5 yo Sheltie had first seizure last night. Any advice welcome.

[4Tornot4T]

Hello,
Our 5 year old Sheltie had a first seizure last night. It didn't last long - about two minutes and he remained standing but his back arched (like an angry cat - although he'd hate the comparison!) and his eyes rolled so we could see the whites. He seemed totally fine afterwards and wanted to play. We took him straight to the vet who was fantastic and checked his vital stats which were all normal and took bloods which should be back on Monday.
We're devastated as he's also just been diagnosed with arthritis in his front paw. We feel so sad for him.
But, we're also wondering if anyone has had experience of seizures with Metacam which he has been on for a few days for his paw and had just taken last night with his meal.
Any advice, suggestions hugely welcome.
Thank you in advance. xx

We can not give one of our dogs metacam as it causes seizures. He had had one fit before being on metacam but then fitted more when on it. He has not fitted since being taken off the metacam. He is not medicated for the fits and now seems fine. It has been 4 years since his last fit.

Our dog is a collie and there is a lot of epilepsy in the breed and I think it is the same for Shelties?

i am always very cautious in any medication I give to the collies, the spaniels and labs take it all with no problems!

There are loads of alternative treatments for arthritis (even non medical ones) so fingers crossed if he does not have anymore metacam things settle down again.

I hope your dog feels better soon - it is so worrying when they are ill.

IngGenius Thank you so much for your helpful reply. I'm sorry to hear about your collie having seizures - it's terrifying to watch - but I'm glad he's fine now and hopefully he'll stay seizure free.
We've immediately stopped the metacam and he seems back to normal although it is early days I know.
There is epilepsy in Shelties so it is something we're conscious of but he did have metacam a couple of times before for various strains etc and seemed fine. I realise allergies can just start for no reason though and obviously we'll never risk metacam again.
If you had time to let me know any good medical or non medical alternatives for arthritis that you find good it would be fantastic - it sounds like you have loads of experience with dogs so definitely know more than us. We're first time dog owners and worried sick most of the time.

I have a dog with epilepsy!

From what you've said about Metacam, I'd keep my fingers crossed it was a one-off but be prepared for another, just in case.

Things that are useful to know in case of seizure:

1. stay very calm and keep noise/light to a minimum. Stimulation can prolong the seizure.
2. time the seizure - anything longer than 5 minutes and you should get vet advice. Most seizures are over within 1 to 4 minutes although they will feel longer when you are witnessing them
3. Google/research Ocular Compression, plus the use of ice packs as a technique for minimizing seizures. Ocular compression works very well with my girl.

Going forward, if needed, you might want to check diet (low carb/glutamate and as fresh as possible seems to be better), and look into MCT Oil, CBD Oil, and probiotics. People have varying results but all of these things work to minimize seizures for some dogs. There is a lot of research on Canine Epilepsy at the moment so it helps if you can find a vet with an active interest. A veterinary neurologist is worth using in the long term.

Lastly, keep a seizure diary and record any obvious seizure activity. Include any 'odd' behaviour - clinginess, anxiety, fly-snapping, muscular jerks, facial twitches which are unusual. It will all help your vet to work out what's best.

Good luck with this - it IS terrifying, but it does get easier. Here's hoping you don't have another.

dotdotdot3 Thank you for your reply with so much helpful information,. I'm sorry your girl has epilepsy - it must be a huge worry for you.

The more I read about Metacam the more hopeful I am that it was the culprit and it was a one off but we are on high alert for another seizure. All your tips are so useful to know - I think we did panic when he had the first seizure because we didn't know what was happening and that may have prolonged it but we'll be better prepared if there is a next time (keeping fingers and toes crossed).

The vet gave us Diazepam to give rectally if a seizure lasts more than four minutes.

Thanks again. We are so grateful for advice from people with more experience than us.