[tpenning]

I have a little chihuahua, Oliver, that is 14 weeks old and he has started displaying symptoms that something major may be wrong with him. He has started crying out in pain and holding his head backwards (almost touching his spine) as well as body twitching on two different occasions, so far. He will lay still for a while and then cry out in pain. During the entire episode he holds his head backwards. Sometimes his eyes are open and sometimes they are closed. During each time, the episodes have lasted about 5 - 8 hours. The first episode was Wednesday night, the 19th of August and the second episode was this morning, 23 August 2009. He seems to be really tired after each episode, but he is alert and will eat and drink. Not sure what is going on with him....need as much info as possible.

Please help!

[Lara's mom]

What does your vet say? I'm really not sure what it could be.

[tpenning]

Have not taken him to the vet yet. The first episode happened at night and then he seemed fine the next day and each day until this morning, when it happened again.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by tpenning

I have a little chihuahua, Oliver, that is 14 weeks old and he has started displaying symptoms that something major may be wrong with him. He has started crying out in pain and holding his head backwards (almost touching his spine) as well as body twitching on two different occasions, so far. He will lay still for a while and then cry out in pain. During the entire episode he holds his head backwards. Sometimes his eyes are open and sometimes they are closed. During each time, the episodes have lasted about 5 - 8 hours. The first episode was Wednesday night, the 19th of August and the second episode was this morning, 23 August 2009. He seems to be really tired after each episode, but he is alert and will eat and drink. Not sure what is going on with him....need as much info as possible.

Please help!

You need to get some info from your vet----Too bad you couldn't of taken him while he is having this attack!! How can you stand to see him in so much pain?! Can you call your vet in the morning and explain what is going on and ask him what you should do? Maybe he will want to wait until it happens again or maybe he wants to see the pup right away!!

[tpenning]

It is very hard to watch and since we live in a rural community there are not many options for us, Vet wise. I just hold him during the episodes and try to keep him still. He is so tiny. I really thought I was losing him on the first night.

I have had dogs all my life and have never had one to go through something like this.

We currently have other Chihuahuas that do not have the symptoms....Jack, Ruby and Isabella. Isabella is the same age as Oliver (his sister).

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by tpenning

It is very hard to watch and since we live in a rural community there are not many options for us, Vet wise. I just hold him during the episodes and try to keep him still. He is so tiny. I really thought I was losing him on the first night.

I have had dogs all my life and have never had one to go through something like this.

We currently have other Chihuahuas that do not have the symptoms....Jack, Ruby and Isabella. Isabella is the same age as Oliver (his sister).

If you thought you were losing him before--What makes you think it can't still happen the next time---YOU NEED TO SEE A VET OR AT LEAST HEAR WHAT HE HAS TO SAY!!! You must have a phone book to get a number to call. You don't think this is going to just go away by itself, do you!!?? And you must go to town for groceries, etc---There must be a vet there!! Sorry, I love dogs and can't stand the thoughts of one being in any pain or trouble!! That poor little guy is depending on you to take care of it--It's life is in your hands!

[tpenning]

We are taking him to the Vet.....this morning. Could not take him yesterday as there were none available (is all I meant). I will let you know more as I know more. Thanks for all the help and info.

[pinsnpugs]

Even a 30 second episode like that would scare the bejeezers out of me. 5-8 hours of it? I would have been at the Emerngency vets door in record time!

Hope your vet can shed some light on this. It does not sound good. Any chance he is hydrocephalic? If it is seizure type activity, each untreated episode causes brain damage, really need to find out the cause.

[CorkyMax]

There were 2 'identical' posts done --The other is in the Dog health and nutrition section/forum! Titled: What could be wrong, please help Best to follow that thread as a diagnosis has been made----This is a copy of the post made over there!:
11 Hours Ago #16 (permalink)
tpenning
Junior Member
Newborn


Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 7
Vet Diagnosis

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Portosystemic Shunts

Oliver is sick!

We have to feed him Prescription Diet to see how he does. May need surgery!