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Dear Dr. John,
Last night time, our three-year-old Shepherd X was in the midst of what seemed like a seizure at 1:30 am. He thrashed round and was clearly disoriented. He additionally peed and drooled loads. It lasted for about two minutes after which slowly issues received 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? I.S.
Dear I.S.,
I’m glad to listen to that you’re taking your canine in for an analysis so quickly. Cases by which dogs have repeated seizures in a brief span of time have to be seen sooner quite than later.
It is essential that when a canine has a seizure to restrict the power for them to harm themselves by clearing objects close by, avoiding stairs, and never reaching for them since they’re disoriented. It can be essential to doc the date, time, and size of seizure to assist in diagnosing and placing collectively a therapy plan.
The attainable causes for seizures embrace idiopathic epilepsy, publicity to and ingestion of poisons, mind lesions or lots, and extra. In all probability, your canine most definitely has epilepsy. It is usually first seen in dogs between 1-5 years of age and your description may be very correct of what’s usually noticed. The trigger is commonly unknown, however genetics is usually thought of.
If the whole lot checks out to be inside regular parameters, they could ship you home with one of many a number of anti-seizure medicines used for dogs with epilepsy to forestall seizure recurrences. These embrace phenobarbital, potassium bromide, Keppra, and zonisamide. These sorts 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 medicine and attainable periodic changes could be wanted, the excellent news is that your canine can stay 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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