Max Just Had an "Episode" - Possibly Seizure
 

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.

Oh, poor Max! Karen, the first thing I thought when I was reading this is WHERE did you walk him? Could he have gotten into grass that had been recently fertilized or treated for weeds/insects?

I've never heard of stale food causing a seizure - learn something new every day. Did your vet think this was a possiblity for Max? Especially since you didn't mention him eating any of it today?

Sending lots of prayers and hugs for you and Max. I sure hope he's feeling all better for his very first birthday.

Hugs,
Bonny

The walk isn't even on grass. It's on gravel and it's the same daily walk. He doesn't put anything in his mouth. The vet seemed to have dismiss the stale food thinking that because he's epileptic, he had a seizure. It makes sense, but I'm wondering if the food triggered the seizure or even possibly if it was the vomiting itself that triggered the seizure. Or, if it even was a seizure but I suppose it was.

Karen I am so sorry to hear about Max's episode. You definitely should not beat yourself up over giving him stale food. You were very aware of what was happening and got him to the vet in time. You will both be in my thoughts. He has to be healthy for his birthday!!!!!!!

Please keep us posted.

How scary! Poor Max I hope he is feeling better!

I'm so sorry Karen :( Will keep Max in my prayers

I am so sorry to hear about Max. I'm glad you were there to be w him and help him. I'm sure your presence was a comfort. I never heard of the stale food/seizure thing either. I wouldn't beat yourself up about that. I also wonder if the heat could have something to do w it. I know in human med heat can make some illnesses rear their ugly heads (we tell some ppl to try to stay out of heat as much as possible, but it does sound like you are already on top of that w the little pool).

We will keep Max in our prayers! Please let us know how he is doing.

What was his stool like after you took him from the pool? Firm or watery?

Oh Karen, I am so sorry. Sending prayers for Max. Give him extra hugs from me.

I hope Max is ok; he was doing so well! And he will again ~ hopefully this is an isolated incident that the Vet can get to the bottom of.

Could the heat have anything to do with it? Remember, Lucy had those strange 'episodes' last year after some significant walks in the hot, humid air.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes.

Firm. It's always firm.
I imagine it can have to do with the heat. Max always seems like he's hot even when he's in air conditioning. It's 90 degrees here but the sun wasn't out and there was a slight breeze. No more walks unless it's early morning or late evening. I don't seem to remember Lucy's episodes. What happened?

This brought tears to my eyes reading about Max. I will be praying for him that it isn't serious. Please keep us updated and hoping he will have a great first birthday.

Oh.....no, don't cry. Max will be ok. He's a really tough guy. I'm hoping it's an isolated event and if it's not I'm prepared to deal with it.

He is lucky to have such a good mommy. He looks like my Hobbes.

Praying hard for Max. Hopefully this will be just an isolated incident caused from the heat. Poor little guy, he has to be better for his First Birthday Party:(

I am sorry Max had a seizure. I know how you feel as I was in shock when Teddy had one a few weeks ago. I don't know that we will ever really get used to it. Thankfully your little man seems ok!

Poor Max. I hope he feels better. Sending prayers and hugs to you both from me and Sammy. Max - feel better so you can celebrate your birthday!!:animal-pa

Thanks Cathy. I'm hoping it's an isolated incident based on the conditions of the extreme heat and bad dog food. It certainly was scary.

Max knows he has a special birthday cookie waiting for him so I'm sure he'll be better (although I don't know if I want to give it to him!). He's sleeping right now, but before he fell asleep he seemed like his perfect, happy self.

I hope Max feels better and it is an isolated occurence.

I'm so sorry Karen, how scary for Max and you. Thankfully you were right there and knew exactly what to do for him. I'll keep you both in my prayers.

I hope Max is feeling better... did the vet say anything about the vomit containing 3 days worth of food?

I wouldn't say it was 3 days worth of food. I'd say it was a few kibbles (large size, old, not his normal food) that I fed 3 days ago. I turn into a total mess whenever I go to the vet and I don't even remember what she said.

Sorry, I misunderstood....

I've never heard of 'old' food causing seizures... we ate food from Taco Bell a week ago... all the taco shells were rancid.... I looked it up online and found we weren't going to die... that alot of people use rancid oils (???) and prefer the taste (???), and that it wasn't toxic.

That said... I think old dog food turns rancid... at least thats usually what I've smelled... it can get moldy too, though. So can improperly stored new food so check the bags when they're opened, if you don't already.... I'd also check any bags you have opened that you've fed him from... it would be nice to have a reason for this seizure... other than his epilepsy.

Yes, I'm searching for an answer although there may not be one. The stale food looks and smells ok. It's in the garbage now. His other food is kept in an airtight container for about 3 weeks until we get new food, which was yesterday.

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Max having a seizure. I'm glad you're such a good mommy that you were right there & could take immediate action.

Glad he's feeling a little better now, hopefully he'll be up to par to party down this weekend.:)

What a scary event for you. I am happy to hear that Max is ok. I agree with your vet...he has a seizure disorder and that is why he had a seizure. I would not give another moment's thought about the food. We always want a reason for things; but sometimes the reason is simple. You have been a great mom to Max and had all the appropriate tests done and know that he has a seizure disorder...and you also know how to handle it. You done good, Mom. :)

Thank you.

Wow! How SCARY! I am so glad Max is okay and will continue to pray for him to be okay. Mr. Maxman is one tough cookie!