Seisures in 7 year old male

[acitygirl2]

My 7 year old male boxer has always been very healthy until about January of this year. He was at the dog park running around and suddenly fell over. He was unconscious, and all 4 legs paddling for about 5 minutes. I thought he was dead. His breathing was very shallow, and suddenly, he came to, got up, stumbled around, and was fine!! This was the first seisure I witnessed. Now, at home, I watch him and my other female boxer rough house, and about 5 more times, he has fallen over, same paddling motion, but not been unconscious. It's so scary!!!

Does anyone know what this may be caused by? Is there anything a vet can do? I took him into the vet after the first seisure, but all that came back in his blood work was a slightly abnormal THyroid level.

Please help..

Stacey in Phoenix.

 

[Ozzie]

Stacey:

Your Boxer's seizures could be caused by a variety of things; and yes, there certainly is something a vet may be able to do for your dog.

My last boxer had seizures at an older age than yours, but it's not necessarily uncommon for a dog to have them at age 7. In the case of my dog, he had cardiomyopathy, and he would have mild seizures that were a result of a lack of bloodflow to his brain. He was put on heart medication (sota) which helped him greatly. He still experienced occasional seizures, but they came less frequently than prior to putting him on the medication.

I agree with you that witnessing your poor little guy going through the seizure is scary; you feel so helpless, too, don't you?

That's where I think the vet can step in to help you out. I don't know if the problem is thyroid-related or not, but if I were you, I would certainly have the veterinarian find the cause so that you can treat the dog. It may be as simple as some oral medication.

I feel for you. I've experienced these seizures with several boxers over the years. Please make your vet. find the cause so that it can be treated.

Good luck to you.

Bob.

 

[Ozzie]

By the way, Stacey, I'd recommend you do a search in this forum using "seizures" and you'll find much more information on this subject.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

My 4 year old girl just started having seizures as well. She is now on medication and doing well.

Here is a link which contains lots of helpful information about living with dogs who have seizures.

Your vet can help you a lot and the dog can live a relatively normal life even with seizures.

Best of luck.

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=36270&highlight=seizure