Possible epilepsy in our Lab

[Borntoflyinfirst]

We have a 4 year old black lab. 2 weeks ago he had a fit. Obviously took him to the vet who said to keep an eye on him and go back if it happened again within a month. This incident lasted perhaps a minute or so.

Last night (2am) I was woken by the rattling of the door next to his bed and came down to find him fitting again. Once again he recovered quite quickly.

Today's trip to the vet has resulted in blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions and again advice to keep an eye and let them know if it happens again. They don't seem unduly worried and have suggested that it's reasonably common for labradors of his age to develop epilepsy with no real obvious reason. They will consider treating further down the line.

So I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of this? Any advice you can offer would be gratefully received.

Thanks

[Wolfiefan]

I don't have experience but that must have been such a worry. Hope someone more knowledgable comes along soon.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Our rescue lab-pointer cross has had the occasional fit - it is very distressing to witness your beloved pet going through this, especially as you can't explain to them what is going on.

Our vet didn't recommend us putting her on anticonvulsants because they would have side effects that would be unpleasant for her - and as her fits are very infrequent, it wasn't worth her having daily side effects from the medication to prevent something that might only happen once a year - if that makes sense.

She is quite a clingy dog - which may be, in part, due to her history (she had two homes, one of which might have been a puppy farm/back yard breeder before being given to the Dogs Trust, where we adopted her), but dh reckons she wants to be with one of her people in case she has another fit - he might be right, I don't know.

For her, the fits are very, very infrequent - I hope it's the same for your dog.

[Borntoflyinfirst]

Thank you both of you. Yes it is a frightening thing to watch. I'm hoping he won't do it when the children are close! Time will tell I guess. The bloods came back as normal and the vet doesn't appear too worried at this stage. He is a very soppy affectionate dog (likes to sit on laps and buries his head into our necks with a paw across our bodies!) The vet asked if he was particularly affectionate before a seizure but it's hard to tell as he's like that anyway!

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

There's really is nothing like a full grown Labrador who thinks they're a lapdog, is there?

[Borntoflyinfirst]

Ha ha no! He's massive too. Weighs 6 stone! Best dog ever.

[Inadither]

We had an epileptic dog. It continued, despite being on strong medication. We could tell she was about to have a fit as she would go vacant. Unfortunately, she would also lose control of bladder and bowels. Fits would happen more often at night. She died early of an unrelated illness and was the sweetest but dimmest dog until then.

[Borntoflyinfirst]

Ahh Inadither that's so sad and sweet. I'm told it's common for the fits to happen when they are asleep or just waking up. How far in advance would you say your pet started to show signs? It's hard to tell if a big stupid Labrador is confused and affectionate as he's like that most of the time!

[OhMrDarcy]

Our old lab had fits (went rigid, staring eyes, moving legs but kept bladder and bowel control) but they weren't regular. They could happen inside, outside, at night, during the day, on walks or at home. He was always a bit confused and shaken afterwards but fine after a nap. We never did find out the cause. I think they started when he was about 2 maybe, and continued on average monthly for life. The worst thing was that he would go absolutely rigid and was obviously very frightened, so one of us would sit with him and chat whilst the other one cleared the room of other pets and people, particularly one of the cats who the lab was frightened of.

[Borntoflyinfirst]

Sounds very similar. I'm not sure how aware he is when its happening but the look in his eyes is fear. Mine too I suspect as I'm not used to dealing with it yet. We've just tried to calm him when he comes around and reassure him by staying with him and he's ok again quite quickly. Really hoping it won't be as frequent as yours.