Is this a CLUSTER seizure?

[Kirsy & Jasper]

---

I am so upset and totally confused!
Jasper has Genetic Inherited Epilepsy, proven via his Pedigree. He is on no 
seizure medics at all. We are using Taurine, DMG, Epi-Still (Passionflower 
& Skullcap) and a raw homemade grain free Diet for him, per Dr. Jean Dodds 
advise and agreement with my local Vet.

So... we have just reached a top record of over 10 weeks seizure free ever and 
now this:
Jasper might have just had his first cluster seizure, but not sure. So far he 
only ever had 17 single GM seizures spread over 22 months.

We are just walking the streets, he vomits (normal pre seizure behavior) and has 
a seizure lasting only about 30 seconds, then he gets up very wobbly ( he has 
never done this before) for about 10 seconds, then falls back on his side, 
another short seizure, back up again, wobbly again and the 3rd seizure on the 
ground.
Is this considered a CLUSTER seizure - 3 short ones over 3-4 minutes with breaks 
in between? I always thought clusters happen say more then 2 seizures over 24 
hours?
There are a few changes to his last 2 seizures,  even though they had the 
longest breaks in between, which I don't understand WHY?
When he used to seize every 3-5 weeks, he had a short single GMs, always loss of 
bladder control and fast recovery time.
Now we have had 2 fantastic super long breaks with the past two seizures of 8 
weeks and now over 10 weeks, BUT both times he not only lost bladder, but also 
anal gland and bowel control (the second last one only).
It seems, like the longer the breaks in between the more seizure activity 
is building up in him, that then comes out full force. Do I make sense? I am 
just beside myself with worry about him.
His recovery is still fast. Although with the one just now. He was 
breathing really hard for at least 2-3 minutes till he got up. I fed him a huge 
meal and just bathed him gently. The anal smell OMG! There is nothing worst, but 
it smells like perfume, when it comes from your beloved Baby, doesn't it?

Has anybody else experienced worst, more severe seizures after longer breaks in 
between them???
What is more important to achieve: Longer breaks between seizures OR trying to 
keep the seizures short in duration?

Kirsy, worried Mom to darling boy Jasper (Australia)

[LG & Sadie]

Kirsy, I am not usually ever-ever-ever this opinionated...but....I really believe Jasper needs medication at this point. Each time these seizures happen you are risking irreparable brain damage and status epilepticus which is life threatening. You need to get to the vet as soon as possible-so sorry to sound so alarmed. It's great you went this long without using meds but please consider them now. You and Jasper are in Sadie & my prayers! LG & Sadie

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am far from an expert, but I was told by my vet that the longer the seizure, the greater the chance of permanent brain damage or worse. To me, the frequency of the seizures would be less important than the strength and duration of each individual seizure, regardless of how often they might occur.

I understand not wanting to use medication unnecessarily, but there are times when the benefits far outweigh the risks. I think I would explore other means of controlling the seizures, even if that means using meds. 

I'm so sorry you and Jasper are going through this.