New to all the confusion and worry.....

[Rheva Wren]

Thank you for the opportunity to share and learn.  I appreciate it more than I can say.  I'm a member of Doodle Family on FB and the support there is wonderful, but it was suggested that perhaps I would find support and practical advice here also.

Finch is just a little over two and has been having grand mal seizures since Sept 2nd. We've seen a neuro and he's on phenobarb now.  He had a few breakthrough seizures and they just increased his dose last week.  

I'm not sure how to say this without being overly dramatic, so I'll just say it. How do you deal with the worry and fear?  Every day I worry that I'm doing the wrong thing, that the meds aren't right, that he'll have another seizure and not wake up, or maybe he just won't wake up in the morning because something happened in the night.  I've googled and read and I think I'm more afraid now than I was. I have a healthcare background so I wasn't completely terrified by the idea of seizures (seeing Finch have one was another story, I was very frightened) and I'm not overly freaked out about meds, but......  I am so scared.  I just don't know what to expect.  Truth be told, I'm a bit of a control freak and I'm sure that's a big part of this.

Finch seems so tired all the time.  He's gotten growly with our cat a few times too, chasing her like he meant it, not like he was playing.  There are little things that are different about him and It scares me.

I appreciate you listening to me and I would appreciate any helpful hints or advice.  I'm trying to learn more without scaring myself more. 

This is one of my favorite photos of my goofy, chocolate labbydood

Thank you

[Kathy Sheehan]

I don't think you are being over dramatic! Cooper turned 2 in May and in June he started having seizures. He has had about 6 or 7 since then. It is the most frightening thing I have ever seen! He has been on phenobarb for 4 weeks now and hasn't had a seizure, but the longest period of time in between seizures has been 6 weeks. Before that he was on zonisamide. I am just like you! I worry about him all the time! I was afraid to let him play with his friends to keep him from getting over excited. My vet tells me to just let him live a normal life style, but it is hard! 

I didn't want Cooper to be on phenobarb, but I can now see it has been good for him. It took about 2 weeks before he started feeling better and get his energy back. No he is more active and doesn't sleep as much, he is getting closer to the dog he used to be before he started having seizures. I think I will always worry about him, but I am getting better. 

How long has Finch been on the phenobarb? Everything I have read says it takes about 2 weeks for the dogs to get used to being on it and that was the case with Cooper. 

Good luck and I really think it is normal for us to worry about our fur-babies!

Kathy

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to hear this Rheva. I think it's perfectly natural to experience worry and fear when your dog has a serious illness or disease. It helps a lot to have the support of others who are dealing with the same thing and understand.

One great resource for owners of dogs with epilepsy and seizure disorders is the Guardian Angels Canine Epilepsy Group:

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/site_map.htm

It is filled with good information on all aspects of the condition, so you can learn more in a safe and sympathetic environment. 

Hang in there. 

[Tammy McIver]

We all love our pets so much you are not being over dramatic at all!  My Bella has had about 6 seizures total (she is 6 yrs old); she is not on any meds as they have been somewhat infrequent; but when it does happen it is so scary and I also find myself worrying about her constantly!  I have found that when they do happen I try not to panic, talk soothingly to her, try to keep her head from danger and just let her know i am there.  I don't have much advise but do hang in there and we are all here praying for your pup they are so sweet; best dogs ever!