sounds like the same thing that fainting goats have.
Any idea what might be wrong with my dog?
- Thread starter ken_79-fj40
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- #22
I really appreciate all the replies. He's going to the vet next thursday, which was the first opening they had. They were kind of surprised when I told them that he does basically just fall flat on his face and lay still when it occurs. And then continue as normal. I'll post up any more symptoms if it happens again.
Man...I woulnd't accept that. Tell them its an emergency and get him in there sooner. It may turn out to be something benign, but what if its not?
Our friend's doberman did exactly that, sometimes accompanied by loss of bladder control. Turns out he was having seizures. I guess sort of a doggy epilepsy. They put him on meds and he was fine after that.
Good luck.
Sounds like a seizure. A cardiomyopathy would more likely drop him in his tracks when he was running and active due to impaired cardiac output, not when he has calmed down. The acting scared or confused afterwards could indicate a post-ictal state seen in seizure in humans.
Edit: However, arrhythmia could give the same symptoms.
Edit: However, arrhythmia could give the same symptoms.
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
Just as long as you don't start licking...
You might want to have the vet run a blood test to check thyroid levels, My Aussie/Border mix aside from having corn and beef gluten allergies, has a thyroid condition that keeps her heart rate abnormally low. She would have low grade and some times grand maal (sp) seizures if she got to worked up. A good indicator for thyroid issues is heart rate when excited, Pyker (my dog) in the vets office and panting was only at 70 bpm for her heart rate.
The laying on the couch and jumping up kind of jives since the dogs heart rate could be low and not raise as fast as the dogs activity level.
Just a thought and one more thing to check on.
Dave
The laying on the couch and jumping up kind of jives since the dogs heart rate could be low and not raise as fast as the dogs activity level.
Just a thought and one more thing to check on.
Dave
- Thread starter
- #28
Brought him to the vet today. They checked his heartbeat and pulse 3 times (once when he was excited, once when mellow, and again when excited) and did a blood test. Vet can't find a thing wrong with him. Said my next step if he keeps doing it is to bring him to the doggie cardioligist, but that he'll most likely be just fine. He's sure acting normal. Took him for good long ride in the 40 last weekend.
you may want to think about getting some doggie insurance. vets can get expensive
Next time it happens, check the room for Jedi knights.
I hope your dog is okay.
Given your description of clinical symptoms and results of your vet's exam, my thoughts are that these events may very well be fainting spells (syncope).
Your vet heard no heart murmur or could auscult no rhythm disturbance - lessens the likelihood of cardiac disease.
You give heartworm preventative monthly with regularity - lessens the likelihood of heartworm disease.
No history of seizures at any other time - unlikely to spontaneously develop seizures in a 10 year old dog unless related to another disease process which likely would be evident.
Neurologically the dog is normal and recovers quickly - no significant post-ictal period.
You have a Bulldog!! They can't breathe on a good day and are known for numerous respiratory problems- brachycephalic syndrome - smushed face syndrome! These events only happen when the dog barks - the force of the bark increases intra-thoracic pressures decreasing blood flow to the heart and possibly triggers a vagal event dropping heart rate and causing vasodilation - bam... they hit the floor. Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to vagal events.
Things to consider -
Since you can trigger these events - film them so that your vet or cardiologist can SEE them. Have a neurologist look at the video before you place this dog on anti-seizure medication.
Get your lab results back and consider chest xrays to evaluate heart size and the lungs in general.
Read up on or Google vasovagal events and bachycephalic airway syndrome and bulldogs.
Consider a Holter Monitor and trying to trigger an event while your dog is being monitored (This is a continuous ECG and would be good info while the dog is experiencing an episode). This would be done under the guidance of your cardiologist.
This is not an attempt at a diagnosis. These are just random thoughts from someone who stumbled into this thread and who likely has no idea what he is talking about. Good luck - STRONGLY consider further workup and referral to a specialist before initiating any therapy.
Your vet heard no heart murmur or could auscult no rhythm disturbance - lessens the likelihood of cardiac disease.
You give heartworm preventative monthly with regularity - lessens the likelihood of heartworm disease.
No history of seizures at any other time - unlikely to spontaneously develop seizures in a 10 year old dog unless related to another disease process which likely would be evident.
Neurologically the dog is normal and recovers quickly - no significant post-ictal period.
You have a Bulldog!! They can't breathe on a good day and are known for numerous respiratory problems- brachycephalic syndrome - smushed face syndrome! These events only happen when the dog barks - the force of the bark increases intra-thoracic pressures decreasing blood flow to the heart and possibly triggers a vagal event dropping heart rate and causing vasodilation - bam... they hit the floor. Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to vagal events.
Things to consider -
Since you can trigger these events - film them so that your vet or cardiologist can SEE them. Have a neurologist look at the video before you place this dog on anti-seizure medication.
Get your lab results back and consider chest xrays to evaluate heart size and the lungs in general.
Read up on or Google vasovagal events and bachycephalic airway syndrome and bulldogs.
Consider a Holter Monitor and trying to trigger an event while your dog is being monitored (This is a continuous ECG and would be good info while the dog is experiencing an episode). This would be done under the guidance of your cardiologist.
This is not an attempt at a diagnosis. These are just random thoughts from someone who stumbled into this thread and who likely has no idea what he is talking about. Good luck - STRONGLY consider further workup and referral to a specialist before initiating any therapy.
