My dog has episodes where she doesn't recognize me. Is it epilepsy?

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!

That sounds like it could be some kind of seizure activity. Get a video of it if you can and take her to the vet so they can see it and give her an exam. If it is happening only occasionally, they may opt to not do anything but monitor her condition since the medication to treat seizures can be more harmful than for her to have one every now and then. But if it is happening often medication may be the best option since the danger with seizures is your pet's body temperature can become dangerously high is she has a sustained seizure.

Yes, this sounds like seizure activity. Unfortunately at her age if she is just now starting to have seizures that is not a good thing. Seizures starting at her age are usually indicative of an underlying brain lesion. I would recommend you take her in to your vet for an examination and some bloodwork. In the meantime, monitor her closely and if it happens again I would video tape the episode so you can show it to your vet. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Lily.

Most probably epilepsy indeed, it fits the symptoms and the age. It is important to rule other possibilities though (blood test should rule out some of them). Treatment for epilepsy is done medically and this treatment will need to be given on a daily basis, there is no other way other than taking her to the vet in order to get it sorted.

You are correct there could be something else going on. In senior dogs like Molly, they can develop a condition called canine cognitive dysfunction. This is similar to dementia in humans, and it would cause her to behavior strangely at times. I would have Molly seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose if she does have cognitive canine dysfunction by doing a physical exam, blood tests, urinalysis, and x-rays to rule out any health problems that could potentially cause her symptoms. If canine cognitive dysfunction is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment with you. While it cannot be cured, it can be managed with mediations, behavioral therapy, and special diets.

Since Cali was having neurologically abnormal repeated behavior, seemed unaware of your presence, and lost control of her bladder, it seems likely that she had a seizure. One of the most common causes of seizures in a 3 year old dog is epilepsy, but other possibilities include liver diseases (portosystemic shunts), toxin exposure, or brain tumors. If another episode occurs, take a video to show to her vet. There is no need to rush to a vet after a one time occurrence, as she will likely not be started on any seizure control medications. However, should Cali have another seizure within a 24 hour period, she should go to an ER vet because this would be considered a "cluster seizure".

Sounds like a focal motor seizure (partial seizure). I suggest you video her doing this with your phone and then show it to your vet so you can get more advice. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951440 )