Mariner Update

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Since around Thanksgiving Mariner's problems with the seizures have been presenting more difficulties. After about 3 months being seizure free he started to have frequent seizures. This started after giving him the Heartgard Plus and Frontline Plus. We think that the Frontline may be lowering his seizure threshhold. But even as recently as this week he has had a seizure. They are becoming less frequent. We did all the medical workups and although there were some abnormalities right after the orginal seizures they resolved themselves. We are still hoping that it is the long acting effects of the Frontline that lowered his seizure threshhold, so we are discontinueing it and will see.

Mariner is a happy smart dog!! We have learned not to let his seizures control what we do or what he does. He is a confident - quite different from the scared BLIND puppy we brought home. Marineer is now 2 1/2.

A little background on Mariner:
At about 7 weeks old Mariner had an accident, he suffered a fractured skull. This left him blind and with a seizure disorder. At the time of the accident he was with the breeders. They gave him all the veterinary attention that was needed and cared for him after. He had to be retrained on how to do everything, from eating to peeing. The breeders were unable to keep Mariner for the long term. We became aware of Mariner's situation from Ann's Doodle Chat, the "unofficial" forum from the breeder. We started following Mariner's plight. Mariner and our older Doodle, Boomer (our first Doodle) are biological brothers. We decided to adopt Mariner when it became obvious that if he wasn't adopted soon there was not going to be a happy outcome.

Since we adopted he has gradually regained much of his eyesight, although he still has some difficulties. We have struggled to control his seizures. There are times when they are under control and then there are times that things go haywire.

The interaction of the three dogs has been amazing. There have been times that Boomer or Shayna (our female Doodle) have alerted us to Mariner's seizure. When Mariner could not see they would always stay close to him, keeping him out of trouble.

Mariner is the reason we started the "Special Needs", "Medical Issues" and "Seizure"  groups. The "Special Needs" group was original called "Doodle's with Disabilities" but we realized that the do NOT have disabilities they are just SPECIAL.

[Miss Ellie]

So happy to hear he has been seizure free for over four years...what a wonderful, happy update:)

[Bonnie and Kona]

It is so wonderful to read about Mariner's life even though the post turned up unexpectedly. We all celebrate the past four years of him being seizure-free with you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Whether is it older or new, dogs with special needs are something we need to get continuing education about. I am glad that Mariner is doing well.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION - THIS BLOG WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO.  A few days ago I made an edit to it - making it appear as current.

Mariner is now 7 and has been seizure free for over 4 years. 

We do appreciate every ones support and well wishes. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Just read that you think it might be the Heart Guard rather than the Frontline.  I simply hope that whatever the trigger, that Mariner continues to enjoy the wonderful life you and your other doggies are providing for him.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have followed Mariner since you got him and I love when you post updates.  You are right; he is very special.  I am sorry the update is not all good news, but I hope he continues to improve as the Frontline fades out of his system.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

What an incredible story..How fortunate your dogs are to have you..and each other!!

[Shoney & Ruby]

Mariner sounds like a wonderful dog--and you sound like the best dog mom. Good luck in the new year.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear Mariner is again having seizures but I hope that his seizure disorder will be under control again soon. What great care you give him. Happy New Year to all.

[Jennifer and Jack]

You are incredible and I agree with Jane, very inspirational!