Hi,
My brother and his family have a 13 weeks old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy.On friday he started fitting,they rushed him to the vets and he has been there ever since.The vet is unable to say what it is and has ruled out epilepsy as he is too young.He has had several fits over the weekend and is on anti fitting drugs.They have been unable to contact the breeder all weekend and are understandably distraught.
Has anyone had any experience of anything like this?Is it something to do with his breed?They are preparing themselves for the worst and the vet has more or less told them he wont make it but she doesn't know what it is.If anyone has any knowledge about puppy fitting or any reasurance I could give them I would be so gratefull.Many thanks,
Hazel

There are a few reasons why a puppy this young could be fitting. Developmental problems like hydrocephalus affecting the brain or liver shunt affecting the blood supply could be a potential cause. Hypoglycemia (sugar levels) or distemper. I'm sure there's loads more. Were there no other symptoms at all?
Haven't heard of Ridgebacks being particularly vulnerable to any of these apart from distemper if not vaccinated like any other breed. I have known two who were epileptic but diagnosed much later in life.
Lara x

Reaction to accidental poisoning is another possibility - has the pup had access to slug pellets, or anything similar?

Thanks for your replies.The pup is fully vaccinated and has only been out on the lead closely monitered so unlikely he has eaten anything(the vet did ask).He was bought from a wonderful breeder but they seem to be away for the weekend,luckly she is only 10 miles away and I am sure will come and see the pup.They are just so upset.They live quite a way from me and I haven't even met him yet,we are going next weekend so fingers crossed.I realy wanted to know if this was quite common?I have an 11 week old pup myself(Boxer) and i must admit it has realy shaken me.The 2 pups were due to have their first meeting next week now they are both fully vaccinated.I will post any news,thanks again,
Hazel

Good news,the pup is back at home after spending the weekend at the vets house.They still don't know why he was fitting and the concern was that he wasn't coming round without drugs.The vet said that it is very common for pups to fit but they usualy come out of it.He seems fine anyway but very sleepy after his ordeal.I am going to meet him at the weekend-I've only seen a photo.Thanks again for your replys,
Hazel

Hi Hazel,
Sorry to hear about your brothers pup.
What is happening when he fits? and what is his pedigree name?
I had a Rhodesian Ridgeback with the same sort of symptoms, but if you can answer these questions, i might be able to help more.