Ask Joey-Does my dog have Epilepsy

February 17, 2010 by doggymom
Filed under Articles, Ask Joey, Featured, Health Care

Dear Joey,

I'm in 5th grade and my sister Cara is in 7th. We finally got a dog from the dog pound after begging for one forever. Today while playing with Pebbles, She started shaking really bad and foaming at the mouth. After a few minutes, she stopped.

My sister saw it too and said she has Epilepsy. She says she knows cos a kid in her class has it and acts the same way. She said not to tell my parents cos they might make us take the Pebble back to the pound. What should I do?

Randy E.

Dear Randy,

Epilepsy in dogs is something I am quite familiar with since I have it myself! The symptoms you describe do sound like Epilepsy but to be sure, Pebbles really needs to be checked out by a veterinarian. It is really important for he to be seen by a doctor so they can figure out what is causing her seizures and help her to control them.

If it is Epilepsy, it may or may not need medication, depending on how often she has the seizures and how severe they are. Really bad seizures can cause brain damage.

I am lucky in that my sezures only happen 3-4 times a year so I don't need to be on medication. My momma's friend has a little Beagle named Livvie who has to have medicine every day or she will have a seizure.

Here's a good article Momma found about Epilepsy in dogs: http://www.dogpro.com/canine-epilepsy.html

So please tell your parents so they can take Pebbles to a vet to get checked out. Let them know how much you and your sister love Pebbles and how she needs your family's help now. Good Luck!