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My dog has episodes like seizures after falling. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 11 months old

Hello doctor, My 5yr old Labrador has hip displasia since he was a pup. Since then he has got a lot better I know it's not curable and surgery will not give 100% gaurantee that he will recover and it may even get worse after the surgery.....whenever he gets scared or falls down or trips while playing or climbing the stairs he gets seizures and lies straight on to the floor(it looks like muscle contraction idk) What should I do to make sure he is comfortable when this situation arises Thank

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on March 7th, 2019

That depends on if he’s actually having a seizure or if he is trying to get his legs to work normally. The first thing I recommend to do is to record one of these episodes and show it to his veterinarian. While videotaping the episode, call his name as pets who are having seizures are generally not as responsive. If he is having a seizure, the best thing you can do is dim the lights and make the environment quiet. You do not want to create more stimulation. Additionally, if he is having seizures there are medications that can control them and I recommend to discuss this with his veterinarian.
If this is not a seizure, I recommend to start him on an omega-3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, a joint supplement, a joint diet and also pursue physical therapy. Jasper is still a young dog and starting physical therapy now can make all the difference when he is older.
I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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