Seizures.

Question
Ellen,

My yellow lab is 7 years old, and he often has seizures.  These spells happen right after he wakes up from sleeping.  His body trembles but you can only tell that by laying a hand on him.  His legs are usually stiff while he's standing and he has no control over moving them, he staggers like he is drunk and then collapses.  All during the spell his legs are stiff but not thrashing about.  He can't seem to get his mouth open but as the spell lessens he makes sucking noises and tries to swallow.  He drools as he returns to normal.  He has to have a bowel movement as soon as its over (or sometimes he has one during the spell).  Often he throws up when its over with.  Normally lasts 5-10 minutes.  I have seen him get up in the middle of one of these spells and bark if strangers approach him and then collapse and finish the spell.  He is normal once the spell passes.

I used to work at an animal hospital when I was in highschool, and I recall the veterinarian telling me that it was normal, and that I should give him butter?  I feel terrible for him, and I was curious as to why these are happening, and how to prevent/control them.

Thanks very much!

Tabor.

Answer
That vet needs to have his/her license taken away if they can cure seizures with butter.

get a new vet, and get some bloodwork and a proper neurological exam done!

your dog can have epilepsy, a brain tumor or another disorder causing this. And they can be controlled with medication.

SEE A REAL VET!