Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

my pointerlab mix is having seizures according to vet but

Sent to Pet Experts January 3 2006 at 2:41 AM
   

my pointer/lab mix is having seizures, according to vet, but only his head is tremorring. He also has a high red blood cell count. He has stumped the vets in the ER, but the general vet we saw (only twice) is sticking with eplipsy. Excitement and/or stimulation, such as after playing ball (I've noticed things that get his blood moving) will trigger the head bobbing. He has never had them before and all of the sudden he has had apx 10 or more in 72 hours. My gut says there is more to it. What??? I do not want to waste time if it is time sensitive. PLEASE HELP!!! I love my baby and this is draining both of us quick!

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Male; Breed: Pointer/Lab

Already Tried:
Phenobarbital not yet working, valium (sp?) work through IV in ER. He was kept for 2 days. Red blood cell count did not drop, not responding to meds. I may be overreacting but my gut just says something else... Please!!!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 3 2006 at 4:43 AM (2 hours and 1 minute and 57 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
It could be focal seizures causing the tremoring.
Unlike grand mal seizures only a part of the body responds. It all depends on where in the brain the 'electrical storm' takes place.
High red blood cell numbers often indicates the dog is dehydrated but can also indicate uncommon diseases that cause an over production of red blood cells from the bone marrow.
Here are links to some of the possible problems
http://www.vetinfo.com/dblood.html#Polycythemia%20vera%20and%20other%20possibilities%20when
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=545994
http://forums.cvm.missouri.edu/cenbb/viewtopic.php?t=771&view=previous&sid=dae7c6f54181cb666b4411c9ca672d46
This site is the best I've found on epilepsy causes and treatments
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/site_map.htm
But it sounds to me like its the high red blood cell count that might be triggering the tremoring due to difficulty in getting enough oxygen to the brain.
I suggest seeing a veterinary specialist in internal medicine or neurology for more help than your vet can give. This site may help you find one
http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
Hope this helps you!


Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
Reply
January 4 2006 at 8:15 AM (1 day and 3 hours later)
         
Thank you! I agree about the RBC count being high... he is drinking a ton of water so it is not due to lack of water on his part. The other thing I feel helps support this is that they happen immediately after any activity that gets his blood pumping. Thank you, Vinney will be visiting a specialist at UC Davis in the next 48 hours.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet