Seizure like" episodes in a Toy Terrier Yorkie
 

Hello everyone,

I have a 4 month old Yorkie, and lately he's been having these episodes that are making me really worried. This usually happens after he's been running around, i.e., physical activity.
He would be sitting or standing still, and suddenly his head would tilt back and start moving back and forth involuntarily.
When he does this standing up, he would then lose his balance and fall.
I have asked the vet about this, and he's running a few blood tests but no results yet.
I am very worried and would appreciate your input, if you've experienced anything like this or know what might be the problem... :-(
Thank you for your comments

I'm sorry that your puppy is having a problem. Ask the vet if maybe it is a disc problem that running and playing makes worse. I hope you find out what it is and that your pup is better soon.

If happening after physical activity Iwould first think of low blood sugar -- hypogylcemia. Do you have Nutrical on hand? Rub a little of that on his gums when this happens to see if it improves. This is a potentially dangerous problem and not to be taken lightly. If you do not have Nutrical, you can use a little corn syrup, rubbed on his gums same way. Make sure he eats regularly. I would really be watchful when he is active, especially. Do not leave the little one alone, until you get this problem identified for sure.

Google hypoglycemia in puppies and see if you recnogize the symptoms.

Totally agree with the above post.... hypoglycemia is very dangerous! Check out the symptoms.I had a few episodes with my little one and was very scary and almost lost her once. Hope all goes well .

thank you!
 

Thanks but I am not sure it is Hypoglycemia since he is also doing it while resting.. not in the same frequency but still... I hope the tests will shed some light... anyway, I appreciate your comments. you've been very helpful.

They don't have to be doing something extra physical when it happens. How much is your puppy eating? At this young age with toy puppies, the symptoms you describe are most often hypoglycemia. It is actually very common. I don't know of many multiple yorkie owners who have not experienced at least one episode of this happening. Puppies normally outgrow it, but some may continue to be more susceptible to it their whole lives.

Your puppy is now old enough to do a Bile Acid Test (BAT) if you wanted to check out the liver. Liver Shunt could be a possibility, but symptoms would normally include excessive drinking & urination, vomiting, listlessness, and weakness (sometimes seen as not keeping head up but there would be other signs as well). The symptoms you describe sound a lot more like hypoglycemia. You said it "usually happened after running around i.e. physical activity" and that is the case with hypoglycemia -- it is more likely after physical activity but that is not required for it to happen.

I am not sure either -- but you asked and that is my best guess. The vet could confirm by testing during an episode but I would not wait -- I would use the Nutrical and if that helps him come out of it then you pretty much have your answer and have stopped the episode for the puppy. Don't delay --get the Nutrical and have it ready.

We have been giving him Nutracal but it doesn't seem to help much.. anyway, I hope you are right.. I am very worried and I hope the Vet will confirm it.
thank you so much for your help!

Are you rubbing it on his gums when the symptoms start? How long do the symptoms last? Total and after administering the Nutrical? How often are you giving Nutrical? You didn't answer as to how much he was eating?

we are not rubbing it on his gums. he just licks it out of our finger. but even after we give him Nutracal it happens... basically we give him everyday. regarding te food, we leave him a bowl of dry food all day..

Aww bless you....I am in the self same position with my Missy,and only took her today for her blood tests.I hope your little one gets the help he needs...........x

He should see a neurologist as this can also be symptom of Chiari.