Boxer Breed Dog Forums banner

Seizures, staggering and weak legs.

30K views 45 replies 16 participants last post by  Honeyec 
#1 ·
I have a 5 year old Boxer named Ozzy.  1 week after his 5th birthday he started having Grand mal seizures at about 4am.  He had never had any problems at all, totally healthy.  Then out of the blue he just started having these horrible seizures, 20 of them in 4 hr period.  Vet did blood and urine test, all came back negative.  Vet said he could have epilepsy or maybe a brain tumor.  We put him Phenobarb and he was doing pretty well, he might have a small seizure maybe once every two weeks.  Now it seems that he is just getting progressively worse.  Now, even with his daily doses of PB, his seizures are coming more often and now he is very weak.  He tries to run and play like usual, but he is just not himself.  He runs into things, walls, telephone poles, sometimes just falls down.  When he stands still, his front right paw buckles underneath of him and he almost or does fall down.  He is now chasing things that aren't there, he starts hopping like a rabbit and running in circles and then he starts his "chewing gum" seizure.  It takes him forever to use the bathroom, even though I know he has to go.  He loves going for rides in the truck and sticking that goofy head out the window, now he can barely keep his balance in the seat, let alone get his head out the window.  I am taking back to the vet, I am kind of scared to take him though.  From what I have gathered, it is seeming more like a tumor instead of epilepsy.  Vet said if it was a tumor, there are somethings that can be done, but the chances of him making it are slim.  Has anyone on here dealt with any of these symptoms?  I just want to do what is best for him.  He tries to put on a good show, but myself and everyone else who knows him, knows that he just isn't himself.  I love that little boy more than anything and I can't stand to think of him being in pain.  But I also can't stand to think of being without him.  I guess I am just looking for brightside, maybe someone saying that their Boxer had the same symptoms and they were fine.  Anybody?
 
See less See more
#4 ·

I'm so sorry you are going through this with Ozzy. I unfortunately did have some experience with seizures, and I know they are absolutely horrifying when they happen. You had mentioned Ozzy was put on Phenobarb. I know you wrote that he had urine and bloodwork done, but you might have to ask the vet to do a full Thyroid panel, they don't usually do this unless you ask. Has he had blood work done to check his levels of pheno? When they are on it for a while, the levels of the drug can change in his system requiring the vet to either up the levels or add some other drugs to control the seizures. You may want to talk to your vet about adding pottasium bromide along with the pheno. Sometimes that will help to control the seizures. Also, sometimes the pheno will make them act "drunk" all the time. I would definitely have the vet check his levels. They will also drink and pee a lot when on these meds.  I was also given a rescue dose of diazepam (sp?) where I could administer at home while my Buster was having a seizure, this would stop them and he wouldn't have the cluster seizures anymore.
Are you using any flea and heartworm prevention on Ozzy? I've heard some dogs having seizures from using Interceptor which is a heartworm med. It could even be due to a food allergy such as corn or wheat. What are you feeding Ozzy?
I know this is really hard for you, but please remember that when Ozzy does have a seizure, he is in no pain and probably won't even remember the episode. Just try to remain calm and speak softly to him. I would even sit by Buster and just pet him until he came out of it, but be careful because they can also bite or get you with his legs. I do hope you find out what is causing these seizures, and if it is idiopathic epilepsy you find the right dose of meds to control them. Good Luck to you and Ozzy, and please keep us posted.
 
#5 ·
Chris I understand completely what you are going through.  My boxer Bull had his first seizure last Thursday night.  It was horrifying!  He had a second one just before heading out to the vet for a check up Friday morning.  He is now on the Pheno and having the same side effects as Ozzy.  He appears to be drunk and can barely keep himself upright.  He seems to be constantly hungry and thristy.  He walks into walls and just stares into space.  This so unlike my guy.  He seems so sad and scared about what is happening to him.  He is just over 12 and our vet has said the same things to us.  Good possibility it is a brain tumor.  He hasn't had another seizure that we know of since he started on the Pheno but I miss our baby.  I am sleeping on the floor with him on the main level so that I can quickly get him outside to do his business rather then worry about the 14 stairs from our bedroom. (He already fell down them on Sat and hurt a toe)  I ache all over but feel so much better about being with him all night long.  Just hearing him snore makes me happy.

We had all the blood work done and found out that he was a bit anemic but nothing else was off.  He has had his red cel count checked 2 more time since last Fri and he is now on the low side of normal.  This is an improvement that makes me smile.  He is already on Thyroid meds and has been for 6 years.  He didn't show any signs of being ill before his first seizure.  His stool is very runny and dark and has been analyzed as well but came back negative for blood.  We are just stumped as to what caused this to happen.  The only way to find out if this is a brain tumor is an MRI.  Very expensive and even if it is.. what can we do about this at 12 years old? He needs to have a large cyst removed from his elbow that we can't do because of his age and the worry about the anesthesia so we certainly won't put him through brain surgery or chemo.

We love him to pieces.  He is doded on like crazy and is certainly treated like a King. This is the very least we can do for a wonderful friend who has been there for us at our worst and best moments.

I will keep you posted as to his status and any new information we may be able to offer you and Ozzy.

Kim
 
#6 ·
I am so sorry to hear about Ozzy, as well as yours KimmyC (sorry, I didn't catch your boy's name).  

When I first put Chance on heartworm medication, our vet suggested Revolution.  We applied the medication in the morning, and approximately 8 hours later, he had a seizure...the scariest thing I had ever seen.  I immediately took him to the vet where blood work was done to confirm the seizure.  I proceeded to do some research on Revolution only to find many other cases of dogs and cats having seizures about 8 hours after the application, and in a couple cases, the medication had a fatal result.  At the time, I believe that Chance was too underweight to be on that specific medication, which could have been the reason for the seizure.  Long story short, we waited to get his weight up to par and proceeded a few months later with Sentiol.   He is now almost three and he has not had a seizure since.

Chris1976, although Chance
 
#7 ·
Well, first off thanks for all the info and the replies.  We appreciate your thoughts.  The vet checked his phenobarb levels, they were alright.  But he told me to lower his dosage to one a day and see what happens for the next few weeks.  He still has seizures, no more or less than when he was taking 2 pills a day.  He is just not the same goofy little guy that he used to be.  Like I said, he tries, but his body is just not responding.  He is my baby and I notice every little thing about him, I am a bit overprotective and probably a bit over cautious with him.  But his eyes are starting to gloss over, they are starting to look very foggy.  There is something wrong with the right side of his body.  His right paw buckles underneath of him when he stands, when he walks, he walks towards the right at an angle.  And he is always running into things, and when he hits them, it is with the right side of his body.  Vet said if lowering his dosage doesn't help any of this, then we will run some more tests.  Now he has problems urinating and #2.  This guy used to go potty as soon as I took him out, wham bam thank you mam, he was ready to play.  Now I walk him for a good 45 minutes to an hour before he goes.  And I know he has to go.  He starts to go, then stops, starts, then stops.  He seems very confused.  Then when he finally goes, I have to lean on him so he won't fall over.  It is just strange how a 5 year old, totally healthy boy can change for the worse, over night, which is exactly what he did.  Just in the middle of the night, started having seizures.  Now I am just rambling.  But thanks for all your support, we appreciate it. I will keep you updated.  The pic is Ozzy the day he got snipped.  Ice apparently feels good on certain parts.
 
#9 ·
OMG...that picture is priceless!! I hope Ozzy is starting to feel a little better and not acting as "drunk" all the time after lowering his meds.
 
#10 ·
Now that is a picture!!  :) What a cutie & I sure hope that he is getting better. There is nothing worse than seeing our babies not feeling well, esp as they cannot tell us exactly what the problem is..Big hugs for the Ozzman..
 
#12 ·
I have had my boxer Sasha for 9 years now.  She was always healthy and extremely playful.  Last night i witnessed her first seizure and thought that she was dying before me.  I have never seen this before.  After about 5 long minutes he came out of it, drank a whole lot of water and started to play.  I immediately called the vet and have an appointment for her tomorrow.  I have never been through this and don't know much about it either.  Can somebody please give me some information! Thanks
 
#13 ·
Sounds like the same thing that happened to Ozzy.  The Vet told me that when they have those seizures that it is like a human running the Boston Marathon.  They are extremely thirsty, disoriented and tired.  Ozzy would do the same thing.  He would come out of it and rest for a few, then he was totally normal.  That went on for a while, then his whole demeanor changed.  He just wasn't himself.  Sometimes he seems like he knows he is having a seizure and he is trying fight it off, but unfortunately it doesn't work.  He actually seems to be doing a little bit better recently.  I lowered his Phenobarb to 1 pill for a week, no change, still has them as much as when he was on 2 pills.  This week I have completely taken him off, just to see if it helps him walk.  He hasn't had any pills in 4 days and has only had one seizure.  He still can't walk or see that good, I usually find in his nest of pillows on the couch, he doesn't have much energy or an appetite.  He finally ate something the other night, but threw up a few minutes later.  So I guess it isn't the Phenobarb that is affecting his walking, I guess it time to head back to the vet and see what we can do.  I will keep ya updated.  Hope your Sasha is better.
 
#14 ·
Well, unfortunately it seems as though it is getting close to the time to make the final trip to the vet.  Ozzy can barely walk, he won't let anyone touch his head, he hardly eats and yesterday morning his eyes looked as though they were starting to sink back in his head.  His lower eyelids started to turn out, to where you see all of the pink flesh and his second inner eyelid was staying partially closed and his eyes very cloudy.  He was acting as though he was blind and deaf.  I actually didn't think he was going to make it through the night.  I had to carry him outside to use the bathroom.  Still holding out hope that it would pass, I made him a bed on the couch and I slept with him all night, I just couldn't take him to the vet just yet.  I did call the emergency vet, to see what I would need to do if I had to bring him in.  I guess it is pretty easy, just take him in and they give him the shot.  Though it does seem quite expensive to be with your baby for the last time, $250.  So I left him sleeping this morning and had my friend watch him while I was at work, dreading to look at my phone when it rang.  But no call from home ever came.  So when I got home, he looked fine.  Eyes were still a little droopy, but he actually got up and was wagging his little nub.  He even walked outside to potty.  I will call the vet tomorrow and see what we have to do.  But that is where we are now.  I know that I probably should take him and go ahead and get the procedure done.  But I can't just yet.  I kind of feel that when it is that time, he will let me know.  I have never had to make a decision like this.  I kind of feel selfish.  Anyways, I will keep ya updated.  Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.
 
#15 ·
I am so sorry you are going through this.  :cry: I've been where you are right now, and it is the toughest decision to make. Ozzy will let you know when the time comes. It will be the least selfish thing you will ever do for him, so don't feel that way. It is the last and best gift you can give him. I will be keeping you and Ozzy in my thoughts today. Good Luck, and smother that boy with even more hugs and slobbers from Maddie and me.
 
#16 ·
I have a similar story that happened to my boxer this week and I am completely devastated and scared.   Tyson is going to be 8 this month and he means the world to me; has always appeared to be extremely healthy and happy.  Tuesday I came home to him having a horrible seizure; foam all over the house, disoriented, didn't know me, walking in circles etc.  I have never been so scared in my life.  I took him to emergency vet and they gave him a shot and seizure stopped; he stayed night, didnt have anymore so they released him next day around noon.  After he got home, they started again and I took him back; stayed another night with several more facial seizures occuring while he was there (he did not have a grand mal so far thank god).  I know its a tumor; all other tests came back normal.  I dont know what to do and my heart is breaking.  He is also on FB with the horrible side affects.  He's falling all over and bumping into things.  Last night he peed on a towel while laying on his side.  He has no energy and seems so depressed.  Drinking water and eating like ive never seen before, but he's just out of it.  He didn't even wag his tail when I got home today which killed me.  I am a wreck and I want to do whatever I can to make him better.  I don't have much money (already have $1000 in vet bills this week alone).  But just an FYI for anyone who maybe is in the same boat as me and needs financial help, try carecredit.com.  They extend credit for these circumstances but you have to be sure you find a vet that accepts it.  Luckily, the 24 hr vet i went to told me about it and although they denied my app initially (my credit sucks right now), I asked a friend to co-sign and got instantly approved for $4500.  I will pay whatever it takes, but it makes it difficult to do when you're broke, so this was a huge help to me.  Maybe someone else can benefit from it.
 
#17 ·
Well, here is an update.  I had finally come to the conclusion that Ozzy was telling me that it was time.  He couldn't walk, he couldn't see, he couldn't do anything but be on the couch whimpering.  He wouldn't even let you touch him.  So I called the vet and after some discussion, decided that I would take him in after I got back from work the next day, since he has many friends that wanted to come see him that evening.  So I called the ex-girlfriend,  who I was with when I got Ozzy and he spent 3 years with her and we had always said that if anything was to ever happen to one of the boys, we would let the other know so we could see them.  So anyway, she came over and when he saw her, he was a totally different dog.  He had been on the couch, constantly for 2 days, wouldn't eat, didn't want to move, couldn't do anything.  He sees her and now he has all the energy in the world.  Running around, barking, playing with his toys.  This was 3 weeks ago, he hasn't had a bad night since.  Now he is up and runnin', wrestles in the floor with me, plays, eats, doesn't walk into things.  I don't know what is going on with him.  In the past 3 weeks he has had 2 seizures, one small one and one big one (he hadn't had a big one since last March).  It seems that after the big one, he really got back to being himself.  He isn't protecting his head, he walks straight and his eyes are as bright and lively as ever.  I don't know, maybe it is some Christmas magic.  Whatever the ex did to him, it worked.  Knock on wood.  But that is where we are right now.  Hopefully he will continue to be better.  I will keep you updated.  Hope you all had a great holiday.  And thanks for all you thoughts.
 
#19 ·
I thought I would share my story in hopes that it might help in some way or another with anyone.  Maximus was 5 and had head tremors for years.  Only happened when he would first wake up.  Only lasted a minute or two.  Then in July, he had petite a maul seizure.  At that time, I didn't know what they were.  Nothing happened for two weeks and my husband witnessed the petite maul seizure which really scared him.  By the time I got home within a four hour period, a grand maul seizure happened.  Then cluster seizures where grand mauls happened within minutes of each other.  I too know the terrible cost of going to emergency clinics and the vet bills.  They started him on Phenobarbital.  This takes at least 2 weeks to start showing any effect.  The clusters continued so they also gave him valium.  This all helped.  He turned into a happy playful dog within the two weeks.  Almost too happy.  The vet said it was the Phenobarbital adjusting to his body.  He was also clumsy for the first time.  Then in September, he woke up one day to have what seemed to be shocking pains going through his head.  He would yelp, jerk his head back, blink his eyes and didn't want you to touch his head.  He still ate well and even played at times with the other two boxers we have.  The vets said as long as he wagged his tail and was himself to just make him as comfortable as possible.  Unless we took him to a specialist, they had done everything they could.  This started on a Thursday and by Sunday, things had progressed for the worse.  He could not even lay his head down without yelping.  I sat on the bed with a feather pillow in my lap all day, for him to rest his head on.  The only time my heart was at rest, was when he was asleep.  I can not express strong enough how this had to be the most difficult time of my life.  Max was my best friend.  Without a doubt, he would have died for me.  He was the most human acting dog I had ever seen.  My husband and I then made the decision to place Max down because we made a promise to not be selfish for our needs but to think of him first.  I still cry writing this because the memories are so vivid.  I've started a local boxer meetup group along with starting a web site for boxer lovers named after Maximus to work through the grief.  So enjoy every tiny moment you have with your boxers.  We sometimes have to give them up to soon.  Giving them up at all is too soon for me.
 
#21 ·
I have a 7 1/2 year old male named Chester and a 4 1/2 year old female named Daphne.  This afternoon we were lounging in the living room. Daphne was snoozing on the couch, Chester laying on the floor and me in my recliner.  Suddenly, Chester began violent spasms while laying on his left side.  He was whimmpering and shaking.  I jumped up from my chair and dropped to his side. I held him while he shook. It lasted about a minute (about a few commercials long during the dog challenge show today). He then tried to stand but couldn't. He tried several times and then began to shake aagain.  This time I ran into my room to change clothes. During this time he made his way to the dining room and fell over. I could hear him howling. I ran outside and opended the van doors. I raced bcak inside, picked him up and carried in to the van. (of course Daphne jumep in too) There is an emergency vet about 5 miles away. I raced him there and carried him in.  Chester had another episode enroute.  They gave him some valium and took blood.  They sent me home after I collected myself.  I was very frightened. I have never experienced this before. It was horrible.  Chester and Daphne spend the day alone together so i'm unaware if he has experienced this prior to today. The vet said it could be caused by an ingested toxin or tumor in the brain.  A blood test would identify any toxins that he may have ingested.  A CT scan would identify a tumor.  The doctor called earlier this evening and said the blood test came back normal. So now to decide to have the $600 CT scan.  If there is a tumor, it may be treatable with radiation or chemo.  He said this could extent Chester's life for 2 to 36 months, but probably no longer. He said the fact that he's a Boxer suggests cancerous tumor.  He's keeping him overnight for observaton and will relaese him tomorrow morning if he has no other episodes. Of course I'll spent my life savings to save him.  But is that fair to Chester?  Is it safe since he's home alone all day. Will he be normal for his remaining years? Or will he be in pain and suffering.  How do you know?  He's my first dog and my best friend.  Daphne is my dog now but initially belonged to a former room mate.  I love her just as much but Chester is my boy.  Gosh I don't know what to do.
 
#22 ·
Hi Doug07..First welcome to the forums.
I'm sorry you are experiencing this with Chester.  :(   Seizures are horrible to watch our babies go through. I think you did the right thing with sitting by him while he was having it. I used to do that while Buster was having seizures. I also think your vet was wrong in telling you that it was either toxin or a brain tumor. Yes, it could be, but it also could be a whole lot of other things. It could've been a reaction to something. Has he eaten anything or gotten into anything he shouldn't have? Maybe a reaction to a heartworm medication or flea control, such as Revolution or Interceptor? It could be a whole slew of things. What kind of food are you feeding him? A lot of dogs have an allergy to corn or wheat products. I know you said the vet ran a blood test, but did he do a complete T-panel? This checks everything in the Thyroid as well. You usually have to ask them to do this test. I would say if you can afford a brain scan, have it done. That would tell you for sure if it is a brain tumor or not. Then go from there. A lot of dogs live very long and healthy lives having seizures. They can be controlled with meds. When Buster was having seizures the vet gave me a rescue dose of valium to bring home with me. While he was having a seizure I would squirt it up his nose, (not an easy task!) but that would stop the clustering. Maybe you can ask your vet about that. If it is a brain tumor then you will know, and you can make a decision for Chester. I would also start keeping a log and write down when he has these episodes. Maybe you can find a pattern.
Please also remember that while it is horrifying to watch them have the seizures, they are not in any pain and won't even remember the episode.  Just be careful, because they can bite while having a seizure. They may also eliminate, so don't be surprised with that. It also may take them a few minutes afterwards to come out of it. So, just be patient and pet him and let him know you are there with him. I hope the best for Chester, hopefully it was just a fluke thing and he will be fine. Please keep us posted.
 
#23 ·
Hello Tootsie,

Thank you for your kind words and input.  I'm not aware of him getting into something he shouldn't.  He never bothers the kitchen trash can or other trash for that matter.  But that's not to say he didn't find somehting in the yard yesterday. The blood work was supposed to indentify if it was casued by somehting he ingested. That came back normal, but I'll ask today if they did the T panel. (doc is to call me this morning) So they're going to do the CT scan today to see if there is somehting inter-cranial.  He takes HeartGuard every month and had his last dose on Friday 1/4/07.  He also gets the Frontline Plus every month. He last dose was 12/20/06. He's never had a reaction that I know of. Chester and daphne stay home alone so he may have had an episode that I'm not aware of.  The only behavioral cahnge I've noticed was about last October. We walk 2-3 miles every evening (except when raining) and I noticed him begin to lag behind. He and Daphne are either right at my side, or a few steps ahead.  He weighs 88 pounds so i figured maybe he was getting a bit heavy so I cutback on the evening snack (Marobones).  Last Saturday afternoon we went to the local park for our walk.  He was feeling great. They were romping, running chasing each other. I even commented on how good he was feeling.  We hadn't yet walked yesterday due to the rain.  I have started a log as you suggested. Thanks again for your concern.  I'll keeo you posted.
 
#24 ·
Oh, I feed them Prism brand Lamb and Rice dog food. They each get 4 cups per day.  I've been feeding with Prism for about 4 months. Before changing to the Prism brand I fed them Nutro.  I switched because Chester had a skin irritation that manifested in bumps like hives. (he had hives once after surgery to remove a small cyst on his toe. he reacted to the ammoxicillan) Anyway, a friedn suggested that I try the Prism as his dog was allergic to duck which may be in the Nutro food. Anyway, it seems to be reducing his skin irritation.
 
#25 ·
I will be thinking of Chester today. I hope his CT scan comes back clear.  I'm sending nothing but ((((positive vibes)))) your way. Please let us know what you find out.
 
#26 ·
Thanks for your positive vibes!  I picked up Chester at 8pm this evening. The CT scan was done, but the results must be read by a radiologist in Columbus OH (I'm in Cincinnati)  So I won't know anything for 48-72 hours!!   WHAT? I asked. 3 days????  Anyway,  He didn't have any more seizures since I took him in at 2pm yesterday. So that's a good thing. Therefore, they didn't send home with any medication. I'm hoping that was a good thing. Unfortunately, I was unable to speak directly with a doctor. This is considered an "Emergency" facility and the doctors are all "real busy"  Anyway, they did send my vet Chester's charts. So I'll just call them tomorrow. Woah, Chester is vomiting now. He's sudden;y become disoriented.  It's not another seizure but I need to sign off for now. Thanks again.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top