Expert: Delores Beck - 6/6/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi! My cocker is 6 1/2 years old. He has been healthy. We have had him since he was old enough to leave his mom. Firstly, in the last year he has started "marking" in the house. He has been potty trained for many years and used to mark when he was a puppy. We had him fixed at the earliest possible time and that has not happened since then. I am not sure why he is doing this now.
Secondly, last night he had a seizure. It started with his hind leg and he tried to walk and then just basically fell. He was staring and not responsive. He growled and sort of barked once but otherwise was just unresponsive and was shaking (not violently but shaking) and drooling this lasted about 2 minutes and then he slowly started coming out. He began licking his lips and then finally was alert and started acting like nothing happened. I am a in the health care field and feel very confidant this was seizure activity. However, he has never had a seizure before and it worries me. Thanks for your advice and any help you can offer!

ANSWER: Is he drinking and urinating more often than is normal?  When does this usually happen?
And how often?

If he had a seizure, you absolutely need a vet visit. I'm also quite certain this was seizure activity.  Please call your vet today or, if possible, get him to a Neurologist.
I'd also insist on getting his thyroid tested.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: he doesn't seem to be drinking or urinating more often. he just tends to do it occasionally-,maybe once a week or so...no real reason and no pattern that I can tell. it does seem that he chooses my daughters things to "mark" on though.

why would u suggest getting his thyroid tested? I will definitely make a vets visit regarding the seizure. Thank you!

Answer
If it's the same place...interrupt the behavior by making that impossible.  Close door - a puppy gate - whatever it takes.

I suggest a thyroid test because around 70% of dogs who have seizures have low thyroid.  It can cause all kinds of problems.  Very common in cockers and should be included in their annual checkup.

Ask that the test be a full 6 panel test and sent to Michigan State.  That's the gold standard for thyroid testing and it's just as easy for your vet to send it there than anywhere else.
Do not settle for a snap T4 run in the office or at the local lab.