Collapsing Jack Russell Terrier

I have a 1-1/2 year old JRT who has what appears to me a neurological problem. It started out as what seems to be temporary paralysis of her hind legs. The episodes come on when she gets excited and/or exerted--either immediately upon my return home from work or when we go to the dog park and she begins to run with the other pooches. This week it has become so extreme she collapses and turns on her side until she recovers a few moments later. She pants heavily when this happens and her heart races. The vet has tried x-rays (nothing) and rimadyl (ineffective). We are now waiting from blood results. Vet thinks this might be seizure activity, but I don't see foaming, drooling, rigidity, jerking or loss of bladder/bowels control. Should I start thinking brain scan??? Thanks for any/all advice. I want to cry each time I see this which has increased in frequency and intensity this last week. (It has been intermintent for about a month).

 

Just my opinion and Im not a vet but seizure would be high on my list of things to rule out, not every seizure results in 'foaming' or even loss of bladder control.

If nothing shows up in the blood work and your pup is still doing this then I would see if your vet can refer you to a specialist.

Do you have Lymes up there? It crossed my mind but there are usually other symptoms with it.

I have seen some dogs (Jack Russels, Fox terriers, Britney Spaniels come to mind more commonly with specific breeds but Ive seen it in other breeds and mixed breeds) that can become so over-excited/over-anxious that they do actually collapse, heart rate increases, heavy panting. That said though it is usually a pattern without much variation in it, meaning it doesnt really get any worse from one day to the next. I worked with a Britney recently that had this problem. She was in a shelter though and since being adopted and the owner working with her she has calmed down a little.

Keep us updated if possible.