I got her to the vet about 5 minutes after the first one ended. Doc ran blood tests thinking maybe it was her kidney issues, but her numbers were better than they were when I had her vaccinated and checked out last month. Then they ran a toxicity screen and that came back clean. Doc told me that it may be an isolated incident, so he sent me home with 3 pre-loaded syringes of valium to be administered rectally if she had another major one, which she did at 6:30. You ever try to shove a syringe up a convulsing dog's ass before? Yeah...
Last night she had another big one at 10:30 right when I was just starting to nod off. I didn't want to medicate her again because I forgot to ask how long between doses and I didn't want to overdose her, so she just powered through that one.
At 2:30, she had another one. After she has a seizure, she's hyperactive and seriously confused for about an hour, so I said fuck it and got out of bed after a whopping 3 hours of sleep.
At 6:30, another one. Fuck.
At 8, I called the vet and they told me to bring her back in.
This time around, they gave me a 30 day supply of phenobarbital, hoping it's epilepsy which is doubtful because that shit usually comes on with middle age, not 12-13 years old, but it's worth a try. Unfortunately, the hottie vet tech told me that it'll take a few days for it to take full effect, so I've got to deal with this shit at least until Friday. If she's still nutting up over the weekend, I've got to bring her back in Monday. That may be to switch to a different medication or maybe to end it all, I don't know - my brain's so foggy I forgot to ask. Hell, I didn't need to ask, I know what the deal is.
This is a pure bitch. I love that little dog to pieces and I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to hold her while she's convulsing, knowing I can't do a fucking thing to make it better.
Sorry brother. I hate this for you. Praying.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteMy heart goes out to you.
DeleteMy Golden just started this shit at 10 1/2 yrs old. He’s only had 2, 3 wks apart lasting about 30 seconds to 1 min tops.
Fucks him up for about 3/4 of a day.
Vet gave us a supply of Keppa (not as strong as phenobarb) but we haven’t started it yet.
We’re still in wait and see mode. Bloodwork is good. The reason we’re hesitant is any RX kicks this dogs ass. 1 more and he’s getting it anyway.
Sorry, tipsy typo. Keppra not Keppa
DeleteMy firm belief about the quality of a person is to look at how they treat animals, particularly doggos; and how dogs react to them. It's been real accurate most of my life.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on this one Ken, praying for you guys.
Fairplayjeepguy
Thanks, I appreciate it.
DeleteBeen there, done that, no one wants that fuckin tee-shirt. Breaks your heart cause they don't know what's going on. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's the rough part. All I can do is hold her and keep telling her things will be all right, knowing there's a good chance they won't be.
DeleteThis sucks! We try to give these animals a good, happy life. Then when they get sick we have to make hard decisions. I have found that they will tell you when its time. Then we cry like little babies. But always know you gave her a good home with plenty of love. Prayers out for you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI figured something was up yesterday
ReplyDeleteHopefully all will be fine with your little girl. Best wishes for all of you
JD
Well shit, been down that road and it sucks. I'll pray for your family.
ReplyDeleteKen
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear this. Our dog started having seizures at about 1 year old. The vet kept her over night to watch and they gave her a huge does of pheno to get her stabilized. We had to give her 2 pills a day for the last 5 years, but we always thought it was from exposure to herbicides in our gardens. We finally started weaning her off them this summer with us both at home. No problems for a month. Check where she lays and see if she is getting into something
I've been a dog owner all my life and I've always been real careful about exposing them to anything. I don't use pesticides or herbicides at all for that reason.
DeleteAlso, just to be sure I gave Doc authorization to run a tox screen and it did come back clean.
You are a smarter man than I, sir.
DeletePraying that the pheno works.
Hang in there Kenny, I know it's heartbreaking, but your presence is a comfort to poor Lucy.
ReplyDeleteI've been cruising this page for a while now because the content is so incredible. This however is heart breaking. I'm not much for sentiment and such but I sincerely hope this works out for her and you. Thoughts and prayers from Arizona.
ReplyDeleteEven though you know going in they live only a short time it's almost as bad as losing a person. Best you can do is remember you were a good master.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are doing everything you can. The most important thing is that you are there for her when it happens. That matters. Truly sorry for you all.
ReplyDeleteThis is a hard thing. My prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteJFM
Oh, shit.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a sweet girl, that news is heartbreaking.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
She doesn't know what's going on, but she knows you're there and that helps immeasurably. Hope you get to the bottom of it and that she gets better fast.
ReplyDeleteMan, that hurts my heart. I have loved all my dogs way more than I should and I know the pain you are going through. Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for you and Lucy.
ReplyDeleteMy 16 year old Cockapoo is dying of lymphoma,
But being kept alive with steroids, so I understand your pain and concern.
You are a good Man and a great Dad you your dogs
God Bless you
We have a Golden Doodle that experienced seizures occasionally (common in both poodles and goldens apparently). We switched to a different flea med, use the bands now, seizures stopped. Not as good flea and tick protection as the stuff we used to squirt on his back every 3 months, but hey,no seizures!
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and Legal Lucy. Had a blue heeler that had seizers, phenobarbital worked. Truly a helpless feeling holding you dog during one. Prayers for all.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love to Legal Lucy from the edge of Appalachia! All you can do is the best you can at the time. She knows you love her.
ReplyDeleteWe started our dog on Levetiracetam because it works right away, later added phenobarbital daily to control seizures. You and lucy are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteFitty
Hey there Ken, I'm sorry to hear about Lucy's condition and am praying and hoping this gets resolved fast. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteChutes Magoo
Watching something / someone that you love go through catastrophe is rough man - my condolences for you and your wife. I hope there is a good resolution through this. I have zero to add about what the issue could be - I wish I did, but sending positive thoughts to you and your dog - I can do that.
ReplyDeleteI had a full blown tonic-clonic seizure (what they used to call "grand mal") a few years ago as a reaction to some medication and it has led to a world of problems. I'm a big guy and I fall hard and my Primary Care Doc says I could have easily died. I would not wish that on anyone much less a beloved pet. Thoughts and prayers here for you and Lucy as well as everyone out there dealing with epilepsy in pets or people. I really don't know how you do it.
ReplyDeleteHope the meds work. Yes, nothing harder to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIs 'LL having these episodes when waking or trying to go to sleep? If dogs have an underactive Thyorid (sp)can cause this issue. It is a different test than for one for kidney function. I have one that used to have the seizures and one pill a day wrapped in sliced cheese has done the trick. It's worth the ckeckout
ReplyDeleteShe's had them at different times. The first one, we were putting groceries away and she was standing at our feet hoping we'd drop something and she just keeled over and started convulsing.
DeleteDude, we're praying hard for you and Legal Lucy. We feel ya.
ReplyDeleteKenny, she knows you're there. Last thing she remembers, and the first thing she sees.
ReplyDeleteBeen there myself. Love ya brother. Hang in there.
-jc
My dog had the same thing happen about 2 months ago. We took her to the vet and nothing came up on the tests. The doc said she might have en encephalitis and have her steroids; a month long script. It helped her and she hasn't seized since. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteJeff
My heart breaks for you all. Our first dog had epilepsy, and started to have seizures, and he would then bite after they were finished. It was my wife's first pet and it broke her heart to have to say goodbye to him, when we finally did have to have him put to sleep.
ReplyDeleteHe was a Bichon Frise' and he would bite after the seizures, not knowing what was going on. And still, it took over a year to convince that it was time. Never an easy thing, but as a pet owner, that is sometimes the most loving thing we do for our best friends. And the worst thing for us. Prayers for strength for both you and Miss Lisa.
I sent you an email Kenny - prayers for Lucy. My black lab Penny suffered the same. First on she was outside in the heat when I tried calling her (and the other dogs) in - I as home after back surgery and when I found her, picked her up and carried her inside or the heat would have got her.
ReplyDeleteMy back survived - so did Penny when I found the right drug for her. Hope I can help brother.
chillhill
I'm sorry for you I've lived through the tragedy of pet ownership many times (old man) and it never gets easier. What we have before it turns to loss is what makes it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteThe hours, days, weeks of wondering if we're doing the right thing as they reach the end of life are indeed more than made up for in the joy we share in the years we've been together. It's too bad we can't get the unpleasant part out of the way first.
DeleteThanks for the update, Ken. We're all thinking of you and your little girl. I hope you and she are feeling the vibes.
My sincerest best wishes they find the correct meds. Prayers for you all.
ReplyDeleteKelly
Had to put my 5year old dog down Monday for seizures that were becoming longer more violent not to mention more frequent. Broke my heart. My prayers are with you both
ReplyDeleteSad to see that LL is going through a rough patch. Hope it works out for the best.
ReplyDeleteNemo
I'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteBeen there done that, I mourned more over my dog than I have for most people.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happens, sir, you know that you and Miss Lisa have done the right thing by LL.
ReplyDeleteCheck her calcium level. Low calcium can cause this. I had a GSD that I had to give vitamin D and calcium pills to every day.
ReplyDeletewildbill
We had a Samoyed years ago that started having seizures. The vet said to sprinkle some brewers yeast on her food, about a teaspoon or so. It worked for about 6 months then they started again, vet said to bump up the amount to 2 spoonful's. Another 6 months or a year and she had a seizure that she never recovered from. But we were grateful for the extra time she was around.
ReplyDeleteIf it's any consolation to you, and if dog seizures are anything like human seizures, I can tell you from personal experience that it's not painful but it is frightening. It's like a big brain twitch that makes the rest of you body twitch but it doesn't hurt. Being there to comfort her and make sure she doesn't swallow her tongue helps more than you may know. Hang in there Ken - you're doing it right.
ReplyDeleteKen, we had a rare blue German Shepherd that developed issues that resulted in seizures. I know what you are talking about when you say you feel powerless to help her. It sucks major. Best of luck
ReplyDeleteDamn Ken. No words, just sending LL, you and Miss Lisa positive prayers.
ReplyDeleteMadMarlin
Had a collie mutt that had seizures. Worse around thunderstorms (big changes in barometric pressure). Watch for overheating, cause they can't pant while seizing and so die of heatstroke.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about your nice dog and her illness. I'll pray for you and Lucy.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how hard that must be... Good luck man.
ReplyDeleteOld dog vestibular disease. If she goes deaf, that’s probably it. Sucks. Only thing I’m sure of is the older I get, the harder it gets when one of the critters goes down. Think I’ll not get any more dogs after the one we’ve got now. Sorry, brother! Eod1sg Ret
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. We will keep you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteDogs, our ever loyal friends, never live long enough. We have to know when we get them that they will eventually break our hearts. I feel for you
ReplyDeleteAny chance she was exposed back in the day to Roundup??
ReplyDeleteBoth of our labs used to lick that sweet stuff off the grass before I wised up. Last year, we lost our female lab to seizures (non-stop) that was probably due to brain mass due to Roundup. Our vet put 2 and 2 together when our male lab (they were litter mates) started growing tumors on his sides about a year before Molly had issues.
My heart aches for you.
No, I don't use or keep any pesticides or herbicides on my property just for that reason.
DeleteSending you, LL, and Lisa my love. It's tough...
ReplyDeleteI bought my house 19 years ago and adopted a feral kitten 2 weeks later; he weighed less than one ounce at the time of adoption. He got very ill the Sunday before last Thanksgiving. We thought he was done, but no! He got better on Thanksgiving day. He was never himself after that and had been downward trending, with some ups, since then. He finally passed two weeks ago. I buried him in the garden in front of the living room window.
It's tough. My house is empty without him as he had been here for the entire duration.
Does she have a Soresto flea collar? If so get rid of it, it causes seizures and deaths in dogs.
ReplyDeleteIm prayin for all f you. I just lost our jack russel a few months ago so this pain makes it fresh. Ur doin all the right stuff. Thats all u can do. Let me know if i.can help.
ReplyDeleteJohn h
Acehigh2
My Border Collie began having seizures and we went the same route as you, except we went straight to the pheno. It took a couple of days for her to stabilize/acclimate to the drug, but she has not had a seizure since she began the regimen. What may cause you serious doubts in the next few days is the drugged appearance. It was hard to bear, but it will end and she should return to normal in a couple of weeks. That's been my experience, hope yours goes as well as mine.
ReplyDeleteGarry
Brings back some horrible memories of my daughter's weiner dog. Same kind of deal as Lucy but Lucky would go stiff as a board and not a damn thing I could do but hold him and talk to him. It sucks that our animal family suffers like that and we can't do anything at that moment. Take relief in knowing that she knows you and Miss Lisa are there with her and love her.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your grief. We've had 4 GSD's. This why not getting another. Fuck that.
ReplyDeleteInasmuch as possible, I've twice been in similar situation as you and Lisa. Years ago had a pooch that developed far & between seizures. No clue to their onset. After several trips to the vet, decided against medication. When they came on, just held him like a baby and talked to him softly. Finally at age 15-16 his string ran out.
ReplyDeleteAbout 10-years later we got another poodle.
She was really a one-off pooch. Good health for 16-17 years then eyes, hearing and some lameness caught up with her. Finally after several seizures we had her put to sleep. To have denied her a peaceful departure would have been a high-water mark of selfishness.
It's now been just over a year and two months we unexpectedly lucked into a year-old rescue pup. God willing we'll continue to grow into each other....
You're to be admired for doing the right thing plus extra distance.
Bravo Zulu & Semper Fi
Hyperactive and confused sounds like she's epileptic. My dog is on phenobarbitol for that, works, but she still has the occasional seizure.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you're dealing with that. We had that with a cat years ago. It's so hard - the poor things don't understand. Our prayers are with you guys.
ReplyDeleteVeterinarian here. While I can't LEGALLY comment on your dog's case, I can say dogs can't swallow their tongue. It's anatomically impossible so do NOT get bitten. A seizuring dog can and will bite at anything. The main thing is to make sure the dog won't hurt themselves by falling down stairs or knocking tables/lamps over on them. After the seizure subsides you might want to apply a cool compress to your dog's head (NOT an icepack) since their body temp can soar during a seizure. If the phenobarb doesn't work well (it just doesn't for some dogs) discuss potassium bromide with your vet. I've personally seen very good results with it. It is very traumatic to see your dog helpless during a seizure. You can hold them if you wish but please don't get any extremity near their head/mouth. Some dogs will go blind after a seizure but it's usually temporary. They will be very wiped out since they've usd up virtually all the free glucose in their body. Once they're lucid enough a small snack might help that or some nutri-cal syrup (get it from your vet). Good luck and I hope you can get her seizures under control.
ReplyDeleteYup, the cold compress does wonders for her. Earlier I said she was hyper-active but I believe hyper-anxious describes it better. The compress seems to help with that.
DeleteAnd yeah, she has the blind staggers after she comes out of it, so I still have to hold her down.
I've been worried that she'd bite her tongue, so I've been sticking my bird finger in between her jaws to keep er mouth open - she's a small dog and doesn't have a lot of jaw power.
Thanks for taking the time to give me some help.
For an older dog with no history of seizures and in whom anti-epileptics are not working, you might be dealing with a brain tumor. I used to do MRI scans on veterinary dogs who had otherwise unexplained seizures and a number of them had tumors, which caused their seizures. Currently, animal MRI is much more common. If you have a veterinary college not too far from you, they are likely to have their own scanners. Yes, it is expensive, as the dog needs to be under anesthesia for the procedure and a veterinary radiologist will read the images. Ironically, a neuroradiologist colleague of mine lost her dog to a brain tumor. While the finding of a tumor is a grim and expensive prognosis, it would rule out a possible cause.
DeleteHey Kenny;
ReplyDeleteDamm, Well I got nothing but prayers and good thoughts that the medicines work out, It sucks when you see one of your "Fur Kids" having issues and you ain't sure what the problem is and want to so fix it because it you are hurting as bad as they are.
Kenny responding from an iPod out in boonies so will keep it short. Seizures of this magnitude in a dog of her age is never going to be simple epilepsy. Two most likely scenarios are tumor ( sorry to be blunt) or an inflammation of the brain covering, meningitis. Meningitis can be infection but usually it’s auto immune ( think lupus). If you cant go to specialist for CT/MRI and spinal tap ( only way to get definitive answer) a good second option is antibiotics and steroids. If infection it can often be cured. If auto immune steroids can manage for years. I’ll check on this thread when I get back to civilization tomorrow and see what’s up.
ReplyDeleteI'll post an update tomorrow, Ray.
DeleteThanks.
Sorry to hear this. We had a Dachshund that would have occasional bad seizures. But my wife changed her food to something that made the seizures worse, and we figured it out. My wife likes lamb and we have it occasionally, with scraps or bones in particular going to the dog. Those were the occasional seizures. It got worse when my wife thought that as much as the dog liked lamb scraps, dog food with lamb in it would be a treat. Nope, but we finally figured out she was somehow getting seizures when she got a lamb product, even a bone to chew on, an unusual allergy. Any diet changes at all for yours?
DeleteThinking of you Ken, all the best mate.
ReplyDeleteffs - I think LL is the lynch-pin of the whole outfit...
ReplyDeleteGenetics suck sometimes and it's what we take on - the range of responses show how much everyone goes all-in on these idiots no matter the hassle or tears...
The running joke here at the ranch - where we don't go looking - we get found - they show up and they. don't. die. Until they do - usually needing our assistance
Even our vet has noticed this over the last 30 years
It's the ridiculous cycle we find ourselves in - one needs to leave and another one shows up - we do what we can...because we do
Ken, if she's on flea control medication or getting flea bathed, discontinue, Back when, it caused seizures in one of ours.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your dog's health issues. It is damned amazing how attached we become to our animals. I hope that she does not suffer badly for any significant period. And it is heart rending to be able to do nothing to effectively ease their pain.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best. Little consolation, I know.
Hi Ken
ReplyDeleteAre used to have a German Shepherd. She started having seizures when she was around 10 years old. They put her on phenobarbital and she did fine for four more years. I used to have to trick her to take her pills. I would wrap one in salami and she would spit out the pill. I then decided to try a trick. I would wrap one pill in salami and then have another piece of salami ready.
I gave her the first piece of salami with the pill and waved the other salami at her at the same time. She would go down the first one ready and eager to eat the second one. No problems with her spitting them out after that.
I still miss that dog after many years.
I wish you the best Ken.
Paul J