Pup with repeated seizures (3 Viewers)

[bergs]

Anyone here deal with their pups having repeated seizure clusters? Wondering what worked for you to make them subside and to break through the clusters when they happened.

Our Rex was a rescue we brought home in December. We knew he had one seizure in the past and they gave him a blood test and determined there was nothing unusual. He also tested negative for valley fever (were in AZ).

He’s had 2 seizures and now 2 clusters with us. We had him on a single dose of kepra (levetiracetam) and a double dose after his last cluster a month ago but he has another one today.

Brought him into ER for the 2nd time to get the cluster broken, this time with an injection of phenobarbital instead of kepra.

Sounds like next steps are to put him on kepra + phenobarbital which can have liver and other side effects. We also need to see a neurologist and hopefully get some things we can do to break clusters instead of a $2500 overnight at the ER vet.

Anyone been through this before with their dog? What worked, what didn’t work, what did you do right and what do you wish you did differently? I’m looking for all the real world help I can get…we learned after we got him that this little guy went through 4 different homes and 2 fosters and I’m realizing now that they probably saw the seizures and said no thanks.

Rex is a fighter and has a TON of spirit and we’re never, ever giving up on him. I’m just looking to arm myself with as much info as possible to give the little guy the best chance at a great life.

Thanks y’all,

-bergs

 

[Kain8]

Paging @k9dr

Please pick up the nearest courtesy phone.

 

[RocAFella1]

@joker80

 

[dennis63]

Bergs -- Sorry this is happening to you and Rex.

My dog has seizures but he's well controlled on Kepra. There's a Kepra extended release that has worked well. You give it every 12 hours instead of every 8.

Obviously check his other meds if your vet hasn't already. Some flea meds can trigger seizures in dogs who have a family history. Some activities can increase the chances of a seizure.

I'm sure you are doing everything possible for him. I wish you both good luck!

 

[Poker Zombie]

Are you sure he's not just shaken up after seeing beheaded dogs on your chips?

 

[Highli99]

Damn, no advice to give but best of luck.

 

[KHarp1]

Hate to hear this, poor lil guy.

 

[k9dr]

Paging @k9dr

Please pick up the nearest courtesy phone.

PM on the way

 

[doublebooyah85]

Could be multiple things but just sharing my experience….

My dog had seizure clusters as well when he was 8 years old. Ultimately was a tumor in his brain.

It was about a seizure or two a day for a weak straight.

Ultimately had to give him radiation, but thankfully only one session and he was able to survive another two years…

https://petcureoncology.com/pet-hero-mark-the-lovable-golden/

Prednisone helped other than the radiation, but that was a short treatment while we waiting on the radiation.

 

[bergs]

Rex is at the neurologist today getting a brain MRI and some bloodwork, ruling out tumors and valley fever and some other things (which will leave us with epilepsy if all comes back negative). Getting some things we can use to break clusters at home and save $2500 an incident as well with not having to go to the ER).

 

[doublebooyah85]

Prayers!

 

[PAZ]

Sorry to hear what’s going on. Sending thoughts and prayers.

 

[FordPickup92]

I have seen epilepsy before in Bassett hounds, not anything this severe but regular recurring. Same thing, well managed by meds. Biggest thing is to make sure they don't swallow or choke on their tongues.
Hope Mark was able to provide some insight.... I surely hope the neurologist can also provide some insight.
Best wishes with everything, he's adorable

 

[doublebooyah85]

Did you get Back results yet or have to wait until tomorrow?

 

[bergs]

Looks like it’s epilepsy. No tumors, no fungal growth/valley fever. We have him on some new meds (phenobarbital + keppra) and we have some meds that should keep us out of the ER if he has another cluster (which saves us $2000 I can donk off at a meetup now).

Not out of the woods yet but we have a good plan.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Looks like it’s epilepsy. No tumors, no fungal growth/valley fever. We have him on some new meds (phenobarbital + keppra) and we have some meds that should keep us out of the ER if he has another cluster (which saves us $2000 I can donk off at a meetup now).

Not out of the woods yet but we have a good plan.

That’s great news.

 

[doublebooyah85]

I have seen epilepsy before in Bassett hounds, not anything this severe but regular recurring. Same thing, well managed by meds. Biggest thing is to make sure they don't swallow or choke on their tongues.
Hope Mark was able to provide some insight.... I surely hope the neurologist can also provide some insight.
Best wishes with everything, he's adorable

Is mark @k9dr or my lovable golden?