My dog is shaking, falling, and acting strange. Is it a seizure or stroke?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would need to ask a bunch more questions and would be happy to do a consultation if you’d like but let me give you a few ideas. 1) be sure it’s not heart- Fainting spells can look a lot like seizures. Consider a cardiology consult to make sure it’s not that. They’ll do an EKG and ultrasound of the heart to make sure nothing is amiss. 2) weird fungal diseases- I’m from Arizona, land of valley fever - a fungal disease that can - and often does- cause seizures. Other fungi like Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis can do similar things. If Bella has traveled out of Texas- even for just a day or two- these are considerations. 3) Bella is simply an atypical epileptic and needs more/different medication. Just like in people, it can sometimes take some time to find the right combination of drugs to get the seizures controlled. 4) weird drug interactions- double check especially about any anti-anxiety or behavior modification medications and pain medications. 5) hypothyroidism, tick fever, other weird stuff. If you’ve done an MRI, you may have already consulted with a neurologist. If not? That would be the next step along with the cardiologist visit. Best of luck to you and Bella!

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.

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.

Poor Beignet and poor you! Having multiple seizures every day is extremely serious, and she needs veterinary treatment now for it. In a senior dog like her, it could be due to a tumor in the brain, liver disease, kidney failure, or low blood sugar among other causes. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You c an see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
 I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet, please take Beignet into one immediately. If she seizures again before you can seek vet care: - Don't put your hands near her mouth - Keep some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the pads of the feet for cooling - Monitor her at all times during the seizure to ensure that she cannot hurt herself by crashing into furniture, etc

Poor girl. These symptoms are highly suggestive of a toxin or drug intoxication. If this has been going on for more than 15-20 minutes duration, then I would highly recommend taking Bella Rose in to your local vet for a proper exam, diagnostic testing to hopefully pinpoint the problem, and treatment to help stabilize her condition. IF she did ingest a toxin, then the vet wil lhave to detox her quickly to help prevent any permanent damage on her organ systems, and also to prevent further absorption of the toxin in her gut. Another possible cause for these symptoms is a pyometra (spontaneous uterine infection). This can happen at any time in non-spayed female dogs and leads to septicemia which can cuase similar symptoms invvolved in a toxin ingestion. Tihs is also considered to be a serious condition and should be treated for as quicikly as possible by your vet. I hope that your fur baby Bella Rose is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care!

Poor Lulu, she is such a pretty girl! Yes, your boyfriend could be correct that she could be shaking from pain and pain would keep her from eating. It's not normal at all that she won't eat for days on end, and she really does have to see a vet as soon as possible given this has been going on for a bit. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and I can give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet for Lulu. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. That would make this situation much worse. Good luck!

Poor Abby. I definitely sounds like she is struggling. In order to find out what would be causing her signs, she would need to see a veterinary neurologist to perform an MRI of the brain. But I understand she is older and you may be just trying to make her feel more comfortable. If she us having any seizure activity, there is definitely some medications that can help stop those. If she can't stand on her back legs, she may benefit from some steroids and pain meds if after an exam your veterinarian thinks it is an option. If you are wondering if maybe it is "time" for her, you can discuss quality of life with your veterinarian. The important things to think about when considering a pets quality of life include eating, drinking, able to go out to urinate and defecate (rather then just going on themselves), and still enjoying some happiness seeing you when you get home or their favorite toy or treats. If you want to discuss further or any specifics, feel free to open a consultation.