So, 'normal', but with seizures.

[dawnsartstudio]

We got Bragi’s test results from the spinal tap and the liver panels... and everything is ‘normal’. So why is he having seizures? The veterinary neurologist confirmed my surmise that ‘epilepsy’ is a catch-all diagnosis for seizures that don’t have an obvious physical cause. She asked how he was doing, and fortunately, he’s doing pretty well.

Comments

[88heather]

My dog gets seizures too and takes phenobarb... He I believe had them for a while.. I remember seeing him thinking did his legs fall asleep.. why is he like that.. he'd have them rarely like 2-3 times a year.. noticed them but didn't know what it was.. Then when Duncan got to about 7 a month after my older dog died he started having them regularly.. like every day for a few days.. He's a big dog.. I give Duncan about 65 mg twice a day.. and it stopped the seizures and the blood work is good.. I've tried dropping his dose.. to like 50 mg twice a day.. but noticed he'd be off a bit.. Like the other week he's legs gave and he just fell in the kitchen.. so he's back up to the 65 mg.. He's been taking it for 3 yrs now.. and all is good..

Anyway.. I do hear its common in dogs and even more so in some breeds.. maybe Tracey the vet tech will chime in here..

Sorry Dawn about the pup.. its hard to see them have a seizure. My dog is my love!

heather :)

[dawnsartstudio]

Tracey's been a steady, welcome presence already, and a virtual fountain of support and information.

Bragi's seizures were terribly violent, and yes, it was very, very painful to watch. So far, he's adjusting well to the medication. Next week at some point we'll discuss adjusting his dosage with our local vet.

I've heard seizures are more common with dogs than with cats..we have no idea what mix of breeds Bragi is, or if it even has any bearing on them. I'm glad Duncan is responding well to medication. Seizing can't be any fun for the pups, either.

more hugs for Bragi

[tagscats]

Thanks Dawn, though not sure what kind of help I've been, it's a tough situation for sure....

I'm so pleased to hear no further seizure activity. Yep, you see them (idiopathic) far more in dogs than cats....I only ever had one cat of mine have seizures, but she was in kidney and liver failure so that was the cause.

I'll be anxious to hear what your vet says at the checkup next week.

More kisses for Mr. Wigglebutt from his auntie!

Re: more hugs for Bragi

[tagscats]

oh, and regarding the weaning of the meds, yes, it's certainly a matter of finding a tolerable dose to prevent further seizures and allow Bragi a good quality of life. And of course that's why the monitoring of blood levels, very important, as you may be adjusting his dose for a while.

Re: more hugs for Bragi

[dawnsartstudio]

Yup, that's what the vets have all told us. It's going to be a long haul, but hopefully not too painful.