Seizure!

[Donna]

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New onset seizure
I'm new to this forum. I'm happy to be here.two nights ago my doodle Gatsby, who is 4 years old, had a sudden grand mal seizure that sent flying off the bed into the floor in a violent way. I was horrified. The seizure last 5 minutes. He sees the vet in the morning. Does anyone know if this is a common problem in these dogs? He's so friendly, smart and playful! I'm broken hearted like crazy about him being afflicted with seizure. It's just not fair!
Added by Donna on February 6, 2014 at 2:38pm — No Comments

[Donna]

Okay. Thanks for the answer!

[F, Calla & Luca]

It doesn't make sense to me that the same diet forever would lower seizure threshold.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Not would, could. I've seen it cited in a number of places that studies in veterinary dermatology have shown that longterm exposure to the same food may result to the dog developing a food allergy or sensitivity-- especially to a specific protein source --so it's recommended that you rotate. Food allergies cause systemic inflammation.  It's the systemic inflammation that can lower the seizure threshold (or at least that's my understanding - hey I'm not a scientist, I'm an artist :) Here is the link below that mentions food allergies (among other more important factors) that may lower the seizure threshold. 

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/22...

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, nowadays everything is inflammation related. I still would like to see evidence of this same food connection to seizures. But switching up foods is good, I do it from bag to bag. But Mercola himself is a quack IMHO and this vet is also questionable : (

[Donna]

Is there any rationale or clinical evidence of the same diet lowering seizure threshold? Is this because the food given daily contains small amounts of something that is prone to causing seizure in larger amounts?

[Donna]

Hi Cheryl. Taurine ,huh? Interesting. I'll look into it. There are many remedies for things that don't have all the scientific proof they need because of the enormous funding it takes to go through clinical trials to obtain documented results. I'm curious if you saw any results from the taurine?

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Donna, sorry, I just saw your question. I can't really say. He's getting the Taurine and we haven't seen another seizure since last February - but the two could be unrelated as we don't know the actual cause of those seizures.   It could have been a change in heart worm medication or it could be idiopathic epilepsy.  I remain hopeful it was the former.  However, since both his vet and the neurologist suggested the extra Taurine be added to his diet, and it's relatively cheap, we've incorporated into his feeding plan. They said, it can't hurt and it might (stress might) help as part of an overall management plan. It's not a substitute for medication if recommended or ongoing vet care -- but if your vet agrees, it's worth a try.  Hoping for clinical trials. And I really hope Gatsby is doing better.  Keeping him in our prayers.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Donna: so sorry Gatsby had to endure this. Thankfully, he has you to watch over him and give him comfort.
Any chance this could be epilepsy? I know it is pretty common on both Poodles and Goldens.

[Donna]

Yes Rosemary, that is exactly what the vet said today. On both counts..epilepsy and breeds with seizures. No medicine unless he has two or more in a month period. Hopefully we won't see another one!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I know it Epilepsy is very hard to diagnose. My parents had a Poodle, when I was growing up, with a slight case. Neighbors of ours, in our last home, had a Lab with a severe case.
Hoping your guy is over and done with this!

[Wendy and Myla]

That would be so scary - I can't imagine!  Hope Gatsby doesn't have any more and everything gets back to normal!

[Donna]

Thanks Wendy and yes!!! It was terrifying!