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Why do old dogs suddenly circle, have seizures, and then pass away?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | 16 years and 9 months old

I had a 17 year old m Chihuahua. He had glaucoma and he started to randomly walk in circles when he hit about 15 years old. One night he randomly started getting seizures and they kept happening every 20 minutes. Then he had this really bad seizure and it lasted for about 2 hours and he passed away. I can’t understand how this happened and it has me really sad.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2018

I am so sorry for you. loss. What a sweet face your ChiChi had.
From what you are describing I am suspicious that ChiChi had a brain tumor. Brain tumors can cause dogs to circle and have seizures. Especially in an older guy, that would be my guess. A number of other causes are possible--a tumor somewhere else, a severe electrolyte disturbance, liver failure of severe disease of the GI tract, low blood sugar as a result of a tumor in the pancreas, as well as countless other possibilities, but again my first thought is that he had a brain tumor.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like ChiChi had a long, wonderful life with you! Take care of yourself, and please reach out if you have any other questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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