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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

My cat has seizures and my vet and also a second opinion(my SIL who's a vet) have told me the same thing. Unless the seizures are severe and are close together, the meds are harder on them than the seizures. It wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion, but I suspect if you search long enough there will always be someone who tells you what you want to hear.

I have epilepsy, and if both vets tell you the same thing, then I would not worry. They are not painful, because during a seizure, you are out cold and feel nothing. It is actually much worse to have to see them. It takes me awhile to recover also. I will pray for him. If he is medicated, you will see a difference in his personality that will become permanent. Waiting WILL NOT make it worse.

We have a golden retriever that has seizures also. We were told the same thing regarding medicine. Our vet and friend, who is a vet technician, said that unless the dog has seizures more than 1 a month, they usually don't medicate because the medicine is so expensive. I don't remember the cost of the meds but it was very expensive. If they don't have them more than 1/mo; just watch them and document the length of time per seizure. I know, easy for them to say, just watch, document and do nothing!!!!!!! The seizures look so painful; I want to help; but am just there for him.

One of our labs had seizures irregularly and she had the same symptoms you described - particularly the lethargic recovery. But then she would be fine for a long time. Keep an eye on that handsome lad and if he maintains, I would not worry either. If his seizures increase in frequency and intensity, then I would go back to the doc.

My JRT has had seizures also..ideo pathic? meaning they don't know why, but they put him on Phenobarbitol he is 12 now.
i don't like him being on meds..but they said to watch his gums when in a seizure, if you can, and not get bit. if they go really dark, it means his brain is not getting any oxygen.
they had him on twice a day..i have him on once a day..and it is perfect for him.
it looks really scarey..he starts sidestepping, and he looks like he is staring into space..and shakes like crazy. i would just hold him, until it was over. since he has been on meds, no seizures.
i pray your baby will be fine..!

I agree with Candace. My son has seizures (athough not a dog but the physiology is the same). The side effects of the meds can be just as bad as the seizures themselves. My son is on 3 seizure medications. One of them interfered with his thyroid function so new meds were added to balance that but a side effect of that medication is hair loss which is happening to him--he's only 23 and has a big bald patch on the top of his head. Another medication he takes causes him to be depressed and makes his urine smell terrible! He also sleeps 18 hours a day.

I say get your second opinion and tests but don't be in a rush to medicate unless the seizures become more frequent or tests show there is something wrong.

I'm so glad MadameKelly gave a personal perspective. It's really helpful. Thank you. Edit: And, virtualbernie, too.

If you want a second opinion, there's no harm in it. Just choose the second vet carefully. I've had as many as five opinions on a major surgery. No one minded. My primary vet is an Ivy League narcissist and he didn't care. :0) Vets are busy professionals.

Finnigan is gorgeous. I hope you have a peaceful resolution to the situation.

My little mixed dog, 11 lbs, started having seizures daily sometimes 2 or more. Vet recommened 1/2 phenobarbital tablet twice a day. there was no change for the first week, now she is doing good. Little dog may have seizure once in a while but not as often or as long. She seems to be happiers. Only side effect is she like to eat, so now we have to be carful not to give snacks everytime she wants one.
Get second opinion.
You have a beautiful Sheltie.

This is what we were told too about the seizures our poodle was having. As long as they are okay the next day, to let it go. The side effects of the meds can shorten their life span by causing damage to other organs.

Mamagus,
I'm sorry your baby is sick. We had a dog that had seizures and it is heartbreaking to see...we eventually did put Tasha on Phenabarb because her seizures were long but the vet had us wait for as long as she and we felt comfortable because of the side effects. After a few really long seizures it was worth the risk to us. It's a commitment because you have to keep that certain level of medicine in their system-for us it was twice a day. We were blessed to have a next door neighbor that would come over and give Tash her pill if we were running late or if we would be gone on a day trip. There also has to be blood work done to make sure the level of medicine is at a therapeutic level and to check the function of the liver to make sure it isn't being damaged. The medicine was expensive at the vet but after much cajoling she eventually started calling it into Target where it was a lot cheaper.

If you're there when Finnigan(sorry if I've got the spelling wrong)has a seizure just love on him and be calm. Over time we noticed that Tasha would come over to us when she was getting ready to seiz. Once she was into a seizure she couldn't really respond but I know she was aware of us and the soft tone and stroking seemed to bring her out of it or make the transition easier. She was kind of wiped out for a bit after.

Let us know how he is doing. He's beautiful.

Your dog is absolutely beautiful! I had a Yorkie who had seizures for several years and our vet did not medicate him either. Said they were not really that harmful to him (said they probably bothered me more than they did him) unless they became very frequent and very severe. As he got older (several years later), he did have to take one pill a day to help control them. Once on the pill, he was not as active as before, but also he was older then too. He lived to be 12...but had a good, alert and active life.

I just looked at your link "but you don't look sick...". Thank you, I could not have said it better. I am printing copies for family members who don't 'get it".

Seek a second opinion.

Oh I do know what you are going through. My darling Jonah, my avatar, had idiopathic epilepsy. All that means is that they do not know why he has seizures. He started at 1 1/2 years and now at 8 years is on phenobarbitol, potassium bromide solution and leviteracetam twice a day. His seizures are under control but he now has cluster seizures, maybe up to 8 in a 24 hour period. He has not had any since the beginning of June. Jonah's seizures last about 30 seconds but then he has a period of blindness and agitation. Afterwards, he is his old adorable self. Then another one will come, and the toll they take on him is noticable, he gets progressively weaker with each siezure. He has has 2 episodes where he needed to be medicated in the doggy ICU for a few days, talk about expensive!! When the seizures start, we give him clonazepam to hopefully decrease the number of seizures. he is well drugged up for a few days. But then he recovers and is none the worse for wear.
My advice to you would be to learn all you can about canine epilepsy, the medications available and to see if there is a canine neurologist available where you live. Jonah goes to a wonderful doctor in Toronto. She is terrific with him and gives us sound advice. I would be happy to answer questions you have if you wish. Just send me a PM. Good luck. Hope your beauty stays well.

Oh I am so sorry. He is a beautiful Sheltie. A good friend of mine here has a Schnauzer that has been having them for almost a year now. There is no place here in AK to have an MRI for a dog so they don't know what causes them--probably a brain tumor they think. He is on the same stuff they give humans for seizures--phenobarbital. Good luck and keep us posted.

Your little guy is absolutely beautiful :)

My daughter has epilepsy. I know first hand what the meds can do and how they can change ones personality. I agree with the vet. Unless the seizures become frequent or prolonged (5 minutes or more) I wouldn't do anything.

My cat, Moonpi developed seizures at 6 months old, severe scary seizures which required hospitalization. Since then, 6 years now, she has been on phenobarbitol twice a day, mixed in the gravy with pouch-packaged food.

She has stayed small because of the drug, just 8 pounds of fury, but othewise has adjusted fine. Once a year, she gets extensive blood work done to test her drug levels and make sure all is well. That visit runs about $300, so it is timed to use my income tax refund. Her vets have told me that her lifespan may be shortened because of it, but she is healthy as a horse otherwise.

it has been more of an adjustment for me, keeping my schedule so she can have her meds on time.

Your sheltie is beautiful. Praying for good health.

I say if you are not comfortable a second opinion can't hurt anything. My dog started having seizures about two years ago-she's 5 yrs old now. She started having about 1 every two weeks to more than five a day. But, we expected at some point for her to have them. She has a liver shunt and cannot process protein very well. She is on a special diet and lactulose. She's only had two seizures in the last six months. Also, she has focal point seizures which are much different. They only seem to affect her back legs-so it looks like her back legs are broken when she is having them. She is also still alert and 'walking' around. She's the dog in my avatar.

He is a BEAUTIFUL baby! I had a Sheltie "Lady Sarah" for 13 years....she was my very first baby. Honestly, after I lost her I didn't get another dog until my daughter got the one in my avatar. Obviously I have a VERY soft spot so I of course would get a second opinion. If it is "normal" for her fine, but just in case I would want to make sure it isn't an underlining problem. Good luck with your baby.

Our Boxer had seizures when he was younger. It used to just scare me to death. Usually it happend when he had been running and playing hard. He would just stop and fall over, I would just rub him and let him know I was with him. In a little while he would come around but still had to lay there for a while. Then he would stand up but very lethargic. It broke my heart to see him go through that, but the vet said they were too infrequent to put him on meds. He is 12 now and I can't bear to think of giving him up. He is my baby!! People that dont have pets, just dont realize the connection. My life is richer for having him.

What a beautiful dog! I would get a second opinion.

Aw, he is so cute! So sorry he has to go through this!

My dog had the same thing and it started around the same age. I started reading online about causes etc. There isn't much know about the why, but it did say that a good diet is essential. So we switched to Iams dog food. Not to sound like a commercial, but he has not had a siezure since we switched which was over a year ago. Good luck to you - he is a beauty!

Thanks everyone for your advise... especially the people who have had experience with this.

Finn has had a seizure at 4am ... we woke up because Gus the schnauzer was barking at him and Finn's feet were hitting against a wire clothing hamper in the bathroom. I got up and turned on the light to see Gus sitting in the bathtub barking and whining and Finn doing this awful dance. I blamed it on 2000 Flushes because Finn will sometimes drink from the toilet and I had just put a puck in there. Fast forward a month and we are at our trailer around 10pm and Finn had just come back from a stroll. Another seizure but this one not so bad. Next one Sunday morning around 10 am he was lying in my recliner and he started paddling. We haven't seen him go into one. We usually see him when he starts the paddling.

I've been trying to see a connection. Something! Anything! Food is the only common denominator for a trigger. But the times are off a little. We feed him Pedigree Vitality which lists as its main ingredient: ground corn meal.

Such a hard thing to go through... but I know there are a million things worse that could be going on in my life so I should be thanking God for all things that are right!

I know what you are going through. We had a Sheltie and at 5 yrs. he started having seizures. His back legs woudn't hold him up but he would manage to get to you for comfort. Vets did everything they could for him. This went on for a year, and then he had to be hospitalized for a least 3 days at a time. The last time he was hospitalized the vet called and said we had to make a decision, kidney failure also set in. The vet said to come up and say our goodbyes and that was the hardest thing for us to do. He was our baby and now he is in Doggie Heaven. Still miss him

We had a cocker spaniel that had seizures starting when he was about 5 years old. Our vet did a lot of research (me too) and came to the conclusion that cocker spaniel's sometimes have an ammino acid deficit. He suggested two over-the-counter supplements that I could give him and yes, they were less frequent. Also, our pets deplete a lot of energy during these seizures. I always gave my pooch a teaspoon of vanilla ice cream after his seizures to bring his sugar levels back up. Also keep a record of date and time and length of seizures for your vet.

My 4 yr old GoldenDoodle Also has had 3 Seizures. 2 vets gave me the same advise as yours. Of course I searched the net on canine seizures. I had changed dry dog food brands . Since it has been several summer months , I think one of the ingredients in a name brand kibble may be our culprit. I went back to Cosco's Lamb and rice. Some breeds seem to be prone to seizures too. No meds here unless I have no options. Wishing your beautiful dog well and calm for you...hard to watch.

WELL,I have a different answer .

My little chihuahua/doxy -mix started having seizures.The vet put her on meds and it did take care of it . BUT ..she gained a lot of weight and then had weight related issues. We were in complete control of her food. She got 1/4 cup am and pm . nothing worked to reduce her weight.

BUT THEN...........I found online an online web site titled

''What Your Stupid Vet Won't Tell You ''

I read the initial report and then paid for the extended web pages.

BASICALLY...We started feeding ' OREO' people food. Protein and lots of veggies and some fruit. Plus an enzyme that we got from the Health food store to help her digest the veggies.

She is so much better. instead of 4 + seizures a week ....she has maybe 1-2 a month. If we could convince our 3 yr old not to feed her grain items OREO WOULD PROBABLY BE SEIZURE FREE.

A local '' holistic pet food store '' told us that some dogs have an allergy to most grains. Also, preppacked dog food has so many toxins in them that it is sickening to read about .

If You like to talk more about this send me a PM and I can give You my phone number. I can call You or You can call me.

Best of luck...Alice