CAPS: When your BFF’s brain goes rogue

Dear Reader, I am constantly surprised and amazed at the variety of maladies that dogs and humans share. Just recently, I learned that dogs have seizures. My friend Kieran informed me that Bella, her adorable Golden Doodle, was having what looked like seizures.

She took Bella to her veterinarian who explained that a seizure is a sudden surge of uncontrollable electrical activity within the brain. There are many causes for seizures and the most common is idiopathic epilepsy. Other causes include anemia, cancer, brain tumors, and trauma.

There are different types of seizures. Generalized seizures occur in three phases. Pre-ictal is before the seizure begins. Restlessness or unusual behavior is common in this stage. Ictal is the seizure itself causing the dog to fall over, become stiff, or paddle their limbs. Post-ictal phase is after the seizure occurs usually leaving the dog unsteady and lethargic.

The second type is partial seizures involving abnormal electrical activity in just one or a few parts of the brain. When dogs experiences partial seizures, they often get unusual movements limited to a specific part of their bodies. They may for instance, kick one leg repeatedly.

Seizures can be very disturbing for the pet parent and one must remember to remain calm, time the seizure, and do not try to grab your dog’s tongue. Dogs and people do not swallow their tongues during seizures. Try to hold the head and comfort him until the seizure is over. Call your veterinarian immediately.

Sadly, Bella continued to have seizures and eventually succumbed. She was the belle of the ball to the very end.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two adorable puppies, one female three months and one male eight months.

We also have three fluffy male kittens ages three to eight months in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes.

OVER THE RAINBOW

It is with sadness we say goodbye to our darling Bella. She was a joy to our family and we loved her dearly. The Kalt family (2/23).

IN NEED OF

• URGENT! People to foster senior dogs Sadie and Mikey immediately. CAPS is full, and we cannot take them in. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Garage sale items for our spring sale. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We do not need clothing. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.
• Folks to foster puppies and kittens.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• The Reno Little Theater for promoting CAPS during the performances of Baskerville. Paws applause to you!
• Diane Peters for presenting CAPS and The Reno Little Theater on the nightly news. A big bark of thanks to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

April 28 and 29 at The Oasis Church for the spring garage sale.

DON’T FORGET

• You can sponsor an adoption by paying part or full adoption fees. Due to rising costs in shelter and veterinary care, we have adjusted our adoption fees. Dog adoptions are $150 for female $125 for male. Cat adoptions are $100 for female $80 for male. All adoptees are healthy, spayed/neutered, chipped, and have all necessary shots.
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are like-able.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, can be reached at jkwmil@outlook.com.