Mariner has been Seizure Free for close to a year!! UPDATE: Three years!!!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

I haven't posted about Mariner in the General Forum in a long time.

 

Many people know his story but for those of you who don't:

 

Mariner was about 8 weeks old (still with the breeder) when he had an accident resulting in him fracturing his skull.  This injury left him blind, paralyzed and with a seizure disorder. (He is now 3 1/2)

 

After some time at doggy ICU he was able to walk and move about but he had to re-learn how t do everything from eating to peeing.  The breeders took very good care of him but he was still blind and having seizures.

 

We found out about him because he is a biological brother to one of our other doodles, Boomer.

 

The breeders were not able to care for him for the long term - so they decided that if he wasn't adopted he would have to be euthanized.  That is when we decided to adopt Mariner, after all what is another doodle.

 

Gradually Mariner regained functional eyesight but he was still having seizure even though he was on Phenobarb. 

 

Last summer we changed his medication to Potassium Bromide - he has not had a seizure since the change.  The first few months were difficult adjusting the dosage as he had to start on a relatively high dose.  This caused him to be very lethargic.  Now that the dosage has been regulated he is doing well.  

 

Remember just because an animal has a disability, they are no less lovable, devoted, smart, etc.  These animals have the ability to bring out the best in people.  Our son (now 19) at first did not want anything to do with Mariner "What is he just going to lay around all the time", quickly became Mariner's strongest supporter.   

 

We brought home a blind dog having seizures who has grown into a seeing dog that is seizure free.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for sharing this story! I am so happy that Mariner is doing so well. You guys are awesome people! Best wishes to all of you for a healthy future!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!YAY! YAY! YAY!

[Kirsy & Jasper]

What FANTASTIC News Andy!!! Is he still on PB or ONLY PBr now? With your permission, I would like to share this great News in my other Epi groups? There are dogs on sooo much seizure medication, that some are actually getting more seizures. To stop them with only one, that doesn't effect the liver is just fantastic! If he IS off PB, how long did it take to slowly wean him of it?

We are soooo happy for Mariner and your family. A very insperational story!

Big hugs

Kirsy & Jasper (Australia)

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

He is on a small dose of PB 16.2mg daily.  We rapidly reduced his dosage - it was about 2 weeks. 

You are free to share this.

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Hi Andy,

Could you please answer below reply I received from posting your story on k9epilepsy?

I'll forward it to Rhonda.

Cheers.

Kirsy
To: [e-mail]
Subject: [k9epilepsy] Re: One year seizure free on Potassium Bromide - ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY!

What an awesome success story!  So encouraging to see this kind of devotion from a family and this kind of success with KBr.  Wish all the vets could see this too!  I wonder if Mariner had to have rehab or if the family and his doggie brother just worked with him and he did it all himself.  Also wonder what they are feeding & what supplements the are using.  
Rhonda & Tay-Tay, Mia & Lily Kate
Jacksonville, FL

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

During the first year or so Mariner was getting fish oil and Pet-Tabs Plus for dogs vitamins.  Sharon (DW) worked with Mariner.    The most difficult part was teaching him to go up and down steps.  Our two other Doodles were very helpful.  He did have their scent to guide him.  Currently we are feeding the Kirkland Healthy Weight food (Mariner can stand to lose some weght).

 

 

[laurie Wells]

What a touching story. Thanks for sharing it. I had somewhat a similar experience with a little Boston. I love Happy endings.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

This is incredible. Good for you and all dogs are lovable, you had the patience and faith to bring him through this. Such an  awesome story and thanks for sharing!!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I just saw this post and realized that Mariner has been seizure free for three years!!!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wow, Andy, that's wonderful! You and Sharon have taken such good care of him!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Sharon should get most of the credit.  She is the primary caretaker.  Mariner is bonded to her - he usually sleeps with his head on Sharon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Awwww!