I don't think it's anything to overly worry about, but Billy does occasionally give us some concern.
Yesterday morning I was sitting in front of my laptop, at about 5.30 am, when Billy came over to me and rested his head against my knee. Usually he stays on Lady M's sofa until we head-off on our first walk of the day at around 7.30 am.
He looked a bit soulful, and I thought he was trying to tell me something. Naturally I stroked him for a while, then suddenly he collapsed into a seizure, and twitched and stiffened on the floor. I continued to stroke him until he recovered about a minute, or less, later. Afterwards he seemed fine, but a little quieter than usual.
It's happened a couple of times before, on both occasions whilst out walking. Having looked on the net about such things his ailment seems to be described as a 'Petit mal' in terms of seizures.
I'm not too worried about him, and I certainly don't want to give him medication. He's had about five seizures in his six years, so I can't really describe them as regular. However, if they started to become either weekly or daily I would take him to the Vet'.
For the moment we'll keep an eye on him, and keep our fingers crossed. He doesn't seemed affected by them in any way.
27 comments:
Poor pup. He must sense when the seizure is about to happen. Nice to have the comfort of you close by.
I'm sure he did sense it coming. He'd make a good Canine Doctor.
Poor Billy. At least he knows it's coming on. Many people with forms of epilepsy can also know when they are about to have a seizure. I hope they remain rare events for him.
Dear Billy, so nice you were there to comfort him. Shall wish the best for him.
It's strange how he seemed to know it was imminent. Previously he'd just been running around and fell over.
He does look a little subdued in that photo. Hope he has perked up now?
I'm sure he'll be OK, even if he has more seizures I don't think they'll harm him.
I took that when he was feeling sorry for himself. We're just back from this morning's walk and he's fine.
Poor thing. I'm so glad you were nearby to comfort him.
He seemed to be wanting reassurance. Of course I had no idea what was to come.
Poor Billy. I am glad you were there to comfort him. I hope they don't become more frequent.
I hope so too, but I suppose that just five seizures in six years isn't too worrying. I'd have preferred it was NONE though.
As a part time vet, I have determined that Billy's condition is "Idiopathic Epilepsy" - something that border collies are prone to. If the frequency of seizures increases then he will need regular medication such as potassium bromide. You will be pleased to learn that I require no payment for this expert advice.
Thank you for that. Your diagnosis sounds exactly like the one I received from Dr Google. You're two of a kind!
Poor Billy, it's so worrying when our pups aren't well and can't tell us how they feel. I hope that he doesn't need medication and that his seizures are few and far between.
Poor baby. I had a cocker spaniel a long time ago that would occasionally have a seizure, and he'd be fine afterwards. It never progressed to needing medication for it. I hope the same is true for Billy. Give him a couple of soft pats for me. :)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it remains just a slight annoyance for him, and nothing more serious. I'm sure he'll be fine.
It's worrying isn't it, but it seems to be quite common. I shall give him a tickle from you!
It happened to Finlay my first Welsh terrier
Just continue until you can’t
Yes, that's my attitude too. I think he'll be OK, it doesn't seem to be dominating his life.
Extra treats and love until he feels better.
Sweet Billy. He looks a little sad. The seizure likely takes a bit out of him. 5 in 6 years is not terrible but having none would be better.
Are there any natural remedies for this condition?
He's already feeling fine again. I just hope he doesn't have them more often.
He certainly felt sorry for himself directly afterwards, but he's OK now. I'd rather not start him on remedies, if possible.
If you, or Lady M, or Kimbo had the same thing would you just sit it out?
Yes.
This post carries a tender and heartfelt tone, capturing the bond between you and Billy beautifully. Your calm and thoughtful approach to his seizures shows such care and understanding. Keeping an eye on him while staying attentive to changes seems like a wise choice.
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