[BonBon]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

While this may be true in most cases, it is not with me. After running neurological tests on my puppy Max including an MRI, spinal tap and all bloodwork, he was diagnosed with idiopathic seizures. There is no cause.

I definitely agree that testing needs to be done to try to find an underlying cause, if there is indeed one.

To the OP - my puppy is on phenobarbital and has not had any seizures since we regulated his levels. However, seizures cannot be treated until you know why they are happening. In my case, idiopathic was our answer. I hope that you are able to get some answers soon and start whatever treatment is necessary.

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Actually, in a three year old dog seizures are most commonly idiopathic epilepsy, not a symptom of a disease. In dogs under one year old, seizures are usually a symptom of a disease.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SEIZURES BY AGE

Lady was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was four years old. She is now (almost) 15. Her seizures are very well controlled with medication.

You vet is right. A complete physical and bloodwork is needed to rule out any underlying cause for the seizures. Make sure a bile acids test is done since Yorkies are so prone to liver disease.

I agree. My Becca was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy when she was 4 years old, after a great deal of testing ruled everything else out. She was on Phenobarbital for 7 years and it controlled her seizures very well. She did have to go in for regular blood work and exams but she lived a full, happy life during that time.