Anyone's dog ever have a Complex Partial behavioral seizure?

oparcm

Two weeks ago, my very friendly rescue lab that we have had for 1 1/2 years, had what they called a Limbic or Complex Partial Behavioral seizure in which a dog will act in a way of rage without provocation.  We later learned that she was having some fly snapping behavior, which basically looks like they are catching imaginary flies.   Anyway, she was sitting with me and my 7 year old was there.  My daughter asked me a question and my dog just pounced on her face and would NOT let go.  The dog was making a weird and odd squabbly sound and was just in an absolute rage. My child had to have extensive plastic surgery and during the quarantine period (mandatory even if you had rabies vacc. up to date) my dog exhibited this fly snapping behavior which they attributed to this seizure disorder.  The vet recommended putting my dog down as she said that these seizures were hard to treat and when she did have one she would most likely act out very aggressively again.  On the 1-4 bite rate scale, her bite was rated a 4.  My dog did have heartworm before we rescued and multiple vaccines which may have attributed to her not being well. Just trying to see if anyone else has experienced a dog having these seizures.  I know some have the more typical kind of seizure which my old childhood lab had.   This was the friendliest, most loving dog which made it so heartbreaking.  She acted so violently.  It was awful.

short+sassy

Oh my goodness!  I have never heard of this condition, but I am so sorry to hear this happened.  Your poor daughter!  It's horrible your daughter had to go throw this and horrible that this normally sweet dog needs to be euthanized because of her condition.  The whole thing is heartbreaking.  I hope your little girl recovers as quickly as possible.

kangjisook

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog and daughter! 

 I heard about this condition while researching canine epilepsy after my dog was diagnosed with it.  There are some treatments and other possible underlying health issues that your dog has that are triggering these seizures. Untreated hypothyroidism, for example can sometimes lead to this issue.  This type of seizure is also most common in springer spaniels, so it is a treatable condition.  Some treatments include Phenobarbital, levetiracetam, zonisamide or other anticonvulsant.  Something to be aware of though, is that treatments do not guarantee that your dog will never have a seizure again.  You also have to be very diligent with giving the treatment and be aware of the pre-seizure signs.  You'll have to adjust your home life with your dog too (i.e. special attention, keeping the kids away from the  dog, etc).  It's difficult to manage, but euthanizing your dog is not the only option.

Here are some links that are more informative about the condition:

http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/complex-partial-seizures-in-dogs.html

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-practice-news-columns/pet-projects/tips-for-recognizing-complex-partial-seizures-in-dogs.aspx

http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/FAQ.html#anchor6000723