What is wrong with my Chihuahua? please! im despatate for answers!!?

Question

i have a 4 yo chihuahua. and i have been researching a symptom that he has been having for most of his life. he has these episodes where he all of a sudden starts spasming. like a seizure, but he doesn't drool. and the spasms are in the front, unlike with other symptoms where its in the back and pelvis. he also seems aware during these episodes and there's no loss of conscienceness. what happens is his front legs will just spread out and stay there like they are stuck there. and he cant move them and neither can i. he loses his balance and then tries to get back up, so hes falling all over the place. just cant figure this out. none of the symptoms seem to match any disease or syndrome Chis might have. i cant afford a vet right now and am wondering if anyone has experienced this with their dog or heard of it.

thank you for any help!

Answer 1

Scotties sometimes(thank god none of mine do) get what's called cramp. they'll be running around and then suddenly drop and get all stiff. Sounds pretty close. I don't think there is any treatment except to watch the dog and be aware make the dog comfortable and keep them safe(so the fall won't injure them). My best guess is to, save the money for a visit to a vet and a neurologist for a diagnosis. Then follow what they tell you to do. Scottie Cramp is a misfiring in the brain so it is neurological. It maybe a side effect of hydrocephalus also. Sometimes veterinary schools can give you access to more advanced care and specialists at a reduced rate, You might have to travel a ways but it could be the very best money spent.

Answer 2

definately sounds like a neurological disorder. There is no way that you could treat this without the aid of a vet, and the tests and treatment will most likely be expensixe- but worth it if they can figure out what your dog has and treat it.

Talk to your vet about payment options, maybe you can pay them a little each week, its the best thing you can do for your dog.

Answer 3

Hydrocephalus is very common in this breed - sounds like if its not hydrocephalus, its certainly some other neurological disorder.