My senior dog is falling, lethargic, disoriented. Is it a seizure?

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! I am afraid that you may be describing a seizure though it is not possible to say for sure without being able to see it. Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors. I highly recommend that you have him 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 him on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery! 

This does sound like it could be a seizure. It is common for them to stiffen up and then shake. The lethargy is also common after a seizure. Sometimes seizures and fainting can look very similar, so we want to be sure which one it is. Seizures can happen for many different reasons. There could be medical conditions such as epilepsy, low blood sugar or liver disease that results in seizures. There are also toxins like insecticides, chocolate, xylitol and many others that can cause seizures. I would recommend that you visit your family veterinarian for an examination. They will most likely want to run a blood panel to see if the organs are functioning properly. If these episodes continue, I would also encourage you to keep a log of these episodes (date, time, duration) so that you know how often they are happening. If you can catch one of the episodes on video, your vet will have a better idea if it is a seizure or something else. I hope this helps.

Hi there and thank you for using Boop by Petco to address your concern. From your description, it sounds as though Zoey may have had a seizure or an episode of syncope (a temporary loss of consciousness due to a fall in blood pressure). I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would have her blood pressure checked and blood tested. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

From your description of Dudley's symptoms, it sounds like seizures to me as well and dogs aren't necessarily always groggy afterwards. In a senior dog, I would be concerned it's a sign of something serious such as a tumor (brain or insulinoma for example), and I do recommend a visit to the vet for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis to start. Should he have another one of those episodes before you get a chance to take him into the vet, video it and I can give you some tips to handle it. If Dudley seizures again before you can seek vet care: - Don't put your hands near his mouth - Keep some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the pads of the feet for cooling - Monitor him at all times during the seizure to ensure that he cannot hurt himself by crashing into furniture, etc - If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately I would make an appointment for him in the next couple of days. Good luck, I hope this help!

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.

It is possible that it was a seizure, or it may have been what we call a syncopal episode. A syncopal episode occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, often due to an abnormal heart rhythm or other heart condition. Its also possible that was neither---if she remained conscious (was responsive and aware of her surroundings), it could just be that she had a itch or uncomfortable spot on that side she was trying to get to. As long as she's been acting normal since, its fine to just keep a close eye on her and get her to your vet for the appointment. Your vet may recommend running some lab work (probably some blood tests) to see if there are any abnormalities. Ask yourself and your mom if there is any possibilities of toxin exposures your dog could have gotten into, and be sure to let your vet know. Thank you for asking Boop by Petco!

Poor Souza! With her extensive history and multiple medications, I am quite concerned about these symptoms. These could be secondary to being on the wrong dose of phenobarbital, having a problem with her heart disease and not getting enough oxygen, a condition called geriatric vestibular disease that cause instability, a stroke and much more. I would try to get in to see a vet soon. A vet will be able to check phenobarbital levels, blood work and even X-rays if needed. Your vet will be able to adjust her medicine if needed or give her additional medicine if it is something unrelated to her current problems. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better soon !

Hello. This sounds very suspicious of a seizure. The average age of onset of seizure activity for epileptic dogs is from 2-4 years of age. Since this is a first time occurrence...or the first that you have witnessed....you may have to wait and see if it happens again. It may help your veterinarian if you can video the episode if it happens again. It is always a good idea to have your veterinarian examine her to make sure there are no other problems and discuss the possibility of seizures. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! Poor Skittle! You should take her in. I would try to video tape an episode on your phone for the Vet to see. She needs an exam and blood work. I worry they are focal seizures. Common causes of focal seizures in a geriatric Golden are: low blood sugar from a tumor, metabolic conditions like liver or kidney failure or a brain tumor. I wish Skittle the best!

That is very odd. Certainly pets can have a seizure in response to a stimulus but it would be unusual for it to be something more subtle like paper crinkling. If he has a bad back or a neuropathy and he is trying to move too quickly, it could mimic a seizure type activity. If you can capture it on video to show the veterinarian, that may help a lot. If the doctor has not checked his proprioception and his back, have this done. If seizures are still suspicious, you may try the new Purina diet for seizures called NeuroCare. Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs can help with inflammation as well and this may be beneficial. Lastly, there are medications for seizures as well. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.