My dog is having seizures, shaking, and losing bowel control. Why?

Poor Harley! In an old dog, I would be concerned that a seizure could be caused by low blood sugar, liver disease, kidney disease, or a brain tumor. I would take him into the vet today for an exam. It would be a very good idea to diagnose the cause of the seizure, and he may benefit from anti-seizure medications.

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".

I always recommend blood work to start with in any dog that started having seizures. There are a few things that could be diagnosed on blood work that could cause seizures, such as liver disease, kidney disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and infection. If the blood work is normal. Your vet will likely recommend that you continue to monitor Harley for seizure activity. Some dogs will have a seizure or two early in their life and never again. But some develop epilepsy that needs to start on medications. I generally wait to start medications until one of the following occur: -many seizures clustered together -seizures that are severe and cause bodily harm -the pet does not recover within 45 minutes after a seizure (should be tired, but otherwise normal) -seizures are occurring regularly (ie every month or two) Here is an article you may find helpful: https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/seizures-1/

Hello, seizures are very scary, & in an elderly dog like Harley, it could mean some serious inflammation in the brain. Since he is so weak, I would really encourage you to take him to an emergency clinic for treatment. He may need some anti-inflammatory medication or anti-nausea medication to help with the drooling. I hope he is feeling better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Harlow! She sounds like she is feeling quite ill. The trembling and [shaking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-is-my-dog-shaking-most-common-reasons) could be caused by pain, and the not eating and drinking could be caused by a [foreign body](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-things-you-should-know-about-foreign-bodies-in-dogs), severe GI illness, or [pancreatitis](https://www.petcoach.co/article/pancreatitis-inflammation-in-dogs). Because she isn't eating or drinking, I'm recommending you take her into your vet right away. Not drinking can lead to dehydration, which may complicate any underlying condition(s). Your vet can determine what is causing these symptoms, and how best to treat it. Please take her into your vet today.

Yes. I would recommend taking her to an emergency veterinarian immediately. She could be having seizures from hypoglycemia which is treatable, but can be fatal if not treated quickly. She could also have a liver shunt or developmental problem with her brain causing seizures. Trauma or ingestion of toxins can cause seizures as well. If she has had that many seizures in a short period there is potential for permanent brain damage. Head to a vet as soon as you can - I’ll be hoping for the best for Daisy!

It sounds like seizure activity to me. Not all seizures are grand mal where the dog falls over and starts paddling. I suggest you get him back to the vet for a follow-up and discuss putting him on some anti-seizure medication. Occasionally severe pain can cause these types of symptoms. It is possible that the gallstones may be causing him some random pain. Most often though, gallstones do not cause any problems in dogs like they do in people. Again, talk to your vet about your options.