Why does my dog bob her head and become unresponsive for hours?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. What you are describing could be neurological in origin. If she continues to exhibit this behavior, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Bonnie's abnormalities walking and head bobbing this morning sound as though they may have occurred due to a seizure. I'm glad that it only lasted 1-2 minutes, but seizures can have a "post-ictal" period afterwards where the animal can be a bit stressed for another few minutes to hours. Seizures can occur due to a number of reasons, including epilepsy for unknown reasons, toxin exposure, liver shunts (abnormal blood flow and toxin filtration) and brain tumors. For a first time possible seizure, there are generally no necessary treatments or diagnostics. However, closely monitor Bonnie for a recurrent episode. If one occurs, try to video record her actions so that her vet will be able to watch it. Also keep a log of any future episodes with the date, time, duration of possible seizure and any changes in behavior or lifestyle beforehand. If Bonnie ever has 2 or more seizures in a 24 hour period, or has a seizure that lasts for much longer than 5 minutes, she should go to an ER immediately, as this would indicate a "cluster" of seizures and require immediate medication.

This sounds like possible partial/focal seizures. I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. Show them the video since she isn't likely to be doing the behavior during the exam. veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951440

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Pinkie. The events that you are describing sound similar to a seizure event. Seizures can present in many different ways, not only the generalized full body seizures but also more subtle or focused events with tremoring or shaking. When a pet has a seizure they become unresponsive to stimuli and are not mentally present, meaning that they will not respond if you call their names or try to get their attention. Additionally after a seizure the brain goes through a recovery period where Pinkie may appear improved but not quite right. I would recommend having Pinkie evaluated by a veterinarian for examination and further testing if warranted. It would be helpful if you could take a video of these events as well as keep a log of when these events occur and how long they last. If Pinkie has an event lasting more than five minutes, more than 1 event in 24 hours, or continuous events without recovery she should be seen immediately by a veterinarian. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Jill. Some of the behaviors you are describing do sound similar to a seizure. Seizures can have a spectrum of severity, meaning that not all pets will have paddling like motions of their limbs or other typical signs of a seizure. More subtle jerking and shaking can be consistent with a seizure. Additionally, pets who are having a seizure are not mentally appropriate, meaning that they do not respond to stimuli (name calling, clapping, etc) like normal dogs. Seizures can have many causes. In a younger dog like Jill one possible cause is low blood sugar. I would recommend having Jill evaluated by a veterinarian so that she can be examined and further diagnostics (such as bloodwork) can be considered. If you are able to I would recommend trying to take a video of one of Jill's episodes. Additionally, until she is evaluated by a veterinarian I would recommend keeping a log of when these events occur and how long they last. Jill should be seen by a veterinarian immediately if these events last longer than 5 minutes, she has multiple events within 24 hours, or she does not normalize between events. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'm a little concerned that these symptoms you report may be mild seizure activity. Especially if she does not really respond to you during the event. Circling can also be a symptom of something going on with the head (seizure or otherwise). If this has occurred more than once I would recommend a visit to your vet for a baseline neurologic exam and some blood work to rule out anything wrong with her blood sugar, electrolytes, or organ function. If you can catch an episode on video this can be really helpful so that your vet can determine if this is neurologic in origin. If determined to be neurologic in origin, then there are many things that can cause this, and further testing and/or anti-seizure medication may be needed. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor girl. This breed is prone to several disorders that can cause this including: hepatic encephalopathy, hydrocephalus, a brain tumor, or even just vestibular disease. I would highly recommend taking her in to your vet for further testing (ie Bloodwork +/- xrays) as soon as possible. I hope that your fur baby I able to become stable soon! It’s best to just keep her calm and no extrenuous activity until she can be seen and evaluated. Best wishes and take care!