My senior dog has mini seizures. What should I do about them?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The falling/lethargy episode you described may have been a seizure. This may be due to toxin ingestion or epilepsy, which does occur occasionally in older dogs. Head shaking may be related or unrelated as an ear infection. I recommend having Sami seen by her vet who can perform bloodwork and x-rays and prescribe anticonvulsant medications if the seizures continue. I recommend bringing a video of the episode if you are able to, as his will be really helpful in determining if the episode was truly a seizure. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear about your Mom's dog! Causes of seizures in older dogs are: brain tumor, metabolic changes (liver or kidney problems), low thyroid, vascular events (stroke), infectious causes (tick borne disease), Granulomatous disease in the brain, and less likely epilepsy. It is best to have him seen by a Vet. He should have his blood, urine and thyroid checked. If he is having a lot of seizures anti-seizure medication should be started and possibly steroids if a brain tumor is suspected. I hope this helps and I wish your Mom's dog the best!

An 11 year old dog suddenly having seizures activity is very concerning. Especially if they are clustering like you describe. There are several possible causes such as low blood glucose from xylitol ingestion, a tumor on the pancreas releasing too much insulin, or something even more concerning such as a brain tumor. I would highly encourage you have her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. It was unclear to if you were previously at the emergency clinic due to this issue or something else. However, if it was due to this then I would call the veterinarian and ask if you can have some diazepam to give this evening to see if you can keep her seizure free until tomorrow. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I am concerned that there is something more going on with Bob. Especially with his age if he has never had seizures before he could have gotten into a toxin or it could be a brain lesion. If Bob is not on any medication for seizures I would talk to your veterinarian about starting some. Twelve seizures in three days is a lot. The only way to give you a definitive answer is an MRI but seizure medication will hopefully help. Regarding Bob's skin I would have your vet take a look to see if it's an infection or not. If the seizures do not stop regardless of medication we always have to evaluate how Bob's quality of life is at home. I hope Bob feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors including brain tumors. I highly recommend that you have Casey evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Diagnostics that will be recommended will include bloodwork and advanced imaging such as an MRI. They would also be able to start her on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

I'm so sorry to hear that Lilly has developed seizures. Seizures in dogs can be fatal if not treated. There are a huge number of newer anti-convulsant drugs that are much safer than some of the older ones (and even a new diet). I always tell people that old age is not a disease. Seizures and their side effects are much more likely to kill Lilly than any of the medications that your vet might prescribe. I think it is worth having your vet examine her and discuss the treatment options. Hopefully your vet can put your parents' minds at ease about the medication and make Lilly feel better. I have included some information about seizures below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=560 I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like a seizure. I would recommend video taping an episode and showing your Vet. Causes of seizures depend on age. In dogs 1-5 epilepsy is the most common cause. In puppies: toxins, infectious or congenital problems and older than 6 years of age we worry about organ failures and brain tumors. One to 2 episodes a month may warrant starting medications. I would recommend full blood work with urine, thyroid testing if older than 6 and tick testing. If all that is normal then consider starting medications. i wish Bella the best!