A Dog Question?

[BLAZE]

Hi Guys,

We have a shisu that's having some problems. I wonder if you could give me some ideas what it may be.
He's almost 14yrs old now but the little guy still loves to play. just before I wrote this he had another one
of his fits. He will be standing there and all of a sudden he will lock up then fall over and start screaming.

The vet told us he has a heart murmur but so far that's all we know. Can a heart murmur cause something
like this? Damn it, that scream hurts me to the core. I can't stand to see my little buddy in pain. His name
is Eddy. I know, its a funny name for a dog but we got him when he was alittle over a year old so we kept
his name. I don't see anything wrong with it though, he's my buddy, Eddy

Thank You
Dwayne & Eddy

[Steve M]

I have a 13 yr Shitzu so I know how you feel. 14 yrs is quite an age for those little pups. I can't offer any good advise except that you could try another veterinarian for a second opinion. They are truly a lovable breed of dog, I know Patchy is my best buddy too.

[MASABI TROOPER]

Hi Dwayne, we have a little Dachshund (Kuki) and i understand you saying that those screams hurt....................we have to be aware that your Eddy is in a very advanced age but anyway i would consult a second opinion too just as Steve said..............

Regards from a Dogfriend........
Trooper

[OldAirmail]

You told the vet that he "all of a sudden he will lock up then fall over and start screaming", and all the vet said was that "he has a heart murmur"?

Time for a new vet.


Most of us let them live with serious problems for far too long. I'm looking at having to put our oldest Shih Tzu to sleep this year. It's not going to be easy at all.

[BLAZE]

Thank you all for your concern and advice. as much as I hate to admit this, I will not lie or hold anything back from my friends here at SimV.

Its been a while since we've taken Eddy or Todd to the vet. We barely make the bills. The little pups eat better then we do let me tell ya. I've
gone two days on just a baggie full of home made peanut butter crackers. But I'm not complaining, That's more then some people have.

But some good news last night, we were talking about the old "money shuffle" and we're going to take little Eddy to the vet real soon.

Eddy has not (thank god) had any more fits since the other day when I started this thread. We got some lunch meat yesterday and have been
giving Eddy some here and there. He loves turkey! Who Don't!!

I will let you know how it turns out at the vets.

Thank you guys.
Dwayne

[Blaquehardt]

Sounds to me like a type of seizure. I don't know the cause but I would recommend giving the pup a "baby asprin" in his food (or down his throat-81mg.). Also is there some type of repeat event that could cause this like weather (i.e. moist or humid-, high or low pressure, etc.). Animals like humans can contract the same type of ailments as they grow older...If I can be of help please contact me and I will check with some "Animal Professionals" I have in the family and see what their feelings are. But for now keep the animal safe and warm and watch VERY carefully his actions, habits and you might get a clue where to begin helping his pain...

[MASABI TROOPER]

Dwayne, was that the only time that your Eddy did that???................

Best regards
Bruno

[logjam]

Reminds me of “All Creatures Great and Small”
Old Mrs. Fitzhugh van Dongen
Had a Shi-tzu named Eddie, the long-un
One day in a fog
She tripped over her dog
And the Shi-tzu screamed Fitzhugh, your long gone.

[Bass]

Oh, how i know these feelings!!!

[BLAZE]

Sounds to me like a type of seizure. I don't know the cause but I would recommend giving the pup a "baby asprin" in his food (or down his throat-81mg.). Also is there some type of repeat event that could cause this like weather (i.e. moist or humid-, high or low pressure, etc.). Animals like humans can contract the same type of ailments as they grow older...If I can be of help please contact me and I will check with some "Animal Professionals" I have in the family and see what their feelings are. But for now keep the animal safe and warm and watch VERY carefully his actions, habits and you might get a clue where to begin helping his pain...

Hi Blaquehardt,
Yeah my mom and dad had a dog a long time ago that used to have seizures from time to time. It was similar to what Eddy's going through.
I was younger then and didn't pay enough attention in those days.

That would be fantastic if you could get there thoughts on what it may be. Thank you for the great advice.

He's alittle bit past due for a clipping and he licks his paws alot, The reason I say this is cause the last time he went into a fit, he started
coughing then upchucked alttle right before. Could the hair getting caught up in his throut have anything to do with it maybe?

Hi Bruno,
No unfortunately not. He's had a total of about 5 fits (One at the groomers) in around 2 to 3 months.

Thank you guys very much. I'm sorry for the delay. (I suck!)

[GSO]

CANINE VESTUBULOR Dysfunction......check google, they will survive, unknown reasons for attacks. Have had considerable experience latley with two senior dogs....

[BLAZE]

Damn! Thank you for the good news GSO and welcome to SimV. I will check it out.

[Blaquehardt]

CANINE VESTUBULOR Dysfunction

I have to agree with this and I hope the pup gets better. If you suspect "fur/hair" then I suggest a little "mineral oil" to help the little guy out...

[BLAZE]

I have an update on little Eddy's condition. We took him to the vets about three weeks or so back and the vet said its his
heart. We are just taking it one day at a time. He gave us some heart pills for him. He gets a half pill a day. He had a fit
two days ago. I am not going to handle losing my little buddy well at all when he goes. Its going to suck!

Thank you all very much for your support.

[Romulus111VADT]

It sounds remarkably like epilepsy. I know that white tigers can have epileptic seizures and it's heartbreaking to witness it. Many animals can have epileptic seizures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy_in_animals

http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/shih-tzu-dogs-seizures-3944.html

They are also genetically inclined to become epileptic.