I have a 5 yr old male, mini daschund who has recently started having seizures. I'm not familiar with the breed and actually didn't acquire him until he was 4 yrs and from a stranger so I don't know his history. Are seizures a common medical condition for this breed?

I can't say if seizures are more common in Mini Dachshunds that other breeds. They are scary. Since he has had more than one, you need to talk to a your vet. There are several causes, some more dangerous or treatable than others. One may mean nothing. My Taffy had one as a puppy, but worked as a dog guide until she was 14 and just fell apart from several aging related problems.

Quality of breeding may be a bigger factor than the specific breed. Within a breed, seizures may be common in one line and rare in another.

Labman is right you need to take your dog to a veterinarian; there are so many different reasons that a dog would have recurring seizures.

What should I do if my pet has a seizure?

• Remain calm.

• Do not put your hand in your pet's mouth. This will not help your pet and you may be bitten. (Contrary to popular belief, a dog will not swallow his tongue.)

• To prevent injury to your pet, remove nearby sharp or hard objects (e.g.; tables and chairs).

• Observe your pet closely. Call your veterinarian if the seizure lasts more than 20 minutes, or if your pet has one seizure right after another. Severe and long seizures are a medical emergency and can be fatal.

If in the event you would like to read further on the subject of Epilepsy & Seizures I have listed it here.Epilepsy & Seizures

Thank you for the Epilepsy & Seizures site. One of the possible agents for onset on the list was difficulties with breathing. I believe my mini has asthma. If he gets really upset/excited, he will have what appears to be an asthma attack. Obviously not a definite diagnosis but something to grasp. Thanks.