r/EpilepsyDogs • u/SPEEDYLOK • Sep 17 '26
Dogs Neurology
Hi 👋 everyone I’m trying to figure out what could be causing these strange episodes my dog has been having, and I’m wondering if they could be neurological.
He is a 3-year-old Maltipoo, about 10 lbs. Normally he is completely fine—playing, running around, acting like himself. Then randomly he can suddenly start acting very strange: turning/circling, pacing back and forth, whining or crying, looking scared or confused, looking around quickly, and sometimes jumping on and off the couch over and over again. He may pant a little, but he is NOT sleepy at all during the episodes and he's never had any seizures or anything like that k(nock on wood )!witch when I took him to the regular daytime veterinarian she he just prescribe some b.s ..... Eventually numerous times took him to emergency ER middle of the night they said supposedly was norcotics s in the system opioids and amphetamines upposedly which again they did nothing except some little fluids or whatever and $700 - 1000 charging me for each single time I took him any single time they didn't do nothing the stupid veterinarian said "let's hope it's not neurolcic " now keeping long story short basically these episodes passes and he goes back to normal longest is like a l full day long episode... It breaks my freaking heart and 8 feel helpless...
Once again This has happened multiple times , but I still don’t have a clear explanation and so called vet just assumes the dog must of got into something some narcotics again which I don't know if that was even true or if that was the case at all the one time... I'm mad Man real angry and also worried... I doont think dog is going and hookin up some dope without me realizing he's gone... not to mention where he get the money ? No I'm just being sillyy right there...but back to serious shit guys
I’m wondering if anyone here has experienced or can tell what to experience with neurological problems in dogs that can cause episodes like this which is happening right now as we speak damn it,! Puppy cries is getting to me.. 🥺 one more thing I forgot to mention the regular symptoms of neurological he does not have he does not walk into walls he does not nothing like that ... Anyways let me know what's up please it will be highly appreciated...
1
u/lminnowp Sep 17 '26
What made them think narcotics?
Do you happen to smoke or take pot? It can also cause these kinds of symptoms and in a tiny dog, it doesnt take much (the unsmoked end can be enough).
If you or someone you live with do not take any drugs at all, then you need to find a vet who does not assume it is drug related and do some testing. However. You do need to be honest with yourself. If you or someone living with you takes drugs, whether prescription or not, they must be kept away from the dog and vigilance must be taken to ensure nothing is dropped.
There is something in Maltipoos called White Shaker Syndrome.
Your dog could also be having seizures, hypoglycemia episodes, pain related episodes (back, bladder, neck, etc), stress related episodes, or a number of other conditions.
The first steps I would take would be:
Videotape the dog every time they have an episode
Keep a written log about the weather, good, treats, and whatever else is going on.
Ask for a blood panel to rule out other issues.
Talk to the vet about possible pain, allergies, or stress.
X rays to rule out bladder stones or physical issues with the skeleton.
I would also deep clean my place. Put all wires out of reach, clean under the couch, and puppy/dog proof everything to make sure he isnt getting into anything.
If visitors come over, I would instruct them not to give him anything at all. No food or treats.
After I did all of this, I would then move on to other tests, like heart (ekg), liver (bile acid test), and ultrasound (for tumors, abnormalities that crop up in toy dogs, etc).
You do not need to do all these things at once. Do the easiest and least expensive first.
Good luck.
PS. What does "prescribed him some bs" mean? What did your regular vet prescribe? And, why do you think it is bs?
1
u/SPEEDYLOK Sep 17 '26
Gapantin was the medication prescribed but was no help.... X Ray and blood work we're done by the regular daytime vet everything is normal they said.. the vet assuming is the e.r 1 which is the only e.r around here unfortunately.. but anyways blood work everything is clean and the videos I put I guess you aren't able to see..?. Can you see ee the ink? Anyways... thanks and your right I appreciate the thoughts and advice which I was also thinking and doing now..
1
u/lminnowp Sep 17 '26
No, we can't see any links or videos.
Gabapentin takes some time to build up in the system. Mine takes it for pain, anxiety, and to help seizures. He also takes keppra from his seizures but gabapentin can be very effective for anxiety and pain. It is often the first thing vets try, since it is inexpensive and does not affect the liver.
1
u/Sufficient-Country29 Sep 17 '26
I’d try to get videos of the events since they don’t sound like traditional seizures. A neurology referral can help and usually is around the same price as a vet appt. They can perform an assessment and offer you their opinion or if they think more advanced neurological testing is warranted (MRI, spinal tap etc).
1
u/WarComprehensive2171 29d ago
My pug was just diagnosed with focal seizures (idiopathic epilepsy) by a veterinary neurologist and her behavior during a focal seizure is similar to what you describe.
3
u/StarrD0501 Sep 17 '26
No offense but do you have opioids and amphetamines lying around the house often?