Mamagus

I am sure some of you have seen the pictures of my beloved Sheltie, Finnigan. He is a 5 year old and just recently he has begun to have seizures. We are aware of three that he has had since early June. (It's September 13 now).
He lies on his side and paddles at the air with his four legs running and his eyes rolled back for about 60-90 seconds. Then he lies still for another 60-90seconds before he tries to get up.
He's not himself for a good five or six hours after and it is so hard to watch. I called our vet and she said that unless he was having them frequently she wouldn't medicate him. I don't know if I should call another vet or lie and say he's having them frequently so his own vet will prescribe medicine.

Does anyone have any advice for us?

grammyp

If there is a veterinary school near by, give them a call. Seizures are not uncommon in Shelties, but it won't hurt to get some test and an MRI, just to be safe. He certainly is a beauty, I have a soft spot for shelties.

Rhonda

He's such a beautiful dog! And far too young not to do some checking it out.

My sheltie had seizures but not until she was dying. so I would insist your vet check him out. seizures are common in shelties. My aunt and uncle used to raise them. My vet told us at the time to give her a reg aspirin but I don't think it did any good.

bjnicholson

I would get a second opinion. How awful to have to see him go through that.

nursie76

So sorry your little guy is having this problem.
It sounds like you are not entirely comfortable with your vets assessment and recommendations. I don't think anyone, including your current vet would fault you for wanting/getting a second opinion. I would encourage you to do what gives you peace of mind.
Hope you can find a solution for your fur baby. {{{Hugs}}} to you and to Finnegan.

KathyAire

He is, indeed, a beauty. I don't have any knowledge about seizures, so I can't help you. I, personally, don't like medication unless it is absolutely necessary, for me or for my fur kids. I can only imagine how terrible it is to watch him when it is happening.

Lisa

How sad for him, that's heartbreaking. If it were me I would have to make sure that I had checked everything which would at least include a 2nd opinion. The idea about the vet school is a great option, they might would go above and beyond checking him out to help teach the students. Good luck and keep us posted!

Sadiemae

I had a PomPoo and we gave her PHENOBARBITAL. When she would have the first one, I would medicate her for several days and then she would be find for awhile. I kept it on hand all of the time so I could give it to her when needed. A couple of times her seizures would last too long and I would rush her to the vet and she would get a shot. It was really hard because she was only 5 pounds. The seizures sound like they are very short and your vet may be right, but it wouldn't hurt to have a second opinion.

quiltingfan

My cocker spaniel also has seizures every now and then. we have not done anything about it. she is a happy dog and they do not happen that frequently maybe 2 a year? We told the vet but he did not seem that concerned so we aren't either.

MZStitch

I had two shelties, neither ever experienced any seizures, I didn't even realize they were common in this dog?! Did you ask the vet why she wasn't concerned? Do some research over the internet to help you make the right decision whether to see another vet. If it will give you piece of mind, it's worth doing. Finding more information on the internet may help you make your decision whether you would medicate the dog or not.