Dog- Shaking

Question
Last night, my four year-old, female cocker spaniel started shaking for about five minutes.  I was half asleep as this was happening, so I could not see if her eyes were open, etc. It was dark in the room, so I could not see very well.  I held her for a few minutes during these convulsions, and then carried her downstairs, where I held for a little while. I am not sure if she could stand by that point.  Later, she was able to walk, and I took her outside to go to the bathroom, and she was fine.  During this, she did not lose her bowels or bite her tongue.  She is fine this morning, and we have scheduled a vet appointment for Monday, as the vet is not in today.  She has never had anything like this before.  I had thought it might be epilepsy, as she is a cocker spaniel, and it can be hereditary for them.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
It is impossible to say what this really was, and most likely the veterinarian will not find anything either. If this should happen again, next time turn on the light... and if it is truly a seizure, do not hold the dog as she might accidentally bite you. Some seizures only happen when the dog is sleeping.

You might keep a video camera handy so that you can videotape what is happening so that the vet can see exactly what is going on. I think the term "epilepsy" is applied when no other reason for the seizures is found.

You might have her thyroid level checked as low thyroid can be one cause for seizures.