A question about dogs and seizures...

[SacredCow]

Happy Saturday, all! A quick question to see if anyone has seen something similar in any of their beloved pets...

Our mini dachshund recently began having seizures, but they ONLY happen immediately AFTER a trip in the car. Personally, I'm thinking that she gets herself so worked up over the trip itself that something in her brain goes haywire and causes it. They gave us valium to give her before the necessary trips, but otherwise offered no other explanations or ideas. Has anyone else ever had something like this happen? Perhaps crating her (with a favorite toy or blanket) for a car trip would help?

Thanks!

[flvegan]

1. First, who is "they" that gave you the valium for your dachsy?

This a vet?

[SacredCow]

2. yes... it was her vet. n/t

[flvegan]

4. Sorry, but you need a new vet.

Seizures are serious business. A quickie band-aid diagnosis for a very specific stimulus, like a car ride...that's irresponsible.

In the meantime, a crate and toys/blanket as suggested isn't a bad idea.

[SacredCow]

8. Well, the vet said we could take her for brain scans...

to the tune of thousands of dollars, but that's just not a feasible option.

She seldom gets in a car (except to go to the vet for her shots, or when we go out of town and we take her to a friend's). Otherwise, they never happen.

[philosophie_en_rose]

3. I suggest seeing another vet.

We had a dachshund growing up and Penguin had seizures when he was older. I can't give you medical advice, but I'd first check to see if there is anything toxic in the car or whether she has a different condition. Valium might make it worse.

[SacredCow]

7. It's happened in more than one car...

and she never leaves my arms during the ride...

she's a nervous wreck in a car- I suppose because a car ride means either she's visiting the vet for shots, or because we're going out of town.

Otherwise, she never has any problems. A friend had a dog some time ago that began having periodic seizures, but they didn't seem to be in response to any kind of stimulus. These are only AFTER a car ride. That is, no matter how long the ride, she always has them when we get out of the car. It's just strange.

Thanks for the thoughts so far.

[Elidor]

5. My family used to have an epileptic dog

The vets prescribed him Dilantin, I think it was called. He took it regularly and seldom had problems after that. Good luck with your little person.

[Bennyboy]

6. My Great Pyreness had seizures.....

First they were pretty infrequent then they became more and more frequent till I finally had to put him down. I tried for a short while to give him drugs, but he was hardly a dog then....

[SacredCow]

9. The valium wasn't intended to be a regular thing...

Only for the few times when she has to take a car ride (which is not frequently).

[InvisibleTouch]

10. Not related to the car, but try this:

If your dog gets any soft-moist treats (Jerky Treats, Beggin' Strips, that kind of thing), try cutting those out completely. I had a Pomeranian who had seizures which stopped almost completely after I figured that out - that the artificial colors and preservatives in the treats were triggering his episodes. Go with dry and crunchy treats without added colors; Paul Newman makes good ones, and there are other premium brands.

It does sound like she's getting so stressed that it's triggering her seizures, so maybe the food has nothing to do with it, but whenever I hear of someone's dog having seizures, I suggest they take a critical look at their treats and food.

Other than that, it wouldn't hurt to consult a dog trainer or animal behaviorist to see if you can condition her into being relaxed during a car ride.

[OhioChick]

11. As others suggested...

find a new vet. Your vet should at the very least do some blood work on your pup. I have an epileptic dog. At first, her seizures would only appear following a stressful situation for her, in which we began using Valium here and there....on occasion only. Within a year, she began having full blown seizures frequently and was put on Phenobarbital. She's been on it for years, has blood work done to make sure levels are maintained and is doing well.

Good Luck~

[Zoigal]

12. Had a bloodhound that developed gran mal

seizures. Vet gave her Dilantin, but the dosage was so high that her quality of life
suffered terribly. Finally had to put her down. Never did find out the cause. Have you researched
the problem on line? Might find some answers. Oh, consider finding a new vet.
Best of luck. z