Dear Dr. John,
Our household has two Shih Tzus, one male and one feminine. The feminine, who is nearly 5, not too long ago freaked us out with some odd conduct. We have been at house and abruptly she began drooling closely, defecated, and appeared out of types for a couple of minutes. We shortly referred to as our vet who had us carry her in. The vet checked her out and located nothing to be out of types. We took her house and general, she appeared to be quiet for the remainder of the day. We have been instructed that she in all probability had an episode of epilepsy, that she would doubtless be nice, and to control her. Should we be involved and what subsequent? Is her breed liable to epilepsy and may we fear about our different canine? They should not littermates however from the identical breeder. C.P.
Dear C.P.,
There are fairly a number of canine breeds which are liable to epilepsy however the Shih Tzu is just not a type of. Despite that, idiopathic epilepsy, which implies there isn’t a particular trigger, can occur in any canine breed. Most epileptic seizures in canine are characterised by numerous medical indicators together with, drooling, falling over and paddling with their toes, urinating, defecating, disorientation and extra. Most of those seizures final just one or two minutes. It can then take as much as 10 minutes for the canine to look regular once more.
Drooling accompanied by a seizure can even happen after ingesting one thing poisonous and vomiting can also happen. I’m certain that your veterinarian was very particular in asking about the opportunity of the canine ingesting something uncommon. Bloodwork may need been so as, however I defer to the veterinarian who noticed the canine. I don’t imagine that you must be too involved right now, however I might recommend you begin a log to file day, time, and size of this previous episode and any extra which may come alongside. Should seizures begin to happen with some elevated frequency and regularity, then bloodwork could be achieved, and the canine began on anybody or mixture of varied anti-seizure medicine. Should any seizure final greater than a quick period of time or repeatedly one ought to at all times get that canine into an emergency facility. I doubt that your different canine is at any threat, however one by no means is aware of for certain. Hopefully, all will likely be nice.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He could be reached at 781-899-9994
Source: www.bostonherald.com”