Episodic Falling

[lady and amber]

Amber had an Episodic fit this morning, the first one in over a year. the thing is I don`t know what triggered this one, they are usually triggered by overexcitement, overheating or stress, non of these happened this morning, we had just got up and let her out in the garden so she could go toilet when I saw her collapsed on the lawn, I did notice something different this time when she had started to come out of it her eyes were flickering, I don`t know any one else with a dog with this condition, so could do with some help, I have been to a vet on a number of occasions with her after she has had an episode, but he can never find anything wrong with her,

[WoodHaven]

1st-- I am so sorry that you and your baby are dealing with this issue.



If you google it you can find some information--
http://www.episodicfalling.com/research.html

It seems they even have their own board--
http://cavalierepisodicfalling.com/p...44f8a505b27b06

[Karlin]

The links given are good for finding more information and I'd make sure your vet knows about the condition. If you join the discussion group at the EFS website others there can probably suggest a vet near to you that is familiar with the condition. If the episodes are that far apart though and aren't severe then it may not be something a specialist would consider a big problem anyway, but you could find out how to best manage a seizure from the others familiar with the condition.

[lady and amber]

Thanks I am already on that board and have spoken to Dorothie before, that's how I realized what her problem was, going to email her and see if the flickering of the eyes is common.

[AT]

Could she have an ear infection ? the eyes flickering sounds more like a balance problem

[lady and amber]

Don`t think she has a problem with her ears, this is more than loss of balance, she goes ridged and her back arches and is unable to move but is fully aware at all times, she has a look of utter terror on her face all the time it is happening, we found the best way is to pick her up and cradle her like a baby till she comes out of it

[Ruth]

The eye flickering is called nystagmus and is connected with episodic falling and even facial paralysis. I think it is a neurological problem and so she should see your vet.
By a strange coincidence, I have just lost (tonight) my ruby boy who suffered all these conditions, episodic falling, bilateral facial paralysis and nystagmus.
He died peacefully of old age at nearly fourteen years old.

[Mary]

Ruth I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Did your boy have the myoclonic episodes throughout his life? My girl Sassy is almost 3 now. She had episodes from about 4 months to 10 months and none since. I am just hoping she has outgrown this but I worry she will have episodes again.

[moonbeams]

Oh Ruth, I am so sorry to hear that.. my thoughts are with you.

[lady and amber]

Ruth I`m so sorry to hear of your loss, your ruby boy had a long life despite having EF must be down to all the love and care you gave to himto you and will keep you in my thoughts. but you have given me some hope, I always have the fear of losing Amber when she goes in to one of these episodes, the last time I spoke to my vet about the episodes he went out and talked to another vet in the practice, then came back in talking about SM saying she wasnt displaying any clinical signs for it, I will take Amber to the vets on Monday and tell him abut the eye flickering.