Ask the Veterinarian/Lucy's seizures

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Expert: - 3/18/2010


Question
my dachshund/Chihuahua mix has had back problems starting about 6 months ago.  now i am afraid that she has been having seizures.  she kind of shivers stiffly for around 20-30 seconds and one time she fell off the couch.  i took her to our vet this morning, and the girl up front told me it could be due to her back problems.  i just want to be prepared when the vet calls.  I've read some things that this could be the end and that there is so much pain involved, i just want to know what to expect.  please respond asap.thanks

Answer
How old is your dog? While doxies certainly have back issues, dogs that are mixed breed doxies have way less of them.

Seizures usually start when a dog reaches the ages of 3-5 yrs old, 5 being the most common age for them to start.
Shivering can be a sign of pain, but most dogs don't shiver when they seizure. That doesn't meant they can't, but it's not common.

They usually get a spaced out look on their face before going into one. It sounds more like back pain. That doesn't mean it's the end as most of the time back pain is treatable in a dog.

Now if she was dragging herself around by her front legs, that is different. It is a good thing you took her to the vet, as he can tell you after some xrays what shape her back is in.

I hope she will be okay. Please let me know what the vet says.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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