Our lil yorkie having seizures! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

jengal · 10-16-2005, 09:18 PM

I found this site while trying to get info on seizures. Our 3yr old 2.4 lb. yorkie Gracie had 2 seizures today. She has had what we thought were hypoglycemia related episodes before but has been months apart like once or twice a year which I mentioned to the vet last time she was in and he did not say much, seemed to agree that it could be that since she is so tiny. I was not too concerned b/c the last time I gave her sugar water and she stopped and was lethargic but seemed to be fine after that and it has not happened in a long time, but then she had one earlier this afternoon. It lasted probably a min or two but she seemed to improve after the sugar water and she immed. went and ate and then later as she was lying in front of couch she started to convulse again. She was panting like crazy, legs shaking, spazzing out and scared me to death! This lasted about a minute and she was sorta disoriented and tired and I held her on the couch and petted her and kept checking to make sure she was okay.

I plan on taking her to the vet but was wondering if anyone else has any expreience with this, it is very scary and I worry alot about her b/c she is so little. She took a tumble off the couch-long story but she was asleep between my mom's legs and she forgot she was there and got up and she fell. She was startled but acted okay and did not seem to be hurt so I am wondering if that could have anything to do with this? That was on Thurs. eve. and she did not seizure until this afteroon.

Sorry so long, This just makes me crazy b/c I am worried about her.
Thanks,
Jen

YorkieShadow · 10-16-2005, 09:22 PM

Im sorry I cant help you But there is a lot of info on here and im sure someone will come post soon. I would make sure she sees a vet soon. Good luck. Keep us posted.

CherOKchic · 10-17-2005, 10:31 AM

How aweful for both of you. Definately get her to the vet as soon as possible. Have them run blood test to check for anything. Sometimes it can be a diabetic thing, epilepsy, toxins or even ear mites.
I have a female cat that has seizures and has ever since birth. We adopted her out of the back yard and within 24 hours had her at the vets for a week. They originally thought it was toxins from a pesticide. They explained that momma could walk through a yard recently treated for fleas/ticks and then pass the chemicals to their babies by nursing. Also she had ear mites pretty bad, that was the next theory, they can burrow into their little brains. She now has to take phenobarbitol and diazapam 2 times a day. She would have multiple seizures in a day...now it seems like she'll have 1 a day for about 4 days straight out of the month.
With your baby having them as infrequently as she does it is more likely related to diabetes, epilepsy or hypoglocemia. The vet should be able to run some routine tests for this and she may just need to be on a special diet to help prevent levels from getting too low. If they can't find anything through blood test you may consider a catscan done on her brain. THis is rather costly and may or may not find anything. It is a personal decision, if you decide to try it check with College Vet Schools as well as vet specialists. The equipment is not readily available at every vet office, colleges will usually be alittle cheaper than vet specialists too.
Good luck and keep us all posted!

Marie · 10-17-2005, 10:34 AM

I wanted to welcome you and Gracie. Im so sorry that she is having seizures. Im not much help, but you can read old threads and you can get a lot of info. Also take Gracie to the vet ASAP. Please keeps us posted.

chachi · 10-17-2005, 10:56 AM

I dont have any asdvise dont have any experience with this. I just wanted to say I hope she is feeling better soon. I hope the vet can find out why she iss having seizures.

Sugar's Mom · 10-17-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jengal

I found this site while trying to get info on seizures. Our 3yr old 2.4 lb. yorkie Gracie had 2 seizures today. She has had what we thought were hypoglycemia related episodes before but has been months apart like once or twice a year which I mentioned to the vet last time she was in and he did not say much, seemed to agree that it could be that since she is so tiny. I was not too concerned b/c the last time I gave her sugar water and she stopped and was lethargic but seemed to be fine after that and it has not happened in a long time, but then she had one earlier this afternoon. It lasted probably a min or two but she seemed to improve after the sugar water and she immed. went and ate and then later as she was lying in front of couch she started to convulse again. She was panting like crazy, legs shaking, spazzing out and scared me to death! This lasted about a minute and she was sorta disoriented and tired and I held her on the couch and petted her and kept checking to make sure she was okay.

I plan on taking her to the vet but was wondering if anyone else has any expreience with this, it is very scary and I worry alot about her b/c she is so little. She took a tumble off the couch-long story but she was asleep between my mom's legs and she forgot she was there and got up and she fell. She was startled but acted okay and did not seem to be hurt so I am wondering if that could have anything to do with this? That was on Thurs. eve. and she did not seizure until this afteroon.

Sorry so long, This just makes me crazy b/c I am worried about her.
Thanks,
Jen

So sorry your baby is going thru this. Make sure your vet checks her for Liver Shunt. Don't mean to scare you or anything but I have seen some posts on here about it.

schatzie · 10-17-2005, 12:48 PM

Welcome to Yorkie Talk, so glad you found us and I hope you are so far receiving some useful info.

By chance does your vet specialize in small/toy breeds? You mentioned that he didn't seem to say much when you mentioned hypoglycemic episodes, etc. This concerned me a little.

Id find a vet if yours doesn't, who specializes in small/toy breeds and have some tests run. These seizures can be really taking it's toll on your fur baby.

I wish you and Gracie the best and I do hope you keep us posted on how she is doing.

mustangbee · 10-17-2005, 06:06 PM

Hi Jen
How is she doing now?
Did you get her to the vet?
Please keep us posted on Gracie.
Sending hugs!!!
(((((((Gracie )))))))

Ckuehl · 10-18-2005, 01:47 PM

Oh Jen, I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. My little yorkie girl goes through these seizures as well. The vets have said that it is epilepsy, but they have no idea what has caused it - it could be her food, it could be mold in the air - it could be anything - which is very frustraiting. I have noticed that my little girl gets them when the seasons change - but the vets don't seem to think that has anything to do with it. I know it seems like the longest 2 - 5 minutes, but our vet has assured us that it is actually more scary for us watching her then for her as she goes through them. Not initially, but our girl has now also started to lose control of her bowels or feel the need to throw up during an episode. I just wanted to make you aware of that. Please let me know if your vet has any other thoughts cause I'd love to hear if there is some new or different findings. You and your little one will be in my prayers.

Carrie

chattiesmom · 10-18-2005, 06:31 PM

Jen, a HUGE welcome to YT!!! Please take your little one to a vet who is very familar with the problems that very small dogs have, especially Yorkies. Seizures can be an indicator of liver shunt, especially if they occur about two hours after eating. Please let us hear from you after you have taken your little one to the doctor.

chipperdancing · 10-19-2005, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jengal

I found this site while trying to get info on seizures. Our 3yr old 2.4 lb. yorkie Gracie had 2 seizures today. She has had what we thought were hypoglycemia related episodes before but has been months apart like once or twice a year which I mentioned to the vet last time she was in and he did not say much, seemed to agree that it could be that since she is so tiny. I was not too concerned b/c the last time I gave her sugar water and she stopped and was lethargic but seemed to be fine after that and it has not happened in a long time, but then she had one earlier this afternoon. It lasted probably a min or two but she seemed to improve after the sugar water and she immed. went and ate and then later as she was lying in front of couch she started to convulse again. She was panting like crazy, legs shaking, spazzing out and scared me to death! This lasted about a minute and she was sorta disoriented and tired and I held her on the couch and petted her and kept checking to make sure she was okay.

I plan on taking her to the vet but was wondering if anyone else has any expreience with this, it is very scary and I worry alot about her b/c she is so little. She took a tumble off the couch-long story but she was asleep between my mom's legs and she forgot she was there and got up and she fell. She was startled but acted okay and did not seem to be hurt so I am wondering if that could have anything to do with this? That was on Thurs. eve. and she did not seizure until this afteroon.

Sorry so long, This just makes me crazy b/c I am worried about her.
Thanks,
Jen

My Chipper is HYPOGLYCEMIC, 11 years old now and still has periodic seizures. Chipper was given to us 11.5 years ago, he was sick, undernourished, no papers, no past. My daughter-in-laws younger sister had wanted to make some $$ and somehow gotten hold of about 8 or 10 baby puppies - she had all different small dog breeds, a male and female of each and was selling them. Well, we were told Chipper's sister was sold and died, and that he was sick and she couldn't sell him. We took him straight to the Vet, and he brought his sugar level up. We fed him all he wanted, not the 1 tbl. a day she was giving him, and we crushed half a sugar tablet (can't remember the name!, it's orange flavored and sold in Walmart Pharmacy) into his daily food. He had Nutri-cal after every seizure, still does. And my husband exercised him, still does, every evening while watching TV. Chipper fetches his thrown toys and loves to play tug of war. He would jump from the floor to arm of couch, back and forth repeatedly.
As I said, Chipper is 11 now, still has periodic seizures, but he is extremely strong - all muscle, intelligent and almost as lively as he ever was - he's gained some weight, he held at 4.6 lbs for years, but now is 5.5 lbs. In good weather I walk my Yorkies on the beach, 2.5 miles daily, I prefer the beach - very few people and no leases - they run a lot, chasing birds. It makes for healthy dogs. Mini is due to whelp in 3-4 days, so we haven't walked this week before birthing.
Hypoglycemic is certainly not the end of the world ... they just don't metabolize sugar and you have to keep their sugar count up ... Nutri-cal works fine and once they are a year old, you can probably drop the other tablet.

shireyak · 10-19-2005, 04:52 PM

My Gracie had a Cluster Seizure (repetative seizure) at about 13 weeks of age. I took her to the vet who sent her to the Emergency Vet Hospital, they immediately put her on IV valium, did blood tests to check her liver and other chemistry tests, and followed up with a CT scan of the Head and Abdomin to rule out brain problems and liver shunt. She also had a bile acid test (blood test taken early am before meals...then they give her food and take more blood 2 hours later) this also rules out liver shunt. Gracie was placed on liquid tranquilizers for about 6 weeks. All tests turned out normal with the exception of a liver enzyme that meant that she may have ingested something that caused the seizure. The only thing we can think of is we had been using an ant killer that was a liquid that you put on a little piece of cardboard and sit on a counter in the ants path..........maybe one fell off in the floor and Gracie got a hold of it (its very sweet tasting). Fortunately she has not had another seizure and so epilepsy is hopefully ruled out as well.
The point is these tests must be done to hopefully find the source of the seizures..........................good luck and Gracie sends Gracie lots of puppy kisses

10-16-2005, 09:18 PM	#1
jengal Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: nc Posts: 4	Our lil yorkie having seizures! I found this site while trying to get info on seizures. Our 3yr old 2.4 lb. yorkie Gracie had 2 seizures today. She has had what we thought were hypoglycemia related episodes before but has been months apart like once or twice a year which I mentioned to the vet last time she was in and he did not say much, seemed to agree that it could be that since she is so tiny. I was not too concerned b/c the last time I gave her sugar water and she stopped and was lethargic but seemed to be fine after that and it has not happened in a long time, but then she had one earlier this afternoon. It lasted probably a min or two but she seemed to improve after the sugar water and she immed. went and ate and then later as she was lying in front of couch she started to convulse again. She was panting like crazy, legs shaking, spazzing out and scared me to death! This lasted about a minute and she was sorta disoriented and tired and I held her on the couch and petted her and kept checking to make sure she was okay. I plan on taking her to the vet but was wondering if anyone else has any expreience with this, it is very scary and I worry alot about her b/c she is so little. She took a tumble off the couch-long story but she was asleep between my mom's legs and she forgot she was there and got up and she fell. She was startled but acted okay and did not seem to be hurt so I am wondering if that could have anything to do with this? That was on Thurs. eve. and she did not seizure until this afteroon. Sorry so long, This just makes me crazy b/c I am worried about her. Thanks, Jen

10-16-2005, 09:22 PM	#2
YorkieShadow Yorkie Shadows are the best Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 8,436 Blog Entries: 1	Im sorry I cant help you But there is a lot of info on here and im sure someone will come post soon. I would make sure she sees a vet soon. Good luck. Keep us posted. __________________ Now Taking Orders Business cards, Labels, Holiday cards

10-17-2005, 10:31 AM	#3
CherOKchic Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 63	(long) Thoughts on seizures How aweful for both of you. Definately get her to the vet as soon as possible. Have them run blood test to check for anything. Sometimes it can be a diabetic thing, epilepsy, toxins or even ear mites. I have a female cat that has seizures and has ever since birth. We adopted her out of the back yard and within 24 hours had her at the vets for a week. They originally thought it was toxins from a pesticide. They explained that momma could walk through a yard recently treated for fleas/ticks and then pass the chemicals to their babies by nursing. Also she had ear mites pretty bad, that was the next theory, they can burrow into their little brains. She now has to take phenobarbitol and diazapam 2 times a day. She would have multiple seizures in a day...now it seems like she'll have 1 a day for about 4 days straight out of the month. With your baby having them as infrequently as she does it is more likely related to diabetes, epilepsy or hypoglocemia. The vet should be able to run some routine tests for this and she may just need to be on a special diet to help prevent levels from getting too low. If they can't find anything through blood test you may consider a catscan done on her brain. THis is rather costly and may or may not find anything. It is a personal decision, if you decide to try it check with College Vet Schools as well as vet specialists. The equipment is not readily available at every vet office, colleges will usually be alittle cheaper than vet specialists too. Good luck and keep us all posted! __________________ CherOKchic Bentley's mommy

10-17-2005, 10:34 AM	#4
Marie Mom loves Gucci Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 6,419	I wanted to welcome you and Gracie. Im so sorry that she is having seizures. Im not much help, but you can read old threads and you can get a lot of info. Also take Gracie to the vet ASAP. Please keeps us posted. __________________ Huggies, Gucci and Marie http://www.dogster.com/?132187 "I have been egged"

10-17-2005, 10:56 AM	#5
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 23,257	I dont have any asdvise dont have any experience with this. I just wanted to say I hope she is feeling better soon. I hope the vet can find out why she iss having seizures. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-17-2005, 12:48 PM	#7
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	Welcome to Yorkie Talk, so glad you found us and I hope you are so far receiving some useful info. By chance does your vet specialize in small/toy breeds? You mentioned that he didn't seem to say much when you mentioned hypoglycemic episodes, etc. This concerned me a little. Id find a vet if yours doesn't, who specializes in small/toy breeds and have some tests run. These seizures can be really taking it's toll on your fur baby. I wish you and Gracie the best and I do hope you keep us posted on how she is doing. __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

10-17-2005, 06:06 PM	#8
mustangbee Donating YT 9000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: California Posts: 10,285	Hi Jen How is she doing now? Did you get her to the vet? Please keep us posted on Gracie. Sending hugs!!! (((((((Gracie ))))))) __________________ Friends are God's way of apologizing for our relatives. "Love & Support Our YT Members" Gina & Princess Member of the SSLS

10-18-2005, 01:47 PM	#9
Ckuehl Yorkie Talk Newbie! Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 4	Oh Jen, I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this. My little yorkie girl goes through these seizures as well. The vets have said that it is epilepsy, but they have no idea what has caused it - it could be her food, it could be mold in the air - it could be anything - which is very frustraiting. I have noticed that my little girl gets them when the seasons change - but the vets don't seem to think that has anything to do with it. I know it seems like the longest 2 - 5 minutes, but our vet has assured us that it is actually more scary for us watching her then for her as she goes through them. Not initially, but our girl has now also started to lose control of her bowels or feel the need to throw up during an episode. I just wanted to make you aware of that. Please let me know if your vet has any other thoughts cause I'd love to hear if there is some new or different findings. You and your little one will be in my prayers. Carrie

10-18-2005, 06:31 PM	#10
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,955	Jen, a HUGE welcome to YT!!! Please take your little one to a vet who is very familar with the problems that very small dogs have, especially Yorkies. Seizures can be an indicator of liver shunt, especially if they occur about two hours after eating. Please let us hear from you after you have taken your little one to the doctor. __________________ *Yorkie Yummies Silk Step-In Harnesses * NapSaks I'll see you in Alexandria, Virginia July 17 - 19, 2009!**

10-19-2005, 04:52 PM	#12
shireyak YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 323	My Gracie had a Cluster Seizure (repetative seizure) at about 13 weeks of age. I took her to the vet who sent her to the Emergency Vet Hospital, they immediately put her on IV valium, did blood tests to check her liver and other chemistry tests, and followed up with a CT scan of the Head and Abdomin to rule out brain problems and liver shunt. She also had a bile acid test (blood test taken early am before meals...then they give her food and take more blood 2 hours later) this also rules out liver shunt. Gracie was placed on liquid tranquilizers for about 6 weeks. All tests turned out normal with the exception of a liver enzyme that meant that she may have ingested something that caused the seizure. The only thing we can think of is we had been using an ant killer that was a liquid that you put on a little piece of cardboard and sit on a counter in the ants path..........maybe one fell off in the floor and Gracie got a hold of it (its very sweet tasting). Fortunately she has not had another seizure and so epilepsy is hopefully ruled out as well. The point is these tests must be done to hopefully find the source of the seizures..........................good luck and Gracie sends Gracie lots of puppy kisses