My 13-year-old dog is having frequent seizures. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 12 years and 6 months old | 13 lbs
Were very concerned. Our 13 year old Jack Russel Terrier mix is having seizures every 5 minutes or so. They started yesterday, and have been getting progressively more frequent. She falls down and shakes, and then looks around very confused. She has been in the house as usual, where its air conditioned. She seems to be eating and drinking normally, and in between seizures, she attempts to act normal, play with her toys, and beg for food as usual. Any idea what is wrong with her?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 28th, 2017
Poor Jackie! Unfortunately in an older dog who has no history of epilepsy, seizures usually mean something serious is going on. They can be caused by a primary brain lesion such as a tumour or they can be caused by the effects of toxin build up from organ failure, most often liver. They can be caused by other reasons such as high temperature or poisoning but the previous reasons are more likely. You need to get Jackie to a vet as seizures can damge the brain badly. The vet can examine her for clues as to a cause. Bloods can be useful to ascertain if it is organ failure. With a brain tumour clinical signs such as neurological signs can point to it, but mri tends to be the only full proof way to diagnose it. The vet will be able to administer meds to stop the seizuring then can decide the best treatment for her depending on the underlying cause. I will warn you that it is not going to be a case of curing her, but tryong to make her comfortable and manage symptoms. It is possible that her condition will be beyonf help and you may have to make the decision to put her to sleep. Good luck and give Jackie a cuddle from me.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 23rd, 2017
The most common cause would be a condition called epilepsy, which is basically seizure from an unknown origin that is treated successfully with anti seizure meds. other reasons include insulinoma (cancer) brain tumor and other neurological disorders.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 6th, 2018
Seizures are serious and can be a sign of toxin exposure, epilepsy, liver disease or infections. I would recommend seeing your vet for an examination and to discuss diagnostic tests like blood work to help determine what might be causing the seizures. If no underlying cause can be found and the seizures are frequent or severe an anti-epileptic drug might be recommended. Seizures can lead to brain damage if they are not treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 19th, 2019
Intoxication with meds and poisoning are a main concern in these cases. Medications would include cyclic antidepressants, cocaine and other stimulants, diphenhydramine and other antihistamines; theophyiline and isoniazid.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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