Please forgive my rant

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

A few days ago I was contacted on FB by someone that has a two doodles with seizure disorders - one mild the other more severe.  Her vet didn't believe in treating the dogs with any medication.  He felt the treatment was worse than the seizures.  After some discussion back and forth the doodle mom switched vets and the more severe doodle is on medication - and although early there does seem to be improvement.  The other doodle will be watched.

 

Today I was at the pharmacy picking up medication for Mariner.  I got into a discussion with the cashier (a woman in her early 60's).  Two months ago she adopted a dog from a local rescue.  The dog is having weekly seizures.  (perhaps more when they are not home)  The dog was seen by a local vet - she was told that as it was "only" once a week that they should not give the dog medication, as once you start you have to give the medication forever!!!

 

The most prescribed anti-seizure medication is inexpensive - usual cost under $15 per month.  Most guidelines say that dogs should be treated if there is more than 1 seizure every 3 months.  Multiple seizure can cause brain damage.

 

 

What are these vets thinking!!!

 

 

Thank you for letting me rant!!!!

 

[Stella]

I forgive you! Some vets are sadly very outdated in their beliefs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I too get very frustrated by the advice some vets are giving dog owners, especially about food and allergies. I don't blame you for getting upset when you hear about dogs having seizures who could be helped by a simple inexpensive medication. I'm glad the one person on FB switched vets and is getting help for her dogs. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hear you and agree with you Andy. And I'm not sure it's "outdated" thinking but perhaps some alternative medicine sort of thought.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I think the problem is that the vets don't have the training or experience in treating seizures.  They avoid having to manage the follow up treatment and adjusting dosage by just saying let's not treat.

[Jennifer and Jack]

There are amazing doctors for animals and humans in the world and there are amazingly stupid, calloused and jerk doctors for humans and animals in the world...

What kills me...I mean my passion and God please give me the chance to get better and I will advocate for both is the poor people who blindly and naively trust what doctors say......it can't be that way anymore .....

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

How sad :(

[Bonnie and Kona]

This is so upsetting. No wonder you are ranting. Who among us wouldn't? My brother-in-law had Irish Setters 20 years ago who lived wonderful, long lives on seizure meds. What kind of life is a dog enduring to have multiple seizures per week? Yikes.

[Adina P]

I remember looking up treatment a while back and I had also read something about if dogs start seizure meds they have to be on it forever or it is damaging.   Is that a myth or just an 'old' understanding/bad article?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

It is a myth.  As long as they are gradually withdrawn and the seizure do not restart there is no problem. Most of the time vets and owners are reluctant to stop the medications if the dog is well controlled and there are no side effects.  As always one must weigh the benefits against the risks. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is why when a Vet tells you something that just doesn't "feel right"....time for a second opinion.  I'm a huge believer in "second opinions".

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Andy - rant away!!!!!  I am thrilled that you 2 are in touch! When she posted on FB  about Charlie I immediately PMd her to join DK and contact you. When she told me her vet didn't believe in meds I almost flipped out. I told her about Mariner and how hard you have worked to get him to the point he is now!!!  

When someone is talking about allergies in a puppy I tell them to join DK and join the Health Group and talk to Karen because most vets are not trained enough in allergies.

When they are asking advice about anything I tell them to join DK and find that particular group.

FB is a great place to share stories and pictures but DK has specialized groups when their are real issues and those groups are for those going through it. 

You can only bring a horse to the water..........

[Julie and Charlie]

Vets may play a part in this, but irresponsible owners might also. I can't come up with a specific dog example, but one person I know runs from doctor to doctor with no coordination between them, hoping that someone will tell her nothing is wrong and she's going to be fine. She does have treatable medical issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid,etc). They prescribe something, but she ends up not taking the medication. Someone will tell her a horror story about a certain medication, maybe that essential oils will cure all of her ills, whatever. Or she might read something on the internet. It's crazy. But people do it, and I have no doubt that it extends to their animals as well.

Again, not excuse for irresponsible vets, but I guess I am putting the blame on their owners.