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Night Time Episodes. Panic Attacks/anxiety?


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I have posted before but episodes are getting worse. My female greyhound has been having night time episodes more frequently. We are getting desperate because husband wants to send her back and I can't let that happen. Everything only happens at night about 1-2 am and never during the day. She will get up from sleeping and start walking into things(treadmill, our bed,etc.) and pacing. Her ears are straight up the entire time(not normal) and she is panting. Her eyes appear dilated and is seems like she can't see well(instead of going through door opening she will go behind the door), This goes on for 30-60 minutes. She will take a treat and eat it while she is like this. I normally deal with it by letting her out to go potty, sitting with her for a while outside the bedroom, letting her out a second time, and then sitting with her again until she lays down.

Stats: 4 year old female. no prescription meds. daily fish oil, vitamin e, glucosamine, msm, and one melatonin pill

 

Does this sound like an anxiety/panic attack?

 

Chocko, Nilla, and Comet Queen.

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Our angel Charlie had some vision issues in the dark and would get up in the middle of the night as he obviously heard things we did not. In your case I would suggest a vet visit and full blood work. Also have her eyes checked but usually a referral to an Ophthalmologist will be necessary.

 

Sorry you're going through this. How long have you had her?

Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge.

Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl.

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6 months. Her first episode was about a week and a half after we took her home. She had an episode about every 1-2 weeks after that. The last three nights she has had one episode each night. Husband is convinced that it is him. He has been on vacation for the past three days. I don't think that is it at all. Vet has looked at her eyes and said everything looks fine.

Chocko, Nilla, and Comet Queen.

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If it is a vision problem, would you be willing to have a nightlight on for the dog?

 

The other thing I thought of while reading your description (I have no vet or medical training, just came to mind) is that it sounds a lot like stories I have read about sleepwalking people.

Rob
Logan (April 7, 2010 - July 9, 2023) - LoganMaxicon15K.jpg - Max (August 4, 2004 - January 11, 2018)

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My first thought was that it was some type of seizure, so I would second tbhounds' suggestion of a neurologist appointment.

 

Same here. There have been a couple of posts over the years of similar happenings with hounds and I'm pretty sure there was some type of seizure diagnosis. Seizures can be controlled easily with medication. Definitely requires a vet or University Vet School that can do a neuro evaluation.

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Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan.  Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket,  Allie  Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life

 

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You'd need to look for a veterinary specialty practice. Sometimes, it will be the same clinic where your emergency vet is located, but your local vet should also be able to advise you. You can call them and request a consultation with the neurology department.

 

At first Google, it looks like there's one in Houston called Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists.

 

FWIW, the behavior you are describing (dilated pupils, panting) sounds like the post-ictal phase of a seizure. At four-years-old, she's close to the age when epileptic dogs start having onset seizures. This may be something that's easily remedied with daily medication, or it may be something more. Your best bet would be to have a neurologist evaluate her. As someone else said, it would greatly help to video one of her episodes so you can show it to the vet. I would also stop giving her the Melatonin until you figure out what's definitely going on.

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I live in Houston. I would recommend NHVS, North Houston Vet Specialist or Texas A&M Vet School.

Who does your Vet recommend?

Personally, I'm not a fan of Gulf Coast. I've used all of these & was very impressed with both NHVS & A&M.

Did you get your dog from the track or GPA-H?

Have you seen an Ophthalmologist for her?

Edited by Devotion

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Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty

Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge

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I'm no expert but sounds a bit like the 2 episodes my grey has had, also in the early hours. After the first one i went to the vet and he thought it sounded like a partial seizure. In a year, there's only been one other, luckily.

 

But if it were happening frequently i would go back to the vet and he could refer us on to a specialist if needed. So i should say that your regular vet is the first port of call. Even if it turns out not to be epilepsy, something is wrong. Hope she gets better soon and you can all get a good nights rest.

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Sounds like seizures. Talk with your vet. There are several different medications that can help her if that is the problem.

Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel

Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee

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I agree with the others that this might be a seizure. Normally after a seizure happens, a dog might be disoriented for a few hours after and that sounds like how your dog is acting. I suggest videoing one of the events and letting a neurologist see it. If it is a seizure, there are new drugs that have far less side effects than the older drugs although, sometimes the older drugs offer the best overall minimizing of the seizures ... each dog is different.

 

There are a few people on this forum that have seizure dogs (me for one) that can offer their experiences if you find that you need more information. My Lucy has had seizures for 3 + years and is currently managed well and is a happy dog.

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Not only is Gulf Coast expensive, I'm just unimpressed compared to others.

I've had 2 seizure dogs & yes the meds have improved tremendously. For example, a neurologist may give zonisamide for a trial. It does Not have the side effects as some.

If you do go the zonismide way message me & I will tell you best prices in our area.

I hope you can find an answer to help you!

scootersig_A4.jpg

 

Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty

Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge

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My first thought was that it was some type of seizure, so I would second tbhounds' suggestion of a neurologist appointment.

My thinking too. If you narrow it down to panic attacks, pm me for some advice. But I would try to rule out neurological issues first.

Beth, Petey (8 September 2018- ), and Faith (22 March 2019). Godspeed Patrick (28 April 1999 - 5 August 2012), Murphy (23 June 2004 - 27 July 2013), Leo (1 May 2009 - 27 January 2020), and Henry (10 August 2010 - 7 August 2020), you were loved more than you can know.

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