Click here to visit the most complete Maltese site on the WWW

Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Jackie Florio

Hi. This evening my 8 month old girl Mika started making the sound she makes before she throws up. She didn't throw up. She fell over and rolled twice and then lay still for 10 seconds or so. Then she sat up and was back to normal. I called my vet (who happens to live next door and had the day off) and she said since Mika didn't have anything in her mouth to choke on (I checked) that she probably just had a clapsed trachea. If it happened again today to take her in. Does anyone elses Maltese do this. It scared me to death!! Thanks! Jackie and Mika

DISCUSSION:

My dog was suspected to have this problem, but found to have asthma after they scoped him. The falling over for a few seconds sounds like a seizure of some kind. I would definately take her to the vet to be checked out. Be sure to tell him about the falling over for a few seconds.
-Marsha A.

I would tend to agree with Marsha. The falling over and laying still for a while is the really important thing here. It sounds more like a seizure. My Maltese never had the problem, but my Yorkie mix has a collapsing trachea. Many small breeds do according to my vet. What happens is when he gets really excited or something he like gasps for air -- that is when the trachea sort of collapses and they have trouble breathing. Unless your dog has such a severe case that all air is cut off, might suspect something else. But I am not a vet -- the best one to see. A friend had a cocker spaniel that had seizures and she would fall on the floor be "out" for a couple of seconds and then be all right. She would also vomit on most occasions before falling down. But do get it checked out ASAP. Good Luck.
-Rebecca J

Thanks for your replies! I had my vet check Mika out and she said that it could have been a seizure. If it happens again we will but Mika on a mild seizure medication. I hope it is just a one time thing! I would love to hear about anyone elses Maltese having seizures like Mika. Thanks again! Jackie and Mika
-Jackie Florio