Adopting a doodle with seizures

[Lynn Stoops]

 

We are looking at adopting a 14 month ALD that has had a history of seizures.  His first one was in March and then  April and his last one was this month.  They are lasting about 1 minute and then he is tired for a couple hours ~ that is what his current owner is telling us.

 

The current owners have done all the blood work and everything looked normal.  The family does  not want to deal with future seizures.  The doodle is adorable!

 

I have spoken to vets, read everything I can find online and joined this group.  We have 2 other Labradoodles.  They both are eating Oijen and other fresh items ~ veggies, fruit...etc.  His current diet is not too healthy so we will need to change his diet/kibble.

 

Should I plan on using the same diet for this doodle should I look into a raw diet or all homemade?  He is not on any medications is there natural supplements I should think about?  Vitamins?

 

We are looking for any advice.

 

Thanks!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

You came to the right place.

This is what I would do.

I would gradually switch hs diet to the same food as your other 2 dogs.  Diet may play a part in seizure control but their is no real proof one way or the other but defintley a healthy diet is best.

 

Keep a journal recording food, medicines, environmental changes (cleaning agents, lawn care products, etc.).  He may never have a seizure under your care, as by being in your home nay remove the seizure triggers.

 

Be prepared for a seizure!!  If one happens - make sure he is in a place where he can not hurt himself.  Keep your HANDS AWAY FORM HIS MOUTH.  They have no control during a seizure.  If the seizure lasts longer than 3 or so minutes or there are multiple seizures GET MEDICAL ATTENTION!!!!

 

There is some evidence that ice packs on his hind quarter during a seizure helps to minimize both the intensity and the length of the seizure.  Seizures will cause the dogs blood sugar levels to go down so after the seizure give him some PLAIN VANILLA ice cream ( a tablespoon or two should be enough).

 

The goals of most seizure management is to reduce the frequency to less than 1 seizure every 6 months.

Your other dogs may help warn about an upcoming seizure or if he is havng a seizure.  So stay attuned t them also.

 

I would not consider medication or anything else until you can assess the situation.

 

Let him be a normal dog.

 

(Our backround - We had to doodles and heard that Boomer's biological brother, Mariner, had an accident causing blindness and seizures, We adopted Mariner when he was about 4 months old.  The seizure are now under control with medication and Mariner has regained functional eyesight.)

 

Don't let the seizures deter you.

 

Feel free to get in touch anytime.

 

Good luck

 

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Good on you for wanting to adopt! It sounds like Genetic inherited Epilepsy. This is what my dog has.

Orijen is a great product, which I can't get here in Australia and therefore make my own raw grain free food.

We are using only NATURAL approaches towards seizure control and have reached long breaks of over 10 weeks now. Passionflower and Skullcap to calm the nervouse system, Taurine and DMG. Most Vets will consider "good seizure control", IF your dog has no more then one single Grand Mal seizure a month, fast recovery afterwards and is otherwise healthy. If a dog has clusters or suffers for hours afterwards you to need to look at medicating.

If you like more information or links to Epi forums and groups, let me know.

Here is our story: http://www.corysstory.com/2011/02/jaspers-story-raw-feeding/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lynn, thanks for wanting to give this doodle a loving home. There is a lot of support here.

Just in case nobody has yet directed you to the Guardian Angels Canine Epilepsy website, here's a link:

 http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/

This is a wonderful resource for owners of dogs with seizure disorders.

[Lynn Stoops]

Thank you so much for all the information and advice!  We truly appreciate it.  I am looking very forward to welcoming Crosby to his forever home ~ he should be here around mid September.