly disoriented. He additionally peed and drooled rather a lot. It lasted for about two minutes after which slowly issues obtained again to regular, and we went again to sleep. This morning, at 7 a.m., the identical factor occurred, and he almost bit my son’s hand. We have made an appointment to see a neurologist at an area veterinary specialty heart. What may very well be the reason for the seizure or no matter our canine went by way of? I.S.
Dear I.S.,
I’m glad to listen to that you’re taking your canine in for an analysis so quickly. Cases during which dogs have repeated seizures in a brief span of time must be seen sooner reasonably than later.
It is necessary that when a canine has a seizure to restrict the flexibility for them to harm themselves by clearing objects close by, avoiding stairs, and never reaching for them since they’re disoriented. It can also be necessary to doc the date, time, and size of seizure to assist in diagnosing and placing collectively a remedy plan.
The potential causes for seizures embrace idiopathic epilepsy, publicity to and ingestion of poisons, mind lesions or plenty, and extra. In all probability, your canine almost definitely has epilepsy. It is usually first seen in dogs between 1-5 years of age and your description could be very correct of what’s usually noticed. The trigger is commonly unknown, however genetics is often thought-about.
If every part checks out to be inside regular parameters, they could ship you home with one of many a number of anti-seizure drugs used for dogs with epilepsy to stop seizure recurrences. These embrace phenobarbital, potassium bromide, Keppra, and zonisamide. These varieties of medicines are began when dogs have just a few seizures month-to-month or when a cluster happens inside 24 hours akin to what you skilled.
While a lifetime of remedy and potential periodic changes is perhaps wanted, the excellent news is that your canine can reside a traditional life.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He may be reached at 781-899-9994.
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