Why is my older dog pacing after seizures? Brain tumor or stroke?

Initially it will be important to make sure they were seizures and not heart related (syncope/arrhythmia) as these can appear similar. Try to catch an event on video for your neurologist and document what happens before, during, and after the event. You are right the most common sign of a brain tumor is new onset seizures. But we do also always rule out any other causes like systemic issues, heart issues, and any other cancer elsewhere in the body. There are also other problems that can occur in the brain like inflammation. Ultimately what your neurologist will recommend will be based on the exam and information you provide but is likely to include chest xrays, an abdominal ultrasound, and MRI +/- CSF tap. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Based on the history, a toxicity seems less likely and a primary disease of the brain more likely. If the seizures are not well controlled on phenobarbital it may be that she needs a higher dose. You should discuss phenobarbital levels with your veterinarian. If the levels are in therapeutic range, a second anticonvulsant such as levetiracitam should be considered. Furthermore, you may consider following up with a veterinary neurologist to discuss diagnostics including an MRI of the brain.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors including brain tumors. I highly recommend that you have Casey evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Diagnostics that will be recommended will include bloodwork and advanced imaging such as an MRI. They would also be able to start her on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

I'm sorry to hear about your sister!s dog. The biggest concern here is the age at which the pet started having seizures. When an older animal starts having seizure activity, there is usually an underlying problem, it's not usually just a diagnosis of epilepsy. The other big concern is the "head pressing" behavior that she is exhibiting. This is usually a very classic presentation for an animal with a brain tumor. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if the pet has a brain tumor is to have an MRI done to look at the brain and surrounding structures that are inside the skull. This, unfortunately, does not look good at this point for Miso. It is very important that she share the new information about the head pressing with her veterinarian so they can decide what to do next. Best of luck to everyone. I hope they can find some answers.

She really does need some investigation into what is going on. If toxins can be ruled out and there hasn't been a traumatic injury to the head it is most likely going to be a central nervous system lesion. Unfortunately this is normally a brain tumour or similar. Epilepsy is still a possibility but rarely occurs in older dogs. I would recommend seeing your vet as soon as possible so they can start with some blood tests and take their investigations from there. Fingers crossed for you.

Hello, sorry to hear about Buella. Seizure in older dogs are always concerning for some form of brain disease. Unfortunately, a brain tumor is something that is highly considered and one thing to rule out. Other potential causes include having inflammation of her brain or an infection. Less likely causes include severe liver disease or low glucose. All of these causes however would require that your vet obtains bloodwork and potentially an MRI to examine her brain and look for any tumors. If she continues to have these episodes, she should be seen by her veterinarian soon. Alternatively, you may be able to start anti-seizure medications and see if this helps control her episodes as long as she is otherwise eating, drinking, and acting like her normal self. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi. Poor Tia. I am.concerned thag she had a seizure and still has neurolgic signs. I would recommend the ER and a referral to a neurology specialist for an MRI. Unfortunately, since she is older, it is possible there is a primary brain lesion, tumor, and is very unlikely just epilepsy. If a neurologist isnt an option, symptomatic treatment with your regular veterinarian is the only option. If quality of life is poor, definitely speak to your veterinarian about that as well.