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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
boobles said:
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.
Yeah, they said that.He had the first dose last night - he was a bit anxious afterwards (they said he would be), pacing about & wouldn't settle.
Quiet night until the 05.30 chorus.
Had dose number two at breakfast & they're both sleeping now.
Also discovered he'd peed up my boots in the kitchen sometime early this morning. Git.
Update:
He's been on medication since Tuesday night. No fits since last Saturday but that's not unusual.
He is definitely more hungry. He goes crazy if he doesn't get a snack immediately & he's back at the feeding bowls several times a night (whereas it would only be just after feeding time).
He also seems a lot more restless, waiting at the back door/patio doors but when we open them, not wanting to go out.
Something interesting last night though. He was laying on the sofa (asleep or so we thought). On the TV came some police cars with the blues on. After 20 seconds or so, he got up & began furiously trying to scratch the rug with his front paws.
After that, he laid down behind a table in front of the sofa, quiet & seemingly asleep, then a minute or two later, up & more scratching/that going around in a circle thing.
But the last two nights have been better through the night.
Also trying "bone" therapy - the local butcher keeps up in regular supply & it keeps him occupied.
He's been on medication since Tuesday night. No fits since last Saturday but that's not unusual.
He is definitely more hungry. He goes crazy if he doesn't get a snack immediately & he's back at the feeding bowls several times a night (whereas it would only be just after feeding time).
He also seems a lot more restless, waiting at the back door/patio doors but when we open them, not wanting to go out.
Something interesting last night though. He was laying on the sofa (asleep or so we thought). On the TV came some police cars with the blues on. After 20 seconds or so, he got up & began furiously trying to scratch the rug with his front paws.
After that, he laid down behind a table in front of the sofa, quiet & seemingly asleep, then a minute or two later, up & more scratching/that going around in a circle thing.
But the last two nights have been better through the night.
Also trying "bone" therapy - the local butcher keeps up in regular supply & it keeps him occupied.
Thanks Smashie, some really useful points there.
Agree Bex, the walking bit is a revelation to us - will mention that to the vet when I see her next week.
Couldn't agree more on having a good vet - the whole practice we use is great & the vet who has/is treating Bertie especially so.
She likewise explained about Pexian.
Bertie has been fit free since the last episode (a week ago Sunday), which is not un-typical. We wouldn't expect another seizure for another week (based upon history to date). Fingers crossed.
He's been ok since my last post & doesn't seem to be displaying any detrimental side effects (other than wanting bed time with us around 05.30 - probably due to being hungry).
Serious munchies: check
Drinking: check
He has a large (somewhat impressive) bladder capacity (either that or he's tight) & we haven't noticed a lot of additional peeing though. He's very territorial when out for walks, always marking. Often running on empty but still gives it a go. Should have named him "Widdler"
Couple of questions:
Final note; we didn't opt for insurance so are funding all treatment ourselves. Not really that relevant (unless we need a scan).
Agree Bex, the walking bit is a revelation to us - will mention that to the vet when I see her next week.
Couldn't agree more on having a good vet - the whole practice we use is great & the vet who has/is treating Bertie especially so.
She likewise explained about Pexian.
Bertie has been fit free since the last episode (a week ago Sunday), which is not un-typical. We wouldn't expect another seizure for another week (based upon history to date). Fingers crossed.
He's been ok since my last post & doesn't seem to be displaying any detrimental side effects (other than wanting bed time with us around 05.30 - probably due to being hungry).
Serious munchies: check
Drinking: check
He has a large (somewhat impressive) bladder capacity (either that or he's tight) & we haven't noticed a lot of additional peeing though. He's very territorial when out for walks, always marking. Often running on empty but still gives it a go. Should have named him "Widdler"
Couple of questions:
- How do your other dogs react when Flint is fitting?
- Have you been able to maintain Flint's weight?
Final note; we didn't opt for insurance so are funding all treatment ourselves. Not really that relevant (unless we need a scan).
Thanks again Smashie.
So far, Bertie has only had fits at home, never whilst out (fortunately).
Our other dog get a bit aggressive when Bertie is fitting but that's because he thinks it's play time & that's how they play. We keep him off but he also has a tendency for jealousy if Bertie gets attention. It's not a serious issue so far though.
I hadn't considered the ongoing costs for tests (I think it is the liver they test). The drugs are not that bad so far - we paid less than £25 for a months supply of Ephipen & 5 x 5mg Diazepam.
In any event, we'll just have to grin & bear it.
So far, Bertie has only had fits at home, never whilst out (fortunately).
Our other dog get a bit aggressive when Bertie is fitting but that's because he thinks it's play time & that's how they play. We keep him off but he also has a tendency for jealousy if Bertie gets attention. It's not a serious issue so far though.
I hadn't considered the ongoing costs for tests (I think it is the liver they test). The drugs are not that bad so far - we paid less than £25 for a months supply of Ephipen & 5 x 5mg Diazepam.
In any event, we'll just have to grin & bear it.
Just a quick update.
It's been a fortnight & a day since his last event. From the pattern of the last 8 weeks, he was due one yesterday.
He's very sedated for the few hours after medication & overall is a lot less active.
Saw the vet last Friday, all good & he's due a blood test (for assay at med trough) a week Tuesday.
It's been a fortnight & a day since his last event. From the pattern of the last 8 weeks, he was due one yesterday.
He's very sedated for the few hours after medication & overall is a lot less active.
Saw the vet last Friday, all good & he's due a blood test (for assay at med trough) a week Tuesday.
23 days. He's just had a violent fit. The poor bugger fell off the back of the poof & got his head wedged behind a pedestal unit.
Luckily the floor is tiled so he slides quite easily.
Was a messy one though.
Administered Diazepam, cleaned him up & took him for a walk around the block. He's not pacing about like he has done every time before though. Hopefully get a proper sleep without a repeat.
Fingers crossed.
At the vet tomorrow for his blood test.
Luckily the floor is tiled so he slides quite easily.
Was a messy one though.
Administered Diazepam, cleaned him up & took him for a walk around the block. He's not pacing about like he has done every time before though. Hopefully get a proper sleep without a repeat.
Fingers crossed.
At the vet tomorrow for his blood test.
Bertie had a fit last night. The third since starting medication but his first in 31 days.
I wasn't there with him, I've been in hospital since the beginning of March. My wife was with him though & said it was mild compared to the previous ones & also it was a single event. That has not been the case for months.
She did administer Diazepam & said he settled down quite quickly. Maybe the medication is starting to work. It's been quite a shock for both the dogs with me suddenly being absent for a long time.
I miss them both terribly
How is yours doing Smashie?
I wasn't there with him, I've been in hospital since the beginning of March. My wife was with him though & said it was mild compared to the previous ones & also it was a single event. That has not been the case for months.
She did administer Diazepam & said he settled down quite quickly. Maybe the medication is starting to work. It's been quite a shock for both the dogs with me suddenly being absent for a long time.
I miss them both terribly
How is yours doing Smashie?
bexVN said:
That is a really good response, especially as he has likely to have been upset by your absence.
I hope you are ok btw and back home soon.
Thanks Bex, every cloud & all that. I hope you are ok btw and back home soon.
He's been sleeping on the bed with my wife every night all night since I've been gone, although I suspect that's as much for her benefit as his. She says he doesn't leave her side. Being a rescue possibly goes some way to explain that (abandonment issues).
The other one starts off on the bed but takes himself off elsewhere after a couple of hours.
I'm likely to be in here for at least another month & I am a little concerned about what will happen when I return.
ali_kat said:
Well, you'll be sharing your bed with the dogs & your wife for a start! 
Good to here his fit was a better one
I hope that you are home, fit & well soon
Thanks Ali.Good to here his fit was a better one
I hope that you are home, fit & well soon
It's a bit of a squeeze with all four of us (all night).
Still, I'd settle for that in a heartbeat right now.
The minute I'm walking, I want a home visit.
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