Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/12/2008

Question
im in mexico on vacation my rat terrier had 5 seizure this morning and no vets avalible in my area at this time im frantic what can i do for her she weighs about 11 pounds she is 6 yrs old sometimes in the past she would have what we thought were asthma attacks she would display choking symtoms make honking like sounds could this have been epilepsy? please help if you can

Answer
Valerie -

If your dog is having a seizure there is nothing you can do except to get him to a veterinarian.  If he has seen a vet before, call your vet and request meds that you can give per rectum if there is no emergency doctor around.

The honking sounds you mention are probably not seizures; that sounds more like reverse sneezing.  Reverse sneezing is caused by an irritant in the nasal area. Reverse sneezing is not to be confused with seizures; seizures can be very serious, reverse sneezing is not at all life threatening.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM