• If you're a past member of the board, but can't recall your password any more, you don't need to set up a new account (unless you wish to). As long as you recall your old login name, you can log in with that user name then select 'forgot password' and the board will email you at your registration email, to let you reset your password.

Charlie had a fit :(

Charlotte

Well-known member
Charlie had a fit this morning, i didn't actually see it but my mum and brother did. He'd just got out of bed and he was stretching like he always does and then he sort of rolled over and starting shaking and screaming and then afterwards he was really quite and he wouldn't move, also he wet himself.
We took him to the vets and they said it could be epilepsy or maybe a brain tumour, they took his blood and there gonna let us know the results.
He has been having partial fits where he just shakes a little and stares but they only last a couple of seconds but he's never had anything like he had today.
 
how scary for you!!

I hope they find out what is wrong and can help poor Charlie. I have no idea but some type of seizure sounds possible. Please keep us posted :hug:
 
I think it's worth having an Mri scan done to rule out SM.
Normally I would suggest this as a last resort but it seems very similar to how Daisy used to be before medication.
A morning stretch on the decking would result in a yelp and the full roll on the ground screaming is very alarming for anyone who has to witness this.Try and record it if possible to show the vet.
Sins
 
Hi Charlotte, which specialist is Charlie under for his heart? It would be a good idea to see a neurologist, who will initially perform a clinical examination. Dr. Clare Rusbridge in my opinion is the best and she is not far from you. If you need any help with tranport or anything let me know, I do not live far from you.
 
So sorry to read this:(
Here's wishing you find out what caused it and get it treated ASAP
 
Charlie had a fit

Charlie had a fit this morning, i didn't actually see it but my mum and brother did. He'd just got out of bed and he was stretching like he always does and then he sort of rolled over and starting shaking and screaming and then afterwards he was really quite and he wouldn't move, also he wet himself.
We took him to the vets and they said it could be epilepsy or maybe a brain tumour, they took his blood and there gonna let us know the results.
He has been having partial fits where he just shakes a little and stares but they only last a couple of seconds but he's never had anything like he had today.


CHARLIE HAD A FIT


Charlotte,

As the others have suggested ,maybe you should have a MRI Scan done on Charlie.

Our Becky had Epileptic Fits, she would lie on her side ,have what you could see was like Paddling motions with her legs, and her Eyes would be Flickering all over the Place and yes she did pass water.

Did'nt know us but never screamed.

Hope all goes well for Charlie.

Bet
 
I'm so sorry, how scary for you. I hope you can get the seizures under control with maybe gabapentin. Does anyone know if they used that for dogs epilepsy?
 
Just wanted to say that I am thinking of you! Let us know how the vet went. I have no good medical advice like the other, but just wanted to send our hugs :hug:
 
On gabapentin -- it is not used for epilepsy in cavaliers. generally the usual drug is phenobarbitol, or bromide or diazepam or some mix.

Some dogs may only ever fit once or twice or not enough to need a regular medication. Often something is just given during a seizure.

Perhaps to consider are conditions like episodic falling or syringomyelia, though it is uncertain if fits are connected directly to SM. If diagnosis is uncertain or you want to talk to a neurologist I would definitely recommend Clare Rusbridge. I don;t know how often epileptic dogs would scream -- to me that would possibly indicate something with pain like SM, and not an actual fit but a serious pain episode. These can be confused with fits. If it happens again try to get it on video, as hard as that may be -- it will likely help with a diagnosis. Though your vet will surely try blood tests for epilepsy and other elimination tests for various things.

That staring and shaking head is actually common in cavaliers and seems to usually be harmless. I know several neurologists have noted this now. So it may or may not be connected. Or the shaking and the rest could be vestibular disease -- though don't think that is usually connected to screaming fits though it can appear to be like a stroke has affected the dog.

Please let us know if you learn more. :flwr:
 
How old is Charlie? The description of the event sounds very much like Clancy's grand mal epileptic seizures, except Clancy doesn't vocalize. He did in the first year, if he seized while awake, though. He is now on potassium bromide and zonisamide.

You may need an MRI to rule out things like a brain tumor, since it sounds like he was having smaller seizures before and now they are progressing. :hug:
 
Keeping everything crossed for Charlie here too. Do hope your vet can get to the bottom of the problem speedily and Charlie will soon be feeling better.

Do let us know how you are both getting on
Heartblowingpoog.gif
 
I'm so sorry, how scary for you. I hope you can get the seizures under control with maybe gabapentin. Does anyone know if they used that for dogs epilepsy?

Yes it is often the preferred treatment for epilepsy in both humans and dogs. Little Joe was seen at Bristol University Vet School as a puppy for his fits. Gabapentin was considered but the eventual decision went against it because he was so young.

The fits were stress related, but a MRI scan was done to check for any brain damage or abnormality.

Fingers crossed that Charlie will be okay. Sometimes a virus can cause fits, but a simple blood test can diagnose this.
 
That's interesting, Flo; I haven't ever come across vets prescribing it for that use, and it isn't actually listed on various dog epilepsy sites so maybe it is quite new in that use for dogs or maybe limited to specialists or vets with a strong interest in the area (as it still isn't licensed for vet use). I had wondered. Several of my vets at different practices certainly had never heard of the drug until I asked for prescriptions for SM. I know it was initially used for fits in humans though. Al the dogs I know with epilepsy are on phenobarbitol or just have tablets to use if they seize rather than daily medication (which can kind of zone some of them out).
 
Hmmm I see it is listed as one of the newer trial drugs for epilepsy, but without many studies looking at its use yet in dogs:

http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/overview.html

Main problem seems to be cost especially for large dogs. Interestingly another site pointed out it needed to be taken three times daily to maintain serum levels in blood -- which suggests again that three times daily is the best option for SM as well. I see also that the symptoms do include screams for moderate level seizures.
 
Saying a prayer for Charlie, and hoping it's simple.

I had a dog years ago that was epileptic. Her seizures were so infrequent that she was never on meds. She always knew when they were coming and would come and sit at my feet and lick her chops (lips, if you picture a dog with lips). I would take her somewhere with a tile floor, and lay down a towel and talk gently to her till it was over, also, helping her so she didn't injure herself. Sometimes she would soil herself, other times she would not.

Keeping you both in thought and prayer.
 
Back
Top