Max Just Had an "Episode" - Possibly Seizure

[RileyDC]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Right now he appears fine. Here's what happened:

I took Max for a quick walk and then brought the boys into the backyard. It's very hot here and I wanted Max to cool off in the kiddie pool. As I was filling it I noticed he was walking around the yard trying to find a place to lay in the grass. He laid down and got up 3 different times. He never got comfortable. He then walked to the back door to go in the house. I walked to him and told him the pool was ready and carried him in. He immediately sat in the pool like he normally does but I noticed he was very still. He then vomited a lot of food (only) into the pool. I was shocked to see food that I gave him several days ago in the pool as well. I have special RX food that Cooper used to eat that I've used to throw into the pool for Max to bob for. In retrospect it was one of the stupidest things I've ever done as the food is more than likely stale.

I took Max out of the pool and placed him in the grass where he pooped all over himself. He didn't see the poop or try to eat it so I immediately knew something was wrong. I brought him into the house and he couldn't stand up straight and wobbled while he walked. He then pooped all over himself again. He stumbled to his bed and laid down. I took him out of his bed because I didn't want him to fall asleep and I still wanted to monitor what was happening. He immediately laid down and didn't come when I called him. I gave him some Nutrical, thinking maybe low blood sugar but he just wanted to lay down. That was it. I've read too many stories on YT about wobbling dogs and this was serious. I didn't even put a harness or leash on him and we were at the vet before I even hung up with them to let them know we were coming.

Max was much more alert when we got there. He was no longer stumbling. His gums were slightly lighter than normal color and they were a little sticky but the vet wasn't overly concerned about that. She put him on a drip to make sure he was hydrated. She checked his glucose levels and they came back elevated. I figured it was from the Nutrical but she said that even if he was hypoglycemic and I gave him Nutrical, his levels should be more normal than high. Nutrical wouldn't cause elevated levels.

She told me she thinks he had a seizure. I'm not sure why, because he is epileptic, but I was in shock. Apparently it's common for dogs to have elevated glucose levels after a seizure, plus the fact that he pooped on himself while laying down.

I was at a turning point with Max where we were going to consult LSU about weaning him off his meds. He's been seizure free since the meds regulated in his system, plus the diagnosis he received was idiopathic seizures/idiopathic head bobbing. LSU said it's possible he may grow out of this.

While I admit that giving him stale food was idiotic I can't beat myself up about it. It was really poor judgment. I did however just read online that stale food can cause seizures.

Max is in his bed sleeping. I canceled his grooming appointment for tomorrow so I can be with him for the day. His 1st birthday is Saturday and I'm praying it's a good one.

Ohhhh....I am so sorry to read this!!
Sending Lots of Prayers and good vibes your way!

[kjc]

So glad Max is feeling better today.

When my step daughter has a seizure, she usually sleeps or is overly tired the rest of the day.

Hope everybody has a good day today...

[Mollysmom411999]

Thinking of you Max and hope you have a GREAT birthday!!! Glad you're feelin better!

[licricket]

Karen: I know how frightening this is for you and Max. Sending prayers your way and Happy Birthday to Max. A year already? How exciting
P

[lisaly]

I've been watching Max grow up with you and his big brother since you brought him home. You are an amazing mom to Max and Cooper. I'm excited about Max' birthday, and I hope to see photos of your boys. I also hope that Maximo's birthday is eventfree healthwise and eventful memory-wise. Both of your boys have a beautiful lifetime ahead of them because of your love and devotion to them.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I've been watching Max grow up with you and his big brother since you brought him home. You are an amazing mom to Max and Cooper. I'm excited about Max' birthday, and I hope to see photos of your boys. I also hope that Maximo's birthday is eventfree healthwise and eventful memory-wise. Both of your boys have a beautiful lifetime ahead of them because of your love and devotion to them.

You are always so sweet. I'm about to post photos. Today is Cooper's birthday and I have a thread for the both of them. Thanks so much for your kind words.

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh my gosh . Poor Max. Seizures are very scary. How is he doing today?

Keeping you in my thoughts.

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh my gosh . Poor Max. Seizures are very scary. How is he doing today?

Keeping you in my thoughts.

[AllDogBoots]

Ann, thanks for the double concern. Max seems 110%. It's as though nothing ever happened. He's eating, playing, and barking out the window at everything that passes When you put things into perspective sometimes the alarm barking is not so bad...

[111lily222]

Will be praying for max. So sorry he had a seizure that must of been very scary for you. Glad to hear Max is doing better today.

[wemple2]

So it's normal for blood sugar to rise after a seizure? Just asking because when Winston had his 1st seizure the vet checked his sugar and it was very low...25. So I have been trying to find out, for years now, which caused what...the seizure caused the low blood sugar, or vise versa...the low blood sugar caused the seizure.
Anyway, I am very happy to hear your little one is doing well now...I hope he stays that way!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by wemple2

So it's normal for blood sugar to rise after a seizure? Just asking because when Winston had his 1st seizure the vet checked his sugar and it was very low...25. So I have been trying to find out, for years now, which caused what...the seizure caused the low blood sugar, or vise versa...the low blood sugar caused the seizure.
Anyway, I am very happy to hear your little one is doing well now...I hope he stays that way!

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can both cause seizures in dogs. They look at blood sugar levels as a diagnostic tool since seizures can be caused by different things. If there is a lowered glucose, then they need to treat that to prevent more seizures.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by wemple2

So it's normal for blood sugar to rise after a seizure? Just asking because when Winston had his 1st seizure the vet checked his sugar and it was very low...25. So I have been trying to find out, for years now, which caused what...the seizure caused the low blood sugar, or vise versa...the low blood sugar caused the seizure.
Anyway, I am very happy to hear your little one is doing well now...I hope he stays that way!

We have had Teddy's blood drawn minutes after a seizure and his blood glucose is completely normal. I suppose it depends on the cause as well as the dog.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by 107barney

We have had Teddy's blood drawn minutes after a seizure and his blood glucose is completely normal. I suppose it depends on the cause as well as the dog.

I don't believe that a seizure causes hypo or hyperglycemia. Blood tests are done because seizures can be cause by alterations in blood sugar. A dog that has epilepsy or had a cardiac related seizure would have a normal glucose.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I don't believe that a seizure causes hypo or hyperglycemia. Blood tests are done because seizures can be cause by alterations in blood sugar. A dog that has epilepsy or had a cardiac related seizure would have a normal glucose.

I believe Max's glucose level was about 200 after his episode. I thought perhaps it was elevated due to giving him Nutrical, but the vet said the Nutrical wouldn't have raised it that high. It's hard not having a clear answer.