Could be seizures

[tricia208]

The unknown can sometimes scarier than the actual diagnosis. Your description of the symptoms sounds like a focal seizure. There are YouTube videos of dogs having a focal seizure so you can see if the symptoms are similar and a ton of information if you do an internet search. While no seizure is good, focal seizures can be managed and the dog will have a good life. Good luck. I hope everything works out for the best.

[Cherie6446]

I'll chech out the you tube video. I was able to record her doing this behavior, finally. I'll show the vet tomorrow.

[tricia208]

Very good idea to record it. When I am trying to describe my dog's behavior to the vet I know I probably confuse him more than I help. Let us know your vet's feedback.

[Cherie6446]

I showed the video, which was not that good, to the vet today. He really couldn't see much of a problem but recommended giving her a low dosage of phenobarbital for a month and see if the eposides continue or disappear. Or he could recommend some specialists for eyes and brain. I'm not sure what I want to do. I have been growing out her bangs and I am wondering if the hair hanging in her line of sight could be bothering her and maybe that is the answer. I cut her bangs when I got home today. We'll see.

[lillymae]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

I showed the video, which was not that good, to the vet today. He really couldn't see much of a problem but recommended giving her a low dosage of phenobarbital for a month and see if the eposides continue or disappear. Or he could recommend some specialists for eyes and brain. I'm not sure what I want to do. I have been growing out her bangs and I am wondering if the hair hanging in her line of sight could be bothering her and maybe that is the answer. I cut her bangs when I got home today. We'll see.

Can you post the video here ? I would get another opinion before putting her on Phenobarbital.

[107barney]

I have a problem with a vet prescribing a drug without a diagnosis. I'd get a second opinion, and preferably from a neurologist who has a clue. Unlikely her hair is causing neuro probs.

[Cherie6446]

Unfortunately I don't know how to post videos. I have a hard time even putting a pix in my posts. I'm not inclined to give drugs without knowing what is wrong. I will probably see a neurologist if this continues. I'll keep updating.

[tricia208]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I have a problem with a vet prescribing a drug without a diagnosis. I'd get a second opinion, and preferably from a neurologist who has a clue. Unlikely her hair is causing neuro probs.

Ditto! Especially something as strong as phenobarbital even in a low dose. That may control the symptoms without finding the cause. You will only know that phenobarbital will control the symptoms and nothing else - meaning you are no closer to finding the root of the problem. Your vet means well but in my opinion that is not a solution. If hair caused seizures then all of our dogs would be expressing those symptoms. I have to fix my dog's hair over their eyes at least twice per day. Please keep us updated because all of this information helps. We are all learning together to best care for our babies.

[Cherie6446]

I cut her hair knowing that this was a stretch and of course it didn't help. She is going to have her teeth cleaned next week so I don't want her taking any meds until her teeth cleaning is over. I am looking into neurology vets in my area. I will also try to get a better video of her doing the stare/bug thing.

[AllDogBoots]

I am sorry you have to deal with this. I too, think going to a neurologist to rule out any other issue is necessary before medicating. My Max was on phenobarbital for a while because he had focal seizures.

[Cherie6446]

Did Max stop having the seizures?

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

Did Max stop having the seizures?

Yes. He was a very unusual case as the specialists have never seen seizures in a 12 week old pup. He was very young. There was a theory he may grow out of them so we gradually took him off the meds and he never had another seizures.

But, its so important to get testing to rule out everything else. Your baby is young and needs to be diagnosed properly.

[Cherie6446]

Wow! 12 wks old - that is amazing. I'm happy for him that he out grew the problem. As I stated before, after Zoey gets her teeth done then I will see the neurologist.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

Wow! 12 wks old - that is amazing. I'm happy for him that he out grew the problem. As I stated before, after Zoey gets her teeth done then I will see the neurologist.

Actually it was 11 weeks old. I picked him up at 10 weeks old and 3 days later I was spending thousands at the hospital. Ahh....the joy of spending for a pet's medical care.

Sounds like you will do the best thing possible.