Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Seizures in elderly dogs

8 replies

fairydustandpixies · 29/09/2020 17:23

My 13yr old staffy cross had a brief seizure earlier today. He collapsed, jerked for just a few seconds, then struggled up and looked rather confused. He then started acting like a lunatic (as he does sometimes and was what he was doing just before the fit), chasing his tail and throwing a toy about. I got him to sit and calmed him down, he seemed fine.

I spoke with the vet, they won't see him but said if a fit lasts more than five minutes it's an emergency and to get him there asap.

This is the first time this has happened. He's got arthritic back legs and they sometimes give way, he's also covered in loads of fatty lumps. He's such a happy chap, so loving. I know he probably won't be around much longer which breaks my heart, but I wondered if anyone has had a similar experience? Did your ddog have any more seizures? Should I prepare for the worst sooner rather than later?? He eats well, sleeps a lot, has always been a velcro dog. My heart will absolutely break the day it's time for him to go.

OP posts:
playitsam · 29/09/2020 17:28

Hi
Our 14 year old staffy was doing the same, very brief and then very confused.
We took her to the vet and she has emphysema, he said what was happening was that she wasn't getting enough oxygen to her brain and was almost blacking out for a moment.
He said it wasn't a seizure though. She's on steroids for her lungs and he put her on a heart medication to help her heart pump more oxygen. Since she's been on these she's not had them.
Maybe it could be a similar thing? Possibly not the emphysema but something that's causing a slight lack of oxygen.
The vet said it's similar to when we stand up to fast
Fingers crossed nothing serious

playitsam · 29/09/2020 17:32

Oh also ours has arthritis on her back legs and struggled getting back up/twitching and the steroids helped with that.
Unfortunately due to the emphysema he said she'll most likely not be here this time next year (I covered her ears at this so she didn't hear Smile) I know steroids aren't something long term, but I was thinking more the heart medication in your case if it was similar, if the vet was looking into other options.
I apologise if none of that made much sense.....I don't know where my brain has gone today

Thack · 29/09/2020 17:39

Slightly different, but my lurcher staffy cross is epileptic.
To begin with, his seizures were short, infrequent and he was OK right after. The vet said that seizures sometimes happen so if it's not too much then better off without meds (save side effects). They worsened, so it's now £25 a month on tablets. They are going to ruin his liver, but it was a good trade for his age.

I hope it is a one off for you, it is so scary to watch. Just wish you could explain to them that they're going to be OK. Try to stay calm, it helps them stay calm too. Good luck Flowers

DogInATent · 29/09/2020 17:45

Our mature (rescue, so unsure on age but I'd guess around 12) staffy developed epilepsy the end of last year. When she comes round there's a period of disorientation and then she's slightly hyperactive for up to an hour.

One seizure isn't a pattern, and if they're not clustering and there's no distress it can be a case of just managing them when they happen. With us it's gone a little further, they became more frequent so we're controlling the frequency (but not able to prevent them) with medication. Medication is a big commitment though. It's not expensive but there's a need to give the tablet at a regular time twice a day. Missing a dose could make things worse once you start.

Swimminginroses · 29/09/2020 22:10

This happened to my DHs staffy.
Honestly, if my beloved dog had more than 3 or so seizures in a relatively short space of time, I think I would PTS.

DHs dog was given medication and regular checks but he got worse and worse over time until he was PTS

Sitdowncupoftea · 29/09/2020 23:35

One of my dog has seizures but its epilepsy. He has medication for it. My dog is dazed and quiet after a fit.

Hannahfftl · 29/09/2020 23:50

My staff cross had one random seizure about 5 years ago now, shes now 16 and hasn't had anything since. The vet thinks maybe it was a case of overheating so we are now very careful about when we have the heating on and for how long, and hot summers are always a worry! But touch wood nothing since.

fairydustandpixies · 30/09/2020 06:07

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply and although I'm so sorry you've had to go through this too, it's also given me comfort knowing what to expect. He is my first dog so I've not gone through this before. I really appreciate your advice.

Ddog has been fine since, I'm keeping him calm. He's wondering what's up though as I'm spoiling him rotten (not that I don't anyway!).

Aren't dogs just the best? The heartbreak to come will be worth every tear in exchange for every moment I share with this stinky hound!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page