Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm new here and would really appreciate any advice or information you could give me. Sorry for the long post - I'm just so worried.

Two weeks ago this was my situation: I have a 6 month spayed female chihuahua. I spent a lot of time socializing her and she gets along perfectly with dogs, cats and absolutely LOVES new people. She never barks, whines, or growls, doesn't jump up or beg, and waits patiently to be picked up.

But starting two weeks ago, several things happened. She started barking at EVERY little noise (a loud step, door closing) it seemed almost fear-induced, she started whining constantly (something she hasn't done for a few months), was being aggressive towards dogs she didn't know, and shaking with any new people or places (typical chi, I know, but not typical Lola).

I took her to the vet today, because I was at a loss - all my hard socializing and training seemed to be worthless. The vet was as befuddled as me, and thought it looked like she was having separation anxiety reactions when I set her on the floor until we noticed a strange repetitive head movement - something I had seen but never considered a problem.

Lola, when sitting or standing still will move her head up and back (almost curious like) for 3-4 seconds, and then move it forward quickly, almost like a miniature lunge - over and over. He said it looks like the beginnings of a seizure disorder. I'm supposed to record her "episodes" and see if the head movement is constant, episodic, or only occurs when certain things are happening. I'm also supposed to watch her eyes for uneven dilating and rapid movement. He is doing more research, because he's never had experience with this specific type of head movement.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation or seizures in general?

What was the outcome/ how was it handled?

What are the chances of this becoming a life-threatening type of disorder?

Thank you so much for your time and any information you have. Sorry again for the long post.

Shannyn & Lola

Hi and welcome to the DogHobbyist. Never worry about a long post, the more information there is the better someone may be able to help.

I can't exactly say what may be wrong with your Chihuahua. I do know for being such a tiny dog they can have a multitude of medical concerns, including hydrocephalus, epilepsy and seizures. The best thing to do if your vet cannot be 100 percent positive would be for him to refer you to a canine specialist that deals with this kind of behavior. I wish I could be of more help. Good Luck and please... keep us updated.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I don't have chis, but I have a lot of experience with animals having seizures.

You definately need to find a vet with more experience in this area to help you out. I know blood sugar levels play a huge role with these tiny dogs and too much or too little can produce seizures. Also, seizures are very individualistic. So it's very possible that your dog is having them so finding the cause and finding a cure is very necessary. Each seizure causes a bit of damage so controlling them is the key.

Good luck ot you and defintately keep us posted what you find out and hopefully these episodes are easy to control.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Hi and thank you both!

I just wanted to clarify that Lola hasn't actually seized yet (that we've seen, not to say she hasn't at all) but I am home all but 3-4 hours everyday. He said that her inability to hold her head still points to something neurological which in turn implies a possible seizure disorder.

My vet is working via internet and phone with another vet who specializes in neurology on this. But if in a week or two they still don't have an idea on what is causing this "rare" type of head movement, I will definitely look around for more experienced vet. I'm just concerned that I may not find one (I live in Moscow, ID - not many big cities nearby.)

She gets fed 3-4 times a day (depending on when I'm home). So I don't think it's low blood sugar. I've read up on Hydrocephalus, and she doesn't have any of the typical signs of it (no wide-set or protruding eyeballs, blindness, walking in circles, slowness (mental and physical) she is VERY active and a very quick learner, abnormally slow growth (she has grown up very well and is a compact and robust little dog), or lack of coordination.

Thanks again! Any other opinions are greatly appreciated!

Shannyn