OT: Anyone have a dog with epilepsy?

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Hi-

We had scare this morning and took Casey to the vet. It turns out there's a very high likelihood she has seizures, as they're almost certain that's what we've caught her in the middle of twice this week- muscle stiffness, rhythmic movements, spaced out look, uncontrolled urination, etc- once on Monday, and once this morning.

They're running blood tests to make sure it's not a metabolic thing- she hasn't wanted to eat and has been throwing her food everywhere. This is a dog that never plays or have played with her bowls, so their concerned about that. We're also trying to get a urine sample (this is going to be cute....) from her to rule out UTI.

Are any of you familiar with dogs and epilepsy? What should we be looking for? How close an eye should we keep on her this weekend? They've asked us to tape her when we starts doing "her thing" again. I'm a little concerned becuase she had Distemper yesterday.... and they wouldn't address if this was a side effect.

So confusing... and really scary.

 

[Cinderella Fan]

I understand how scared you must be feeling right now. When we first brought our dog, Tootle Bug, home, she was fine. Within a week, she was vomiting 3-4 times a day, throwing her food, and basically laying around doing nothing. And for a puppy of only 11 weeks, this was a little alarming. DF didn't seem to be too concerned, but I was terrified. I know it sounds a little pathetic, but I took 2 days off to stay home with her. I basically laid beside her and cried. She was so sick, and I didn't know how to help her. It was like my child was sick.

Well, 3 days and 2 vets later, we found out the she has a digestive problem, which is uncurable, and acid reflux on top of that. We are able to stabalize it with prescription dog food and a Pepcid pill a day. But she still gets sick about 2 times a week.

So, while I can't give you any advice on epilepsy in dogs, I can understand how you must be feeling right now, not knowing what isgoing on with one of your babies. I hope that you are able to find the problem ASAP and that she is feeling better soon.

Please let us know what you find out. Sending a little pixie dust your way...

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

I know it sounds a little pathetic, but I took 2 days off to stay home with her. I basically laid beside her and cried. She was so sick, and I didn't know how to help her. It was like my child was sick.

That's exactly how I feel. I'm at home and have changed weekend plans just so that we can keep a watchful eye on her. As terrible as it sounds, I'm hoping we can catch her on tape for them. Bloodwork came back and she's running healthy- nothing going on metabolically.

I called my professor this morning and tried explaing to him like a rational adult that we weren't sure what was going on with the dog and just about broke down on the phone. Thankfully, he said he had a dog with epilepsy and was sympathetic to the situation- but mentioned how amazing it was that a class of 90 students had so many family emergencies on an exam day. I told him I knew it probably sounded crazy and that I know how many people do call in with bogus "problems" and that I hated to put him in this situation; but that it was his exam to proctor and we could leave the dog with the vet so that she was under constant supervision- he said, "You're about to break into tears. I wouldn't want you to even be on the road, let alone in a lecture hall taking an exam." Bless his heart....

Still trying to get that urine sample out her. It must be an America's Funniest Home Videos moment watching me follow her around with a frying pan saying, "C'mon girl... just a little bit...." I can find humor in that!

 

[Tinkerbelle14]

My golden retriever Sandy passed away in June, 2 weeks from her 16th birthday, after being in heart failure for 4 years. They originally gave her 6 months to live when she was diagnosed, but they found a combination of medications that helped her. In the end she passed away from kidney failure. I spent many a night lying beside her after she had been sick wondering if she would be ok and if this was the night she would pass away (she was usually back to normal in a day or 2), so I know exactly how you feel. I was going to suggest using a tin foil pie pan to get the urine sample, but the frying pan idea works too.
I know how scary it can be and hopefully they can find something to eliminate or lessen the seizures. Unfortunately I don't have anymore advice, but I wanted to let you know that I have been through a similar situation and I know how scary it can be when a pet is sick. I also know how frustrating it can be when people without pets say, "It's just a dog, why spend the money, put her to sleep".
Don't let anyone get you down and keep giving your dog lots of hugs and love. Feel free to PM me anytime.

 

[Shagley]

My cousin's beagle puppy "Chopper" was diagnosed with epilepsy last year. It was a real scary time because Chopper was having seizures and a lot of the same type of problems as your dog. They have finally got him on a medicine that is regulating his seizures so now he only has them very infrequently. Also, once my cousin started asking around, it turns out that epilepsy is fairly common in dogs, and once they get on the medication to regulate it, the dogs seem to do fine. I have furry "kids" too, so I totally understand how terrifying this situation is for you.

 

[SparKeLLy]

When I was little our poodle had seizures about once a month, nothing too bad. He had been dropped on his head when he was a puppy, so my parents knew he had seizures before they even bought him.

My brother's dog now also has seizures and it started after he was hit by a car. His are far worse. He's on pretty strong medicine now that works pretty good, but he still has times when they come in "clusters" I've seen him have over 5 in a row. It's heartbreaking.

In fact last month he was staying with us while my brother went on vacation and he started having them the day after he left - missed his master we figure. They were very bad, and even with stronger medicine we got from the Vet it still wasn't helping. Were thinking we'd have to put him to sleep
Thankfully when my brother returned he got back to normal!

Also it's very important once you start the medicine to never miss it and keep it on a routine schedule. It can be delt with and hopefully your dog's are mild.

 

[engagedatWDW]

I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this. I've heard from several people (including my vet) that seizures can be a side effect (certain breeds are more prone that others). How much does Casey weigh? We have two small sighthounds and the effect of meds or vaccines can be overwhelming to their system causing stomach upset, vomitting and sometimes seizures. I've never been through this situation, but from what I've asked and read it's best to keep a close eye until normal eating and potty activities has resumed.

Seizures can be brought by a lot of things - I know a few owners that regulate them with medicine and some that have figured out the triggers and keep a close eye on their diet and other household items. I hope this isn't going to be on ongoing problem for Casey (and you!). Our dogs are our life so I can only imagine what you're going through - it's so hard when they can't tell you what they're feeling.

**Edited to Add: I did a quick search and found this about "pre-seizure" signs: The pre-seizure phase is commonly called the aura. Your pet may appear restless, pace, seek affection, salivate, whine, or hide. These signs occur just minutes before the actual seizure begins.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Thank you all very much.

I've been reading a lot about it online. It turns out Goldens have a fairly high tendency towards them and they don't always respond well to the medication She would be a case that once she's on it, she's on it for life. At least there is something that can be done.

She's sleeping fairly soundly now- like she's absolutely exhausted. Interestingly, the cats keep wandering up and smelling her. This is really peculiar becuase Tink hates Casey and avoids her at all costs. I mentioned something to the vet when she called back and she thinks they may be smelling the chemical changes that happen before the seizures (Edit: Or one happened this morning and they can still smell it). She gave us a few warnings as what not to do if she goes into a full one. Heartbreaking. I don't know how anyone can stand and watch as they go through it. I guess it's a waiting game to see what happens...

 

[TiggerStac]

I have had 2 dogs w/seizures. One was my Lhasa Apso growing up. He got on meds and was fine, they were few and far between. But when he had them..they were scary (I was in high school).

About 2 years ago we woke up to our Lab having one..mind you, he was huge at the time about 85-90 lbs. We called the emergency vet as it was about 4am. They had us watch him and he did come out of it but was acting drunk (for lack of a better word). They didn't think he needed to be seen immediately unless he started up again..but to get in with our local vet asap. So we called and got him right in, as we were on the way in, he started seizing again in the back of my truck...mind you, he was losing bladder control, etc while he was seizing. The vet and techs came running out to help us and to get him in the "ER". They ran tests on him and the only thing they could find was hypothyroidism. They did somemore research to see what else may be causing it...as the vet stated "they told us in vet school that you can see seizures in hypothrodism (he was diagnosed w/this during this visit) but it is so unlikely...you will probably never see it." My vet has been practing for 20+ years and never saw it. They did run a test for attisions disease and that was negative. So, it turns out, it had to be the thryoid..many tests later. So, he has been on thyroid meds ever since, no more seizures. He just went for a check up a few weeks ago and his levels were elevated a little, so they are adjusting his dose now and doing labs to find a better dose for him...but hopefully we will be seizure free!!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

Our dog has epilepsy. We found humor in the fact that I already found my FDH who has it, and then I went and found a dog that has it too.

Luckily we were able to give both of them medication, and they're both much better. In May they will both have been seizure free for 6 months.
I know how scary it must be to find this out, but luckily there are options out there.

 

[Cinderella Fan]

Thank you all very much.

I've been reading a lot about it online. It turns out Goldens have a fairly high tendency towards them and they don't always respond well to the medication She would be a case that once she's on it, she's on it for life. At least there is something that can be done.

She's sleeping fairly soundly now- like she's absolutely exhausted. Interestingly, the cats keep wandering up and smelling her. This is really peculiar becuase Tink hates Casey and avoids her at all costs. I mentioned something to the vet when she called back and she thinks they may be smelling the chemical changes that happen before the seizures (Edit: Or one happened this morning and they can still smell it). She gave us a few warnings as what not to do if she goes into a full one. Heartbreaking. I don't know how anyone can stand and watch as they go through it. I guess it's a waiting game to see what happens...

I know this might sound a little strange, but your cats can smell the seizure on Casey. In fact, that is one of the reasons we purchased Tootle Bug, she is my Seizure Alert dog. I have a disease called Optic Neuritis, which is an inflammation of the optic nerve inside the brain. This condition frequently causes seizures.

One day I was researching online and found a place here in VA that trains small dogs as service dogs for this condition. I called, and within a week, we were bringing a small puppy home for us to "try out". We loved her , sent her off for a couple of months once she was a year old, and she does wonders for me. She sleeps near my head in her kennel, and barks and whines when she "smells" the onset of a seizure coming on, DF is so greatful for her....

I know it's not a lot of help right now, but relay on your cat. She may be able to let you know if something is going on...

Hope Casey is feeling better soon.....

 

[Andrea]

we had a dog that had them all the time. we had to put him on special meds and food. But they started getting worse and worse and sadly he passed away from them i miss him so much

 

[fb309]

We had a dog with epilepsy. Her vet was wonderful and worked with us to find a medication that would work to control the seizures. After trial and error, we found giving her the med. worked better every 12 hours. Any major change in routine would sometimes cause seizures. Also, any type of insecticide in bath products that was for fleas was a big no-no. Before I knew all of this, we had given her a bath and dipped her for fleas. She started having seizures and the vet had to sedate her for quite a few hours to get them to stop. After that, we used all natural dog shampoos. I think she also did better on the once a day heart worm preventative. Once we learned the do's and don'ts, she would usually have a break through seizure only a couple of times a year.

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

I just wanted to add that my vet informed me, when Annie was first diagnosed, that they can't actually die from a seizure. They can die from something happening to them during an episode, so just keep an eye out for Casey's surroundings. I'm not sure if I worded this to where it makes sense, but it's the fall or shaking that can cause them injury, not the actual seizure.

 

[videogal1]

I just wanted to add that my vet informed me, when Annie was first diagnosed, that they can't actually die from a seizure. They can die from something happening to them during an episode, so just keep an eye out for Casey's surroundings. I'm not sure if I worded this to where it makes sense, but it's the fall or shaking that can cause them injury, not the actual seizure.

I've had two dogs who had seizures. The first was a purebread Golden that developed them at about four years of age. Her sister, Taffy, who belonged to a friend, started having them at about three. A third female from that litter, Sandy, also belonged to me had no seizures but had physical and behaviorial characteristics that reminded me of a child with Down's syndrome....

My friend took Taffy to the vet to be treated immediately and she was put on Phenobarbitol, which slowed her down some but got her seizures under control. Over the years Taffy's seizures got progressively worse as she got older and, although a wonderful and beloved pet, she was eventually put down. I took her sister, Strawberry, to the vet the first time I found her in a seizure but they could find no immediate cause and, as it was not a severe one, I decided not to medicate her and, instead, just wait to see what would develop. I eventually put her down at age 12 because of severe hip problems, after a long and happy life that was punctuated by a few seizures but not driven by them. Sandy, my sweet girl, never had a seizure, was always deemed a little "slow" neurologically and lived a year longer than her sister, Strawberry, before developing the same severe hip arthritis that led to my having to put her down. Three sisters, three degrees of severity, all neurologically based...Probably hereditary.

A few months ago my "not quite right in the head" Golden cross, Carrie, developed such severe seizures ( one per day, very physically involved, and with an attack behavior as well) that I had her put down immediately. Sometimes the seizure condition itself is not a cause of the dog's death, but, instead, the environment or the dog's behavior during the seizure...The last seizure that Carrie had occurred at the end of the deck not far from the swimming pool and I judged that the possibility of her falling in the pool and drowning to be far more dangerous for her than the seizures. I could not restrain her because of her fear and her tendancy to attack. Poor smiley girl. Always crazy but a devoted chaser of all things round and bouncy. Recently my brother's Australian Shep. has started having seizures and is on Phenobarbitol. DB plans to watch and wait to see if the seizures are neurologically-based. If not, he will then have the vet treat the cause.

My conclusions? A dog can lead a long and, otherwise, healthy life with an unmedicated mild seizure condition. A dog can lead a reasonably long "awareness impaired" life on seizure control medication if you are willing to spend the money and control the environment so the dog is safe during a "breakthrough seizure". In my experience the severe seizures that have developed from an underlying neurological problem that cannot be fixed, will eventually worsen. If the seizure condition is severe, and the underlying health problem impossible to treat, you will have to make a difficult decision. If the seizure condition has resulted from an easily identifiable cause that is treatable you have lots of time to decide what is best for your dog, while using medication to control the seizures. Hope that helps...

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

The vet had mentioned these types of things to us- and warned us to stay away from her during and just after a seizure. She mentioned a temporary blindness after the fact that can really mess with them psychologically and can make them snap or attack.

At this point, she is home for long hours alone- especially Mondays and Tuesdays. There's not a whole lot we can do about it at this point either. Commuting into and out of DC takes its toll on everyone. We usually baby gate her in the kitchen during the days, as opposed to crating her.

Is she safer in her large, breed-appropriate crate? Or the kitchen? Here's why:

I worry about the kitchen becuase of the walls- we have a closet with the washer and dryer in the kitchen- and we also keep our treadmill in the kitchen. We're in a much smaller rental since we moved North and there's really no other location within the condo we can move them to.

Her crate has enough room for her to completely spread out, turn around, and stand up at her full height in. It's made of strong, durable metal and a plastic inset in the bottom that she can't move. We usually leave her in there with a towel and chew toy that she can't destroy or shred (Kong, solid thick chewy balls).

Still working hard on that urine sample!!

 

[hiwaygal]

For the urine sample...ask your vet if you can use a puppy pad or a diaper. Sometimes they can get enough urine extraced from them to use for a sample. That might be easier than what you are doing. Also, if worse comes to worse, the vet can usually get a sample in the office.

Good luck hon...

You've gotten lots of advice and information here and I hope you find a way to keep these seizures under control. They are terrifying to watch (BTDT) but do keep in mind that the dog doesn't feel anything while they are happening. I think the biggest problem for them is the disorientation afterwards.

 

[janine]

HI
I was just wondering how your dog is doing?
I only just read this thread as our wedding was on 1st March at WDW.
My dog Bertie had Epilepsy.
He was diagnosed 2 years ago with it after having his first big seizure. It was terrifying for us, and we went on to have 2 smaller ones. Our vet told us that sometimes they may only have the one, but he didn't and so they ran some blood tests on him and eventually put him on phenibarbitone to stop them, which it did. He didn't have any more which was great.
Unfortunately Bertie took ill just 2 weks before we were to fly out to Florida. he vomited all night and day and didn't get better and I took him to the vet the very next morning. Because he had epilepsy they took him in straight away and ran some tests. Later that evening they decided to open him up as we was worsening. We were told he had tumours in his kidney, pancreas and had gone into his digestive system.
They put him to sleep whilst under the anaesthetic.
I was mortified. Just the day before he was still looking around for food and playing like a puppy. He was 7. There was nothing to suggest to me that e was ill whatsoever , otherwise i would have taken him straight to the vets.
The vet told me that sometimes the drugs that they take can have effects on the animal. This may not always happen. Bertie was just unfortunate.
I loved him so much, he was like one of my children. I will miss him forever.

Hope everything works out ok for your dog. I know how distressing it is to have a sick pet.

 

[janine]

duplicated post.