Personality changes?

[Rheva Wren]

I'm pretty new to all of this and working hard to understand what is happening with Finch, but I'm confused.  It seems that in the past couple weeks he's becoming more nervous and impatient with life in general.  He startles more easily, he's less snuggly and just doesn't seem quite himself. He even seems to be forgetting things sometimes.  

I don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill, but I don't want to think it's not important if it is.  I'm not sure if this is something I should take him to see the vet for or if it is something that happens?  Has anyone else had anything like this happen.  He hasn't had a seizure for a couple weeks, and the phenobarb was increased after his last seizure because the level was low.  

I'm taking him back for a recheck on his phenobarb level next week and I'm going to ask them to run the thyroid panels advised in another discussion.  I don't know that it will change anything, but I would feel better ruling it out. 

Thank you for your thoughts.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Behavioral changes are normal in dogs with seizure disorders, especially those on phenobarbital. They usually dissipate once the dog adjusts to the phenobarbitol.  Behavioral changes can also be seen for a period of time after a seizure, and may take some time to go away. 

Here is some anecdotal info from the Guardian Angels website, a great resource:  http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Behavioral_Changes.htm

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And yes, a thyroid panel (full panel) would be a good idea. Thyroid abnormalities can also cause behavioral changes, and is linked to seizure disorders. More info on this on the Guardian Angels site as well: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/site_map.htm