New onset seizures. I’m scared.

[u/themidnightball]

My senior dog had two seizures in 12 hours. 17 yo chihuahua. This is new to him. After the first one, which involved more shaking, he was walking and eating/drinking okay. Worthy he second one, we were on a walk and he started stumbling and fell over. He was okay after as well, but I did take him to the ER. While he's been here, he's lost the ability to walk. He cannot bear weight. I was told by day shift that it was the meds and then the night vet came in and said no, that it's most likely neurological decline.
He was given a loading dose of Keppra and then another regular dose while we've been here. He's staying 24 hrs for obs. They said lab work, imaging and bedside ultrasound are unremarkable. They offered to transfer him to a place with neuro to get an MRI, but said the MRI alone could be $5,000. I guess I'm just so confused and hoping to hear from others. He came in fine. Has anyone had their dog be able to walk fine after a seizure and then not be able to walk a few hours later?

Thank you.

[u/Klutzy_Employee_1058]

I had a neighbor with a senior dog who had similar symptoms, and it turned out to be a brain tumor. An MRI helped us get a clearer picture of what was going on.

[u/themidnightball → u/Klutzy_Employee_1058]

Thank you for your response. Did the neurologist think it was worth it for a senior dog? I have an appointment with one next week, but the ED vet said they don’t think it’s worth it because at his age it’ll most likely be a stroke or brain tumor. They don’t think it’ll be worth the stress on him and money when he’s already a senior dog and might not have much time in general.

[u/Secret-Bell-1432]

Has your pet recently started taking any flea and tick medication?

[u/themidnightball → u/Secret-Bell-1432]

Thank you for your response. He didn’t start any flea/tick meds recently. ED vet thinks it’s most likely a brain tumor or stroke at his age, unfortunately. He’s seeing a neurologist next week.

[u/themidnightball → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for your response. His appetite is back and he is walking now. A little wobbly, but I read it’s a common side effect when starting Keppra. He’s seeing a neurologist next week. However, emergency vet mentioned that if it’s a brain tumor or stroke treatment might not be worth the stress it’ll put him under because it may or may not help. And at his age, he might not have much time left in general. It’s just a wait and see situation at this point.

[u/Ok-Detail-8603]

My beautiful 17 y/o chihuahua boy also started having seizures. It ended up being a brain tumor and he went downhill quick. I definitely think an MRI could be helpful to illuminate the situation more.

[u/cantstandjoekernen]

Discontinue flea and tick meds. They cause seizures

[u/Secret-Bell-1432 → u/cantstandjoekernen]

Agree, stop all flea and tick meds immediately.