Konig had several seizures today. First one was in the car, fortunately half a mile from the E-vet's clinic. Second one came two hours later; the third was 30 minutes after that.

The seizures are acute, and start with a chewing motion, like he's trying to spit something out of his jowls. Major saliva production, followed by muscular contractions during which he's totally incapacitated. I've been holding him trying to control the convulsions to keep him from hurting himself.

When they pass (usually lasting 30-90 seconds), he's tired, lethargic and ataxic. Footfalls irregular; balance and vision impaired. These recover after a few minutes.

Our second trip to the vet yielded a valium injection, as well as a scrip for phenobarbital. Doc says probably epilepsy; possibly chemical, but no evidence of any strange foods, toxins, or anything else he may have taken in. Switched foods about 30-45 days ago, to duck formula Eagle Pack and 1/2 can Eagle Pack wet food, fed once daily. Improved his skin issues.

Thoughts? I'm sort of at a loss here. The vet was very helpful, and indicated there are lots of other diagnostics that can be performed (most often not yielding much in the way of information), but we're talking major bucks there (those of you who know me here will also know that I'll gladly spend the $$, and have in the past, but would like to make an informed choice).

Can we get a little more information about him? Age, breed, general health, medications, past medications?

So many things can cause a seizure or series of seizures, it's hard to know where to start without some additional info.

Melissa,

GSD, approx. 8 years old. Rescue. Prior meds limited to prednisone, for an episode of imune disorder about a year ago. Standard flea and heartworm meds.

Other than the immuno problem last year, he's had an issue with spinal stenosis about 4 years ago. That episode was acute, and his symptoms passed in about 10 days.

Beyond that, generally very good health. Robust, active dog of proper weight (88 lbs; 27 1/2 inches at the withers); not fed any junk or human chow, save the occasional tidbit of bacon (once or twice a month), and a piece of ham when I make the occasional midnight sandwich.

Just had another seizure about 20 minutes ago; same kind, same intensity; notable because he's still got the valium in him, and dosed him about 45 minutes ago w/90 mg phenobarb, in accordance with vet's instruction.

 Quote: Melissa Thom

Can we get a little more information about him? Age, breed, general health, medications, past medications?

So many things can cause a seizure or series of seizures, it's hard to know where to start without some additional info.

Also, can you tell us whether he lost consciousness? Did you see if his pupils dilated in the gum-chewing phase?

If they did, were they equally dilated?

Can't tell on dilation; looks "distant" and is clearly unresponsive during seizures. No loss of consciousness. Calm and mellow after (probably because the seizures look like an exhausting muscular effort). I am trying to video one of them, but I've got my hands full.

Any correlation to the flea med??

Although I'm sure the E vet checked, any fever, lymph nodes swollen? Was there any time during the last 2 weeks that you can think of that was a clumsy moment like walking into a door, falling on some stairs? Have you changed anything about your house?

If these seizures are not ending you should IMO go back to the vet if you're not already there.

No fever, no lymph swelling or anything else detectable by palpating. I don't recall anything particular about him being clumsy or running into anything, but he's not the most coordinated dog to begin with (never has been).

I've changed things in the house recently, but not by way of layout. Painted and tiled the upstairs bath, new vanity, etc.

My thoughts at this point are as follows:

an 8 year old dog with relatively few issues in his life shouldn't suddenly get congenital epilepsy, and without fever its unlikely to be from an infection or disease. You don't recall any trauma that might caused it or any stroke/minor seizure type behavior that may be an indicator.

My best guesses in no particular order are toxin, diabetes, cancer, heart, liver, or kidney disease. With the onset being sudden my favored guess is toxin. Are you sure there is nothing in the last 48 hrs he may have gotten into? If no eliminate that big one from the list and then my best bet would be starting the bloodwork to eliminate the stuff you can actually treat.

The last thing I'd do if everything came back clear is start looking for a tumor because it could literally be anywhere and causing the problem.

This article has a lot of information about seizures.

http://www.purelypets.com/articles/epilepsyarticle.htm
It's not just about natural treatment; it's a good overview.

Also,
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html
and
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Why.html

"Possibly chemical" (from your vet) and this (from you): "Painted and tiled the upstairs bath, new vanity, etc." led me to include this:
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Why.html#anchor1089228

As you know, there are many possible triggers.