Why do my dog's seizure-like episodes stop when I call her name?

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

I'm sorry to hear that Lola is having these episodes. You are correct in that they could be a focal or partial seizure especially as she seems to recognize when an episode is coming. The typical grand mal seizure is where the patient falls to its side, losses consciousness and paddles. All seizures do not present this way though and heelers can be more prone to them than some other breeds. I recommend Lola sees her veterinarian for an exam and potentially bloodwork. She could also be painful causing the shaking. I hope this information helps. Good luck!

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.

Dogs, like humans, can't come out of a seizure just by talking to them, so it may not be seizures that you are seeing. Syncopal episodes (or fainting spells) can look identical to some types of seizures. I would recommend having Jackson evaluated by a vet to determine which could be the case, and to discuss treatment options.

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!

What you are describing is not consistent with a petit mal seizure. Petit mal seizures are very subtle and rarely seen in animals. They also tend to have some loss contact with their environment without muscle involvement. There are certain types of seizures known motor seizures that could cause muscle fasciculations like this. With motor seizures they are still coherent while the seizure is happening. However, there are other possible causes of the muscle faciculaltions such as electrolyte disorders, nerve disorders and muscle disorders. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem is to take a video of Maggie when she is having these episodes. Ideally, this should be done when she is awake, to show that it is not normal twitching that occurs when dogs sleep. You can then schedule an appointment with a vet and take the video with you to show them. This will be very helpful for an accurate diagnosis and possible treatment. I hope that helps and all is well with Maggie.

It may be a focal motor seizure. Is he otherwise acting normally? What blood test was done? A consultation may be helpful to be able to trade information back and forth and give you more insight. Here are some articles that include information about focal motor (or "partial") seizures. https://www.vetneurochesapeake.com/uncategorized/10-questions-dog-owners-ask-about-seizures/ http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html Thanks for asking PetCoach!