help with seizures

[Daniel Scioscia]

Hello everyone,

What a great forum I am just mad it took me 4 years to find it !

Our guy Boomer is 4 yr old,  and he has had a total of three seizures.   The time between seems to be getting shorter but hard to tell if that is a trend.   Sadly, the last two have occured 6 weeks apart, and the 1st was about a year ago.   Blood work and vets have found nothing on the first two, and this last happened just yesterday.

We are seeking direction and advice.  He is otherwise a healty dog.   My biggest concern is .. if and when to start him on medications.    The side effects have me concerned, but the seizures are horrible ( each has only lasted 2.5 mins, and he comes around in about 1 hour, but the next day he is drained )

So...

1) when do you start meds, or don't you at this point? 2) any suggestions on how to limit them ? 3) any suggestion on what medical test should be performed ? general comments greatly appreciated..

This dog means everything to me, just want to make sure I am doing everything possible to help him in any way I can !

Kindly

Dan

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK I am sorry to hear aboutBoomer. I would say if the intervals are getting shorter it may be time. There is a seizure group where you will find information and people who have doodles with seizures. The search function is in the upper right corner.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Daniel.

As F mentioned, there is a group here for owners of doodles with seizure disorders. It would probably be much more helpful for you to ask for feedback and advice in that group rather than here in the main forum, as you will get information from people who have knowledge and experience with seizure disorders, including the various medications and treatments, which most of  the general DK population doesn't have. 

Here is a link to the group: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/seizures

Good luck, I hope you are able to find the right treatment and get Boomer's seizures under control. 

[Lauren and Kona]

I don't have any advice for you but I'm so sorry that Boomer has been experiencing seizures. My last dog had seizures as well and it is so awful for them. Hope you are able to get them under control soon. My thoughts are with you and Boomer!!

[Leslie J]

I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say welcome to DoodleKisses! I'm sure you'll receive lots of helpful advice in the Seizures group. Boomer sure is cute!

[Richard Crowe]

It is a scary thing when a dog we love has a seizure.

We had a Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Wolf who had a seizure disorder. She had several grand mal seizures.  The vet started her on potassium bromide which had awful side effects. She lost control of her rear legs.  This petrified us until I read that the loss of control was a side effect.  Additionally, she required frequent blood tests while taking the meds.

We changed vets to the one we use now. She switched our dog over to phenobarbital.  After getting the dose stabilized, our dog lived for several years without any seizures.

BTW: although the cost was not a factor in switching medications, the phenobarbital regimen, with a severely reduced need for frequent blood tests, cost a fraction of the price we paying for the original meds...

[Miss Ellie]

Sending positive thoughts and best wishes for a cure for sweet Boomer...I agree with Karen...you will get the best possible advice from others who are dealing with this very same issue if you join that group.  Best of Luck and please keep us posted...Boomer will be in my thoughts and prayers!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Welcome to doodlekisses.  I am sorry too that you didn't find us sooner.  However, there are groups here that are helpful, supportive, and fun.  I see others have connected you to the health and medical group that can give you support.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Welcome to DK.  I'm sorry you and Boomer are going through this. It can be scary and confusing when dealing with a diagnosis and whether to medicate or not. Lots of good info and support in the Seizures Group.