Seizures

[Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy]

Our Doodle, Buster, experienced his first grand-Mal seizure on his first birthday last year in November, it was horrifying.  For about three minutes he thrashed, gnashed teeth, lost control of his bladder and had massive drooling.  We took him to our Vet immediately and he surmises it is Epilepsy vs. a tumor because of his age.  It is extremely rare for a dog under 5-6 years to have a tumor.  After a lengthy discussion we decided to hold off on medications to see if it was a fluke.......turns out it was not.  In the past year he continues to seize with regularity, averaging one per month so he is now taking Phenobarbital and Zonisomide which are not reducing the frequency between bouts but they are reducing the severity. About one month ago he had a cluster of eight in a row over a 15 hour time period so our Vet doubled the dosage of both meds.  The latest seizure came two nights ago, much less severe and duration.  We are resigned to accept it for what it is and hope he can continue to be the terrific friend has has become.  Our main concern is that our Vet says that with each seizure the brain experiences degradation through loss of brain cells but so far he shows no signs of brain damage; he's still goofy, bounding, happy, loving and tons of fun.  Keeping our fingers crossed.  Anyone else have a similar experience?

[Rheva Wren]

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  My 2 1/2 year old Finch began having seizures in September and has had at least one a month since then, he's also on Phenobarb.  He's never had the clusters, except the first time when he had three in 12 hours.  Finchs seizures sound similar to the ones your Buster is having, he typically loses both bladder and bowel control and the drooling is phenominal, they last between 1-3 minutes usually and except for this last time he's back to himself in about 15-20 minutes.  This last seizure wasn't as severe, but the recovery took several hours, which scares me.  He's his happy, goofy self today though.  

I would never presume to give medical advice, but I will share that the neurologist we saw told me that short (less than 10 minute) seizures don't cause permanent brain damage, but that longer seizures, which raise the body temp will cause brain damage and death.  There are links in one of my previous posts that have some wonderful information, one thing I do now is ice pack Finch when he seizes, it's supposed to shorten the duration of the seizure.  Mostly I think it just makes me feel like I'm doing something to help, but I'm hopeful that it is doing him some good too.  

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

Above is the link that was shared with me, I found lots of information and advice there.  

I wish I had a magic wand to make this better for both our friends, but since I don't, I'll offer my support, best wishes and good thoughts to you and Buster.  

[Laura East]

My Buster also was diagnosed as epileptic just this past week.  He is 2.5 years old and we opted to have an MRI and spinal tap to make sure there was not an underlying cause.  He is otherwise perfectly healthy and all the tests came back normal.  December 30 was his first seizure that we are aware of.  He had a grand mal seizure while my husband was home sick.  We rushed him to the ER vet and they told us to keep a seizure log.  We got home, I bathed him because he lost bladder control during his seizure and then I hopped in the shower, then he had his second while I was in the shower.  We rushed him back to the ER vet and when we pulled into the parking lot he had a third seizure.  They kept him for two days and loaded him on phenobarbitol.  He has been home now since Thursday and he is finally adjusted to the meds and back to his normal self. He hasn't had a seizure since that day.  We go back in to check his med levels on the 17th and I hope is well managed with medicine.  It was so sad and hard for us, but we are happy to have our little guy back.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Dan. 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Dan - So sorry to hear.  There is not much to say.  I am sure you will cherish the memories of all the good things with Buster.  Buster was also lucky to have you.

When you get a chance (if you haven't already) I would contact the breeder, in case there is a genetic component.

Andy

[Rheva Wren]

Dan I'm so very sorry to hear this.  I wish you comfort in your memories of Buster.  

Take care.

[Laura East]

Dan, 

I know you said you were logging in to close this account, but if you are still there, I wanted to tell you that I cried for your loss.  I can only imagine the heart ache.  Our Buster is mine and my husband's best friend and having to return home without your best friend would be the hardest thing.  Even the thought of having to go through what you are now going through, was heart wrenching for us.  I wish you the best in your grief and hope you will soon be able to smile again.  

Laura.