Stroke? Siezure?

Question
My 14 Year old Maltese, (best friend) has recently been waking up in the middle of the night, and will scream. One painful scream. When this happens he looks terrified, and sometimes his body seems to lock up for about 3 mintues. like if i flip him over, he will stay in the same slightly contorted position. I wake up when this happens and give him a little massage and hes back to bed in ten minutes.

Whats going on? My little man eats little Ceasars dog food (he only has one tooth, so i mash it up) and other than that is a generally healthy old dog. He recently went to the vet. He has bad hips or knee joints, and a tiny heart problem, but for the most part hes doing well.

Please can you help my 3am wake up anxiety? Even though its only 5 minutes it scares me everytime. He sleeps in the bed with me.

Answer
Amy, I wonder if it is just major pain in the middle of the night?
How about talking to you vet in regards to a light pain med?  The Vet said he has bad hips and joints.... right.
I do have some supplements that may help.
Talk to the vet first.
I don't think it is a seizure.

Sorry that I can't be of more help to you.....



Marie Peppers LPN MA