seizure activity ?

Question
we just bought a rat terrier from a private owner.  I have never owned this breed before.  Penny is 8 weeks old.  We were told by the breeder, her mother had died of seizure activity.  I would like to know the details on seizures in my Penny.  She shows no signs of activity while awake, but while sleeping sometimes she will twitch and go floppy when picked up.  Is this a normal activity she should be having?

Answer
Hi Alan,  I admire the honesty of the person who sold you your puppy, but personally I would be a little concerned about purchasing a puppy whose mother recently died of seizure activity.

Some genetic disorders, such as genetic epilepsy, can be passed from the mother of the litter to the puppies.  

It is normal for puppies to "twitch" and be a little "limp" when sleeping.  Some symptoms you might want to be on the look out for include:  Movement like running in place, jaw movement like chewing gum, pupils of the eyes that are dilated (large) and unresponsive to light, drooling, or foaming of the mouth, total loss of muscle control - unable to stand.

If your puppy exhibits any of the symptoms I mentioned, I highly recommend that you contact your vet.  Possibly you can also talk to the person you purchased the puppy from to see if you can get a medical report on the mother.

Good luck with your new puppy, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.