3 to 5 Second Seizures. What is this?
 

I have an 11-year-old Yorkie, Otis, who had been on antiobiotics for the last month due to a staph infection. The vet also switched his diet from raw food to Royal Canin Venison & Potatoes so we could weed out what was causing the infection.

The infection went away, however I noticed last week as we were getting ready to "go for a ride," Otis' body went rigid and he acted as if he wanted to move, but couldn't. He was still standing but his legs were spread a little apart, and he was shaking a bit. This lasted for all of 5 seconds. I screamed his name, and as soon as I did that, he went normal, licked his lips a bit, but was fine.

Since then I have been keeping an eye on him. I noticed that he had the same type of seizure yesterday morning, and then once more today as we were getting ready to leave.

All three occasions lasted no more than 3 to 5 seconds, very short. He is not lying on his side. His tongue and eyes appear to be normal. It's such a short burst that I don't notice too much. Of course, he may have them where I didn't see it. So far I've seen three over the course of a week.

I called the vet and she said just bring him in for an examination, but it sounds like nothing to get too worried about. She mentioned an MRI, but if the seizures are so short, it may not be worth it.

I am EXTREMELY worried. If anyone can give me a clue or hint what this can be, your advice would be kindly appreciated.

Thank you!

Junebug & Otis :yorkiej:

Where is the staph infection? A spinal tap may be warranted if the has been an infection. 3 seizures in a week is too many in my opinion even if they are mild

Staph infection was on the skin. It was treated with oral antiobiotics, went away, and came back. This is the second round of antibiotics. The skin rash seemed to have gone away this second time, but may resurface in a few months if the diet change didn't help.

If he is responding to you then it's most likely Not a seizure. It sounds like something is causing him sudden discomfort. Two things come to mind 1st it could something in the neck or spine & 2nd I believe you said his diet has been changed. When he's had these spells has he recently eaten ? It could be indigestion. I have seen a dog Stop in their tracks when they have a gas bubble come up and they will often look like they are trembling or shaking for a few seconds. Other then that how are his knees ? if he's developing a problem there it could be catching & causing pain. I would take him in for a check up as it sounds uncomfortable for him.

Trying to move but not being able to does indicate that there is a neurological deficit. Since your vet seems to agree and mentioned an MRI, the best place for Otis is with a neurologist. Sometimes with older dogs who are having odd neuro symptoms that are very mild, owner will elect to just see if it gets worse. Impossible to say if that's completely okay or not since nobody knows what is going on. It is an option you could talk to your vet about. However, if you want the best care and your vet believes this is neurological, then a neuro consult is needed asap.

My Max was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. He had focal seizures that I was able to snap him out of by getting his attention. His focal seizures would last from 3-5 seconds, where his head would shake and his legs would spread and slip out from underneath him. I definitely think you should get an MRI for Otis to rule out anything neurological. Max's seizures were very short, however they would occur every 15-45 minutes. It's the frequency that's important, and 3 "episodes" over the course of a week should be further investigated with testing. I'm sorry you guys are going through this.:(

Thank you so much for all the information.

I've been keeping a detailed diary of time and circumstances under which Otis has these episodes, and I realize that each is a time of excitement for him; giving him a kong, getting ready to go for a ride or walk.

I have never seen it happen while at rest or while just walking.

He doesn't have knee problems, but he does seem a lot more bloated after switching to the new food. His poo is definitely bigger and he goes more frequent.

I would agree with the others who suggest a neuro consult. Let the neuro determine if a MRI is needed.
You might want to try to video whatever this is...although I realize that may be difficult because they are so short lived.
Prayers for Otis.

Did the episodes ever last longer than 3-5 seconds? Or have they stayed pretty much the same?

Also, how did the vet test Max for epilepsy? Blood work?

And what was the recommended treatment and is it working for Max?


Thanks so much.

I can only share my experience with you but keep in mind it may be a completely different situation. I believe epilepsy is only diagnosed by ruling out everything else. Max had bloodwork to rule out a liver shunt. After that, we had to continue testing. He had an MRI, spinal tap, ophthalmic test and possibly more that I can't remember offhand. The doctors saw something very minor in a part of the brain that would explain the seizure activity. They found nothing else abnormal.

Max is on phenobarbital. He was diagnosed at 11 weeks old. It was very difficult regulating the meds because he was growing so fast. He's now 13 pounds and takes a dosage equivalent to that of a 7 pound dog. We stopped seeing seizures so I kept him on a 1/2 dose. The seizures never lasted more than 5 seconds. However, he had an episode last week which seemed much more serious and lasted quite a bit longer. But, I feel that the phenobarbital is really helping considering he was about 7 months seizure free.

I shouldn't have said "get the MRI". I agree with LadyJane. Make a consult with a neurologist and they can determine if he needs an MRI. Also, do try to take video. I had numerous videos that I uploaded to youtube for the doctors to watch.

Max's seizures would only occur when he was not excited.

My Teddy has epilepsy and a couple of times when he has had seizures he does partially respond. Your dog needs a neurologist to evaluate. In Teddy's case we ruled out all medical problems first via blood work then we did neurological testing MRI and spinal tap.

:yeahthat: I'm always so long winded:rolleyes:

I just made an appointment with his regular vet, but now I'm thinking I should skip that altogether and go directly to a neurologist, esp. since he's had his bloodwork done already by a dermatology specialist who didn't see anything alarming. I don't know what else his regular vet can tell me. :cry::cry::cry:

My little Cricket had syncopal episodes due to CHF/mitral valve/CT issues. It would happen when she would get excited. Her front legs would get stiff, she would eventually fall over w her eyes open. Calling her name would help bring her out of it. It was from lack of oxygen. If you looked at her gums they would be purplish/blue. At first I thought it was seizures, but the vet said w the gum discoloration, body temp, it ruled out seizure and made it syncope. Also, Cricket on abdominal x-rays had a build up of fluid in her abdomen (CHF). She also had a new heart murmur.

I don't know if this sounds like your pup's symptoms or not.

I would definitely take your pup in for an exam if he has not had one recently just to make sure you are not starting to develop CHF issues and it is probably a neuro event.

You may want to take the pup right after the event so the vet can see his appearance afterward while you are waiting to see a neuro dr. If there are no CHF issues, I would definitely be worried about seizures. And also video events.

I would start with my vet first before the neuro. He is 11 and something else could be causing these issues.