Is there a veterinarian in the house?

[vrsmith]

Our little old dog is really worrying us now. She is about 11 years old and has started to experience seizures. A few times yesterday, she just fell over and tried to struggle to her feet. Once, she didn't struggle and I thought it was over as she just closed her eyes peacefully.
Do you think she is in pain when these events happen?
I would take her to the vet, but I think it's a one way trip, if you know what I mean. She had a worsening liver condition a couple of years ago and the medication she has hasn't been working for some time. Also, she is extremely skinny now. We have to prevent our young dog from eating the old dog's food.
I'm not looking for a diagnosis, just a little direction.
Thanks,
Vaughn.

[Snibble]

I am not a vet, but I am sort of experienced with little mammals and turtles/tortoises. From what little I know.. I don't believe she feels pain during the seizures.. but it sounds like her liver problem has now moved on to neurological issues. This is bad.. really bad and at the age of 11, she is getting old. Its a good idea to seperate the two animals like you are doing.. but remember that you will have to discuss this problem with your family and come up on the decision there.

May god bless your dog...

Sharif

[Ashman]

Not related to seizures, but related to medications for animals.

I had a dog that was hit by a car saving our puppy from getting run over.

His pelvis was badly hurt and he could nto walk. He couldn't even move to go to the restroom.

I spent months taking him to the swimming pool, and helping him stay afloat so he could exercise his legs. because he could nto put weight on them.

The vet had given us medication for him and had given us incorrect instructions for the medication.

The medication ended up rupturing his colon and caused blood poisoning.

To make a long story short, his last trip to the vet was a one way ticket.

It was very hard for us to lose him as he was the most wonderful dog with such a great nature. I felt like I had lost a family member.

I wish you all the best in getting your dog healthy. I really hope all works out for the best. It is hard to lose a loved one, even if it is a pet.

Alon

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Vaughn,
Could the seizures be epileptic seizures?¿ That can be controlled a little . But you have to get it checked by the vet. Also, the "last trip" is up to you. The vet will help keep the dog going until you decide what to do. Hope things turn out ok.

[Cap'n Carageous]

As is probably apparent, I LOVE dogs! The last three that I have had developed heartworms. I was ignorant at the time about these deadly creatures, but looking back, they all acted like they were having seizures occassionally. The heart swells and collaspes the wind pipe, cutting off air. The animal would cough, lay down, roll back it's eyes and convulse. I have spent a lot of money on BenzE to hopefully prevent this. If you have mosquitos, then you have a very good chance of heartworms. Hopefully not your case but just thought I'd share it for all my fellow dog lovers.

[Lou Nielsen]

Your pup could be experiencing a bout of 'old dog vestibular syndrome'.

This is a very scary 'for the owner' but not permanent for the dog occurrance. It seems to be related to a bacterial infection of the inner ear resulting in seisures that manifests itself in symptoms that would indicate a stroke or possible epileptic seisure. Check the dogs eyes. If they scan back and forth then it is in fact ODVS. If you confirm send me an e-mail to discuss treatment.

[chowpit]

Vaughn, I highly recommend you take the dog to the vet. I agree with Ted. The situation may not be as bad as you think BUT, may get worse if you don't do anything at all. Don't let the pooch suffer to spare your emotions. If it has to be put to sleep then so be it. This may sound a little rough so let me say that we have been there. We lost all three of our dogs within 2 years. Two of them were put to sleep due to arthritis being so bad that they could hardly move any more. The really hard part was that their spirits never diminished. It was the worst f*****g thing that I ever had to do.
The third one died of a ruptured tumor and it wasn't any easier losing her.
I hope I can be with them again one day.