Einstein update

[Madhura Khedkar]

Hi All - Thank you for all the kind words, suggestions and information. Einstein started on KBr about 3 weeks ago and is on phenobarbital and Keppra (we will phase it off eventually when he is more stable). For most part, he is doing good. He was seizure free for a month and had a seizure couple of days ago but that could be a combination of multiple factors. Einstein knows how to open doors and closets and couple of days ago managed to get into his treats closet and discover a bacon nylabone (we had meant to donate it to a shelter) and bunch of treats to feast on. He is not supposed to eat bacon (no salt intake allowed) so that could have compromised his seizure threshold. During our evening walk that day, he jabbed himself at the back of his throat with a sharp stick leading to a deep laceration. I had to rush him to ER and to examine him, the ER vet had to sedate him with a seizure safe medicine (Domitor). As he was getting out of his sedation, he went into a 1.5 minute long seizure and they had to administer valium to stop it. If I look back at the day, it was a lot of things that could have contributed to the seizure. The KBr levels are not stable yet (our neuro told us it takes 2 months). 

One of the comments said by my emergency vet struck me: she said that Einstein's seizure was very violent compared to what she had seen. He always has grand mals. He makes loud noises when he seizes, and paddles his feet furiously. Sometimes he froths and he always urinates (and expresses his anal glands). I am wonder if this is very uncommon? The emergency vet seemed very shaken which surprised me. I know it is a long road ahead and this could just be a bump in the road but I am really hoping we can get the seizure frequency to reduce. I guess 6 months of seizure free life (before this started again when we moved to SF) might have made us think that we could actually get to this kind of frequency. I am blabbering but I am really hoping things improve for our little furball. He is usually back to being himself after a seizure but he is a little mopey for a few days after (and that could just be a reflection of how we feel). Anyways, i will keep you all posted on how his progress is. Quick question: Are there any specific treats which are a no-no since they are high in salt (for example anything bacon is off)? I typically check ingredients on the treat bags but I am not sure about antlers, bullysticks, dried pig ears etc...