About a month ago our 13 year old dalmatian had an "episode" where she would seem to have sudden weakness in her hind end and sit down. Respiration would increase and you could tell she was stressed about this.

She did this twice on that morning and didn't do it any more after that. It was so brief, I really thought she had slipped on the tile and may have strained something so it kinda hurt her to get up. Plus with her age, she is losing some muscle, too. Nothing abnormal for her individual age progression.

She did it again, 3 times this morning. My wife and I actually got to see each fall in its entirety.

It would start with her hind end tensing up which caused her to lose balance. She would dig her claws into the floor or dirt. Very distressed, wide-eyed look on her face. Then her breathing would become rapid and deeper. She would keep her front feet in front of her to try to hold herself up.

All I could really do was pet her and encourage her to just lay down.

Then as fast as it would happen, she would get up and walk off.

After seeing it firsthand, and describing it to the vet I'm pretty sure it is mild seizures.

I like to be semi-educated for a vet appointment. All I can really find is bloodwork and maybe a urine test to rule out all other problems or potential causes.

Anything else?

I don't think this requires drug intervention just yet. I realize she is old and in her last years, but need to know if this could be a simple, fixable problem before I just say, "Oh well...she's old."

Anybody's experience is more than welcome.

Sorry I don't have any advice for you.... I just want to offer my sympathy and support. I'll be sending healing thoughts your way...

Thanks Shody.:smile: We really appreciate it.

With her, we are always analyzing quality of life. With all the post I've made about her health lately, it probably seems worse than what it is seeing it first hand.

So far, the only lingering effects today are that she is tired. I feel that should be expected considering.

Other than that, her attitude is great. And the biggest test of all, she acted like her normal moron self when the food came out.

I ask for others experience with the problems she is having to make sure that I am not being selfish with her life. Right now, I still feel like she is comfortable and not ready to go.

Thanks again for your support.

She will let you know when it's time... Her eyes will change, It's hard to explain, but you will know. When the joy is gone, and she seems to be looking inside....

It is a very hard thing, facing the end of days for the dogs we love. Someone I know wrote a peom recently about this, and it touched me very deeply. Here is the link, if you think you might like to read it. I have never read a better one. It is very touching, and WILL make you cry...

http://www.orangewood.me/Orangewood/Twelve_Septembers.html

That is a nice, Shody. I noticed you took that lovely photo.

Michael, I don't have any experience to offer, either, just well wishes for you and your furry friend. Hopefully it's something easily treatable (it may well be.)

Thanks for that Shody.:smile:

I know exactly what you mean about the eyes.

I was very thankful that my last dog made it very clear when it was time. It only took a glance.

I found this link, which you may have already read:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=C&C=10&S=0

I did note that fainting/dizziness can be a result of heart disease. From what you've described, it sounds less like a seizure and more like this:

http://www.dogscatshealth.com/2008/06/weakness-and-syncope.html
http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WALTHAMOSU2002&PID=2992

This last link mentions: "Animals with pre-syncope, where reduced brain perfusion is not severe enough to cause unconsciousness, may transiently become "wobbly" or weak in the rear limbs."

If you Google Syncope there is a ton of information available.

Interesting!

That would make even more sense with her current CHF. Never occurred to me.

Two things stand out different from syncope, but aren't enough to rule it out in my opinion.

1.)She did defecate during one of yesterday's "episodes".

 Quote: from the last link sarah gave

However, facial fits, persistent tonic/clonic motion, defecation, a prodromal aura, (post ictal) dementia, and neurologic deficits are not generally associated with cardiovascular syncope.

2.)She has had more "staring spells". Mostly, it seems, while she is waiting on something(food, doors, the ghost man in the corner, etc.), so we never really thought anything of it. Yesterday, it made us wonder, though.

 Quote: from the last link sarah gave

But, episodes caused by underlying neurologic disease usually are preceded by atypical limb or facial movement or staring spells before the loss of postural tone.3

Even with those two things, syncope does sound more likely. I'll definitely bring this up at the vet.

Do you know how much you have helped with this dog? Thanks a ton...again.....and again, and again....:smile:

If it is seizures, you might try taurine supplemenation. You can get it in standard suppliment form, or if you feed raw you can increase the percentage of heart, poultry thigh, and oysters in the diet.

This morning when I came in the front door from our walk, Domino was waiting at the front door for us. She was exhibiting signs of small seizures.

The left side of her face, her left eye, the left side of her mouth, and the left side of her neck had a pretty bad jerking, twitching action going on.

She was still anticipating food, which *I* think is good, but this twitching isn't normal with her.

She is going to the vet for blood work, and I am going to continue watching her for "signs" of something.

This spell went on for 15 to 20 minutes, and everytime I got the video camera out, she would stop for 2 or 3 minutes. I was trying to get dogs fed and watered, baby ready for the ride to work, so I would stop waiting. Then it would start again. Thats the way it goes right.........

I still don't want to say it is seizures and start medicating yet, though. Sarah's idea makes TOO much sense to me, considering her condition. I wish I could've gotten it on video.

I will post an update when there is something new.:smile: