NWR: Update on Kohl my dog

kalikat0403

Hi ladies--some of you may remember that my dog, Kohl, was diagnosed in January of having seizures. The plan of care was to treat with diazapam (Valium) when she has them. Since January she's had about 6 seizures. One in January, March, May, June, September, and one last Friday when I was out of town.  At this point I'm not sure what to do. Fi thinks that maybe taking her to a neuro vet could be a good idea, but I don't really know of any. Which brings me to the point of this post. 1- If there are any spare vibes to throw my way, I'm happy to have some. 2- Has anyone dealt with this in real life? Do you girls have suggestions or thoughts? TIA!

brivb10

My childhood dog had seizures when I was growing up, and we elected not to treat him with any meds, just to let nature take it's course (this was also in the late 80s when he was dx). He lived to the ripe old age of 16 (had to be put down then because of mouth cancer). He had seizures much more frequently in the summer (about 2x/month) and then every other month in the winter. He always came and "found" us when he was going to have one, and we would just hold him and pet him.

missizz

Seizures are normally something that you just have to deal with.  I had en epileptic dog growing up but he was on a daily med that helped to prevent seizures.  The downfall to that the long term meds can damage the dog's liver.  I'm actually a little confused as to why your vet would recommend that you give your dog a pill mid-seizure when there is already a choking risk due to the seizure. 

colleenmclaughlin1

I've never had to deal with that but you and your pup are getting my vibes!

kalikat0403

Bri-I'm very hesitant to put Kohl on phenobarb (which would require monthly liver monitoring). She's only 3 (will be 4 in Feb). We can't really figure what or when her seizures will be. However, the last 2 times, she has seemed to come to her people (my parents) before she has one. Missizz- The diazapam is administered rectally. Not fun. So far we've only had to use it once. its basically to bring her out of the seizures if they last longer than 1-2 minutes. Thanks for the replies and vibes.

LaFemmeRousse

I have no experience or advice, but- big vibes to you and Kohl!

pinksonya

Aw, sorry to hear about your pup!  It's nice to hear that others have dealt with this and their dogs lived a full life, though.  GL!

frognjessi

My brother's dog has had seizures since he was a puppy but like once a year. Until April, he started having them weekly. When I took him to the vet, they immediately put him on Phenobartal (sp?). He's had one seizure since and it was less than 24 hours after he started the meds. Although it could cause liver damage... the advantages are so much greater than the disadvantages. He gets blood work once every 6 months to a year to monitor his liver. Many vibes.

brivb10

I'm pretty sure it was the decision between liver damage and the amount of seizures Colonel was having. It's definitely a personal decision, I was just saying that he did live a long happy life without the meds and with the seizures

kwynn

I used to nanny for a vet in State College who injected a medicine into his dog intravenously. I have no idea what it was or if that is an option for you, but I just thought I'd throw it out there.The vet told me that if Roxy looked like she was about to have a seizure, I should call her name or clap in front of her repeatedly and it would sometimes bring her out of it. So that's what I did and she never had them when I was there. I don't know the reasoning behind this, but maybe that would work.When I was in college, my dog died of a seizure. He was older, but still very sad. (There were obviously a lot of other health reasons, not just the seizure). I miss that little dog still to this day. Vibes for you and your doggy!

KRMac

No advice, but many vibes for you and sweet Kohl. 

KimWard

Tons of vibes for Kohl!

d78

I have no help to give, but TONS of vibes for you & Kohl!!

kbielak17

Aww, many vibes!

asochats

We put our dog, Oliver, on phenobarb.  Once he was on that, we had no more seizures.  We have to do liver monitoring every 6 months, but the amount he is on is very small - but it helps!!There aren't too many things more awful than watching a dog have a seizure and not being able to do anything about it.