Epilepsy in dogs
Discussion
Our little rescue chap has been suffering with fits at about 4 week intervals. These started about a month after we got him in early May.
Sometimes the interval is 2-3 weeks. On one occasion, he had two fits within an hour.
To date, the vet has been in two minds a about treatment as the frequency is borderline for medication.
Tonight, he's had 4 fits in less than four hours.
We've given him a shot of diazepam so hopefully he might get through the night without any further fits.
Has anyone on here had a dog with similar experiences - that is an increase in frequency which lead to regular medication.
Thanks.
Sometimes the interval is 2-3 weeks. On one occasion, he had two fits within an hour.
To date, the vet has been in two minds a about treatment as the frequency is borderline for medication.
Tonight, he's had 4 fits in less than four hours.
We've given him a shot of diazepam so hopefully he might get through the night without any further fits.
Has anyone on here had a dog with similar experiences - that is an increase in frequency which lead to regular medication.
Thanks.
Hi, I don't have any direct experience but there is a condition called Laforas which is occurs in some breeds (mini wire hair dachshunds for one) - might be worth reading about - it is a degenerative form of epilepsy and onset is usually around 5/7 yrs. there is a site called 'laforadogs'
Also look at diet, grain free is recommended for dogs (and often humans) with epilepsy.
Good luck
Also look at diet, grain free is recommended for dogs (and often humans) with epilepsy.
Good luck
parakitaMol. said:
Hi, I don't have any direct experience but there is a condition called Laforas which is occurs in some breeds (mini wire hair dachshunds for one) - might be worth reading about - it is a degenerative form of epilepsy and onset is usually around 5/7 yrs. there is a site called 'laforadogs'
Also look at diet, grain free is recommended for dogs (and often humans) with epilepsy.
Good luck
Thanks for the reply. That's a terrible condition.Also look at diet, grain free is recommended for dogs (and often humans) with epilepsy.
Good luck
Had a read and it seems to be a different pattern to what we've seen manifest.
All appears quiet now, although there are some odd bits of behaviour. Back at the vet of Friday, might be time for medication now.
Hi,
Really sorry to hear about your dog having fits.
First of all, how old is he?
Our Retriever suddenly started having fits at the age of 7 & was put on Epiphem medication.
His fits gradually got worse & worse & more frequent until 26th November we had to say goodbye to him & put him to sleep. I must have reaserched this subject virtually every single day for almost 3 years (this is how long he suffered with them) & still couldn't fully understand it. The only scary thing that I could manage to be pretty certain about is the older they are when they first start fitting, the likelyhood of it being epilepsy is reduced & "could" be the reuslt of a brain tumour.
Our vet confirmed this after we said goodbye to our boy although he had warned us early on that because of his age, it would be 50/50 whether it was epilepsy or tumour & because of his final hours it was more likely to be a tumour. If your dog is below 5 years of age then you have that on your side but a brain scan would tell you either way. Goodluck & keep us informed.
Really sorry to hear about your dog having fits.
First of all, how old is he?
Our Retriever suddenly started having fits at the age of 7 & was put on Epiphem medication.
His fits gradually got worse & worse & more frequent until 26th November we had to say goodbye to him & put him to sleep. I must have reaserched this subject virtually every single day for almost 3 years (this is how long he suffered with them) & still couldn't fully understand it. The only scary thing that I could manage to be pretty certain about is the older they are when they first start fitting, the likelyhood of it being epilepsy is reduced & "could" be the reuslt of a brain tumour.
Our vet confirmed this after we said goodbye to our boy although he had warned us early on that because of his age, it would be 50/50 whether it was epilepsy or tumour & because of his final hours it was more likely to be a tumour. If your dog is below 5 years of age then you have that on your side but a brain scan would tell you either way. Goodluck & keep us informed.
boobles said:
Hi,
Really sorry to hear about your dog having fits.
First of all, how old is he?
Our Retriever suddenly started having fits at the age of 7 & was put on Epiphem medication.
His fits gradually got worse & worse & more frequent until 26th November we had to say goodbye to him & put him to sleep. I must have researched this subject virtually every single day for almost 3 years (this is how long he suffered with them) & still couldn't fully understand it. The only scary thing that I could manage to be pretty certain about is the older they are when they first start fitting, the likelihood of it being epilepsy is reduced & "could" be the result of a brain tumour.
Our vet confirmed this after we said goodbye to our boy although he had warned us early on that because of his age, it would be 50/50 whether it was epilepsy or tumour & because of his final hours it was more likely to be a tumour. If your dog is below 5 years of age then you have that on your side but a brain scan would tell you either way. Goodluck & keep us informed.
Thanks for that. Really sorry to hear about your dog having fits.
First of all, how old is he?
Our Retriever suddenly started having fits at the age of 7 & was put on Epiphem medication.
His fits gradually got worse & worse & more frequent until 26th November we had to say goodbye to him & put him to sleep. I must have researched this subject virtually every single day for almost 3 years (this is how long he suffered with them) & still couldn't fully understand it. The only scary thing that I could manage to be pretty certain about is the older they are when they first start fitting, the likelihood of it being epilepsy is reduced & "could" be the result of a brain tumour.
Our vet confirmed this after we said goodbye to our boy although he had warned us early on that because of his age, it would be 50/50 whether it was epilepsy or tumour & because of his final hours it was more likely to be a tumour. If your dog is below 5 years of age then you have that on your side but a brain scan would tell you either way. Goodluck & keep us informed.
So sorry to hear about yours
The rescue org think he was around 2 years old when we got him but he came from Spain without much info.
The vet still thinks the frequency of occurrence is too sporadic for regular medication.
She did point out that seizures can be a symptom of a more serious underlying illness but he is healthy in all other respects.
I will keep this thread updated as if nothing else, it might be of use to another owner.
Would be great if I don't have to though.
My Mum had a Dachshund that had epilepsy, was controlled with medication and he lived to the ripe old age of 17.
Next time I see her I will ask for more details of what the medication was, hope it works out ok and the vets can sort it. The frequency sounds very similar to what we experienced with a few widely spaced events then several in a short period of time.
Next time I see her I will ask for more details of what the medication was, hope it works out ok and the vets can sort it. The frequency sounds very similar to what we experienced with a few widely spaced events then several in a short period of time.
Smiler. said:
parakitaMol. said:
Hi, I don't have any direct experience but there is a condition called Laforas which is occurs in some breeds (mini wire hair dachshunds for one) - might be worth reading about - it is a degenerative form of epilepsy and onset is usually around 5/7 yrs. there is a site called 'laforadogs'
Also look at diet, grain free is recommended for dogs (and often humans) with epilepsy.
Good luck
Thanks for the reply. That's a terrible condition.Also look at diet, grain free is recommended for dogs (and often humans) with epilepsy.
Good luck
Had a read and it seems to be a different pattern to what we've seen manifest.
All appears quiet now, although there are some odd bits of behaviour. Back at the vet of Friday, might be time for medication now.
Yes keep us posted, the reason I shared is that it is often missed by vets.
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/livingwith.html and Claire Rusbridge is in Surrey based at Fitzpatricks referrals (the bionic vet).. if you need to get a referral you'd do a lot worse than see her!
Good luck!
Oh crap, the poor little blighter has just had another two. Dispensed Diazepam immediately but another one followed about 20 minutes later, much more violent
I don't know how long the meds take to act but I'm not altogether sure I administered it correctly (fully).
Fingers crossed that's the last today.
I don't know how long the meds take to act but I'm not altogether sure I administered it correctly (fully).
Fingers crossed that's the last today.
Sadly, things got progressively worse. He had another fit 2 & a bit hours later, very violent & prolonged.
30 minutes ago he had another violent & prolonged seizure. We don't think it will be the last one tonight. He's pacing about the house & won't settle.
The worst part is when it all goes quiet, straining to hear the slightest sound that proceeds the full blown fit. He howls & yelps like an animal in extreme pain, almost unnatural & very distressing to witness.
Will be off to the vets in the morning.
We've also ordered some waterproof bedding as he's let go a fair amount, bless him.
Ho-hum.
30 minutes ago he had another violent & prolonged seizure. We don't think it will be the last one tonight. He's pacing about the house & won't settle.
The worst part is when it all goes quiet, straining to hear the slightest sound that proceeds the full blown fit. He howls & yelps like an animal in extreme pain, almost unnatural & very distressing to witness.
Will be off to the vets in the morning.
We've also ordered some waterproof bedding as he's let go a fair amount, bless him.
Ho-hum.
Really sorry to hear this Smiler, poor little soul. Seizures are tough enough for humans let alone pets who cant understand that it will pass.... very scary for them. Will your vet refer to a specialist? It is such a tricky condition (as with humans, there are many different types)... anyway I hope he's ok and is recovering well.
Poor Bertie had another long & violent seizure at 04.45 on Sunday - a total of 5. He's seems ok now, but, and I don't know if it's just me or not - he seems "different".
In fact, he'd been acting up a bit since last Thursday. Since we've had him, he's never been a bother at night. The other one is always waking us up anywhere between 03.00 & 06.00 to go out.
Bertie rarely bothers & has always returned to the sofa (where they both sleep on blankets) straight away. Often, he didn't even bother to get up.
But on Thursday morning, he was the one whining at the door at 04.00 - not to go out but to come into our room (we let them in from 06.00 as we're both up soon after).
The same thing Friday & Saturday morning.
We were due at a function yesterday but only I went. Deb spent the time on the web gathering ideas (so many conflicting) for when we see the vet tomorrow. We have made a point of seeing the same vet at the practice but she's operating all day today at their other site - might get to speak to her on the phone. We're booked on to see her tomorrow morning.
I'd previously enquired about a scan but aside for the eye-watering cost, she (the vet) felt that it was unlikely to turn up anything.
We'd like to consider a change in diet if there is evidence to support it.
I'm verging on anal where their food is concerned as we had some problems when Jeeves was a pup (leaving food) & around 7.5 months old, he went onto a raw meat diet (Natural Instinct). He continued to have treats throughout the day (morning, lunch & when we eat in the evening) & loves raw meat bones.
We noticed that number twos were, erm, a bit, hard (bonemeal) so we added fresh cooked (or raw if carrot) veg to the main meal. This also helps with the weight & permits the treats. Jeeves doesn't persistently pester for food.
Bertie on the other hand. He's always hungry. He was skinny when we got him, camouflaged by his incredibly scruffy coat (akin to Dougal from the Magic Roundabout).
We fed him up but his weight has shot way past the 10kg target & we can't seem to shift it (12.2kg at the last visit 3 weeks ago - was .4kg down on the previous visit a month earlier though). He eats "exactly" the same as Jeeves (except when we found out he'd been in the rubbish bags & eaten the scraps).
Anyway, Deb unearthed something that said a change in dietary regime after a while might cause problems - something to do with enzymes in the liver & a chemical shift. So we thought we could try him on a mixed kibble (like Hills) or something.
The frustrating thing is that we have no history from him before we got him. The rescue org think he was around 2 years old when we got him. He was from Spain & they do things a bit differently over there.
The first seizure I witnessed was about 6 weeks after we got him. This might suggest that the seizures started then as the next one was 6 weeks later but after that, between 2 & 4 weeks with increasing immediate repeats. Or possibly not.
The other thing I'd considered is a total change of regime - increased exercise (walked twice a day) coupled with the dietary changes.
It might sound selfish but I'd really rather not medicate unless absolutely necessary (mainly due to the reported side effects). I mean, if there is something that will have no detrimental effect of his well-being but arrests the problem, then no problem.
On the other hand, I can't help feeling a bit selfish in being prepared to try different things at his expense.
So, will update again after the vet tomorrow.
Thanks again for the kind words & support.
In fact, he'd been acting up a bit since last Thursday. Since we've had him, he's never been a bother at night. The other one is always waking us up anywhere between 03.00 & 06.00 to go out.
Bertie rarely bothers & has always returned to the sofa (where they both sleep on blankets) straight away. Often, he didn't even bother to get up.
But on Thursday morning, he was the one whining at the door at 04.00 - not to go out but to come into our room (we let them in from 06.00 as we're both up soon after).
The same thing Friday & Saturday morning.
We were due at a function yesterday but only I went. Deb spent the time on the web gathering ideas (so many conflicting) for when we see the vet tomorrow. We have made a point of seeing the same vet at the practice but she's operating all day today at their other site - might get to speak to her on the phone. We're booked on to see her tomorrow morning.
I'd previously enquired about a scan but aside for the eye-watering cost, she (the vet) felt that it was unlikely to turn up anything.
We'd like to consider a change in diet if there is evidence to support it.
I'm verging on anal where their food is concerned as we had some problems when Jeeves was a pup (leaving food) & around 7.5 months old, he went onto a raw meat diet (Natural Instinct). He continued to have treats throughout the day (morning, lunch & when we eat in the evening) & loves raw meat bones.
We noticed that number twos were, erm, a bit, hard (bonemeal) so we added fresh cooked (or raw if carrot) veg to the main meal. This also helps with the weight & permits the treats. Jeeves doesn't persistently pester for food.
Bertie on the other hand. He's always hungry. He was skinny when we got him, camouflaged by his incredibly scruffy coat (akin to Dougal from the Magic Roundabout).
We fed him up but his weight has shot way past the 10kg target & we can't seem to shift it (12.2kg at the last visit 3 weeks ago - was .4kg down on the previous visit a month earlier though). He eats "exactly" the same as Jeeves (except when we found out he'd been in the rubbish bags & eaten the scraps).
Anyway, Deb unearthed something that said a change in dietary regime after a while might cause problems - something to do with enzymes in the liver & a chemical shift. So we thought we could try him on a mixed kibble (like Hills) or something.
The frustrating thing is that we have no history from him before we got him. The rescue org think he was around 2 years old when we got him. He was from Spain & they do things a bit differently over there.
The first seizure I witnessed was about 6 weeks after we got him. This might suggest that the seizures started then as the next one was 6 weeks later but after that, between 2 & 4 weeks with increasing immediate repeats. Or possibly not.
The other thing I'd considered is a total change of regime - increased exercise (walked twice a day) coupled with the dietary changes.
It might sound selfish but I'd really rather not medicate unless absolutely necessary (mainly due to the reported side effects). I mean, if there is something that will have no detrimental effect of his well-being but arrests the problem, then no problem.
On the other hand, I can't help feeling a bit selfish in being prepared to try different things at his expense.
So, will update again after the vet tomorrow.
Thanks again for the kind words & support.
He should be fine if put on medication. The vet will monitor blood levels every couple of months & will know if the medication is harming him in other ways. Our Retreiver was on 5 pills a day for almost 3 years without any side effects or other health problems because of this. Assuming it is epilepsy, the medication will help reduce the amount of fits he is having.
I'm sure your vets have said already but if he has a fit lasting more than 5 mins (esp if diazepam already given)or if he has one after the other without decent recovery between them, he needs to get to a vet asap as there will be an increased risk of brain damage (due to increase of body temp due to the fitting) or going in status epileptics. (continuous fitting that they don't come our of)
With that many fits he needs medicating. You could get blood tests done to check for a liver shunt and if insured an MRI to rule out brain tumour (I would want to do this if it were my dog)
It'll take s bit of trial and error but hopefully they'll find a regime that will work in the end and maybe if you do find a diet link you could wean him off the meds again in the future but I would use medication for now at least for his sake.
With that many fits he needs medicating. You could get blood tests done to check for a liver shunt and if insured an MRI to rule out brain tumour (I would want to do this if it were my dog)
It'll take s bit of trial and error but hopefully they'll find a regime that will work in the end and maybe if you do find a diet link you could wean him off the meds again in the future but I would use medication for now at least for his sake.
Edited by bexVN on Monday 26th January 17:42
Edited by bexVN on Monday 26th January 17:49
Update:
He's been clear since Sunday. Went to see the vet today.
He's now on Epiphen twice a day for the next 3 weeks, at which point they will take blood for testing to check how he's metabolising the dose. The course will continue with any changes in meds taking place after the test results are in.
The practice has a dietician so have given them chapter & verse of his feeding regime.
Whilst at the vets, I was also able to talk to another owner whose dog has had seizures for many years. It was useful to compare notes, ask questions & get some tips on the ongoing care.
I am concerned about him gaining weight but will just have to monitor the situation.
They also told me to expect a changing medication programme as time goes by.
Thanks again for the replies. I'll update again in 3 weeks (hopefully won't have to before).
He's been clear since Sunday. Went to see the vet today.
He's now on Epiphen twice a day for the next 3 weeks, at which point they will take blood for testing to check how he's metabolising the dose. The course will continue with any changes in meds taking place after the test results are in.
The practice has a dietician so have given them chapter & verse of his feeding regime.
Whilst at the vets, I was also able to talk to another owner whose dog has had seizures for many years. It was useful to compare notes, ask questions & get some tips on the ongoing care.
I am concerned about him gaining weight but will just have to monitor the situation.
They also told me to expect a changing medication programme as time goes by.
Thanks again for the replies. I'll update again in 3 weeks (hopefully won't have to before).
I thought they might put him on Epiphem.... In time the dosage will have to increase as his body gets use to the medication. I am surprised he is having so many fits so early on as this sort of thing progresses & gradually get more frequent etc. The Epiphem will hopefully reduce them down to only a couple per month & fingers crossed.
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