Epilepsy Or Not

[sugarpuppy1]

Hi,

I have a cross kelpie/border collie rescue dog, who's 3. He's a strange little thing in that he's perfectly happy to be outside even in the pouring rain and I'm more than happy to invite him in. But he loves people, including men, so I'm pretty sure he wasn't abused.

But one thing has puzzled me and our vet - three times, he's sort of collapsed. He seems to lose all power in his legs and just suddenly collapses. The first time I really panicked and took him straight to the vet, who thought it might be an epileptic fit. It didn't happen again for months, then happened twice in about 3 weeks and hasn't happened again. He's had blood tests and been carefully monitored but we're all confused as to what might it might actually be.

Anyone have any ideas

[~Anne~]

Is he concious and aware when he collapses?

If he appears to be 'awake' but is not aware of his surroundings or is just staring, then it *might* be a seizure. There are many types of seizures and what you describe could be one.

Epilepsy generally starts in dogs betwen the ages of 18 months - 3 years, so he is in the right age category.

He could also be collapsing for many other reasons though.

What is his manner like immediately before and after the episode?

I would have your mobile or a handy cam or camera handy and film the event. Then take him and the video to the vet to see if they can determine what the problem is.

On a side note, a siezure does not neccessarily equal epilepsy. Epilepsy is the diagnoses of a condition where the dog suffers seizures of no known cause. Seizures can be caused by illness, disease and trauma as well, and this is not epilpesy.

[mysticpaw]

Are you in Sydney?

My vet did his thesis on epilepsy. I have had no personal experience but some

of my friends that have Sibes have.

I was talking to him about it a while ago and he gave me some info to print off.

I can post it to you if you like, just PM me a mailing address.

[sugarpuppy1]

Yes - he's conscious though his eyes close very briefly.

He doesn't show any signs of not being well before it happens either. On one occasion we'd just come back from a long walk and on another we were just sitting in the loungeroom.

He does hate the heat though and the first time I thought that was the cause, but the next time it was quite cool.

The vet has told me not to worry too much unless it starts happening more regularly. I was more curious to know if other dog owners had had similar experiences.

Unfortunately, I don't own a video camera to film it, though I guess I could try videoing on my very basic mobile.

Thank you for your advice, though, it's much appreciated.

[InspectorRex]

Has your Vet done any blood tests etc? He has offered to refer you to a veterinary specialist who might suggest say a CT Scan or MRI to try and find a cause?

If he/she hasn't I would be changing Vets!

[~Anne~]

If he is concious, have you considered that it might be some form of cynocape (sp?) .... where his brain suffers from a lack of oxygen.

This can be caused by heart, respiratory and brain conditions I believe. He may be 'fainting' and not actually having a seizure???

I'd head back to the vet or find another for second opinion if it concerns you.

[sugarpuppy1]

If he is concious, have you considered that it might be some form of cynocape (sp?) .... where his brain suffers from a lack of oxygen.

This can be caused by heart, respiratory and brain conditions I believe. He may be 'fainting' and not actually having a seizure???

I'd head back to the vet or find another for second opinion if it concerns you.

Actually that's what it looks like more than anything - as if he's fainting and yes, he's had heart tests and blood tests and they've all been clear.

[InspectorRex]

Then you need a referral to a Veterinay Specialist for more thorough diagnostic testing like CT or MRI

[~Anne~]

Perhaps a second opinion with another Vet would be in order. Maybe a fresh set of eyes, and the existing test results, will be able put the pieces together.

[lucknow]

If he is concious, have you considered that it might be some form of cynocape (sp?) .... where his brain suffers from a lack of oxygen.

This can be caused by heart, respiratory and brain conditions I believe. He may be 'fainting' and not actually having a seizure???

I'd head back to the vet or find another for second opinion if it concerns you.

It is spelt syncope (pronounced sin-co-pee). A quick google of 'syncope dog' should bring up lots of information specific to canines (important as the most common causes are quite different to humans).

Good luck, hope you find some answers soon.

[~Anne~]

It is spelt syncope (pronounced sin-co-pee).

Thanks. I didn't have the time to check on the spelling yesterday but I knew someone would pick up on what I was referring to. :p