Pheno for 9 days

[SharonaR]

My little girl Abbie, 13 yr old mini-schnauzer has been having seizures, unbeknownst to us except for one, for several months. 2 weeks ago she just fell on her side and laid there for about 1 minute. This happened again every day and on the 3rd day we took her to our vet. They did xrays and found no heart or lung problems but said she might have a stomach tumor (note, she has had a fatty tumor on her side for many years which is now the size of a small orange). OR a brain tumor, since her history of tumors. She wasn't eating much at all and was just sort of out of it. We put her on pheno 9 days ago. She's had ALL of the symptoms...lethargic, sleepy, thirsty, hungry, etc. Her appetite increased but she's been very finicky about eating. We've gone from steak and sweet potatoes, to ground turkey and carrots, to turkey and green beans. She won't even consider dog food! We thought she was doing so much better yesterday and last night but today it's like she's taken a turn. AND her stomach is so swollen. Her appetite is not good today and she just wants to lay. Breathing is a bit labored too. I'm sooo concerned, we're taking her back to the vet tomorrow. Also, she seems to be having trouble with her bowels, although she has gone a little. I gave her some solid pumpkin tonight in hopes it would help. Does anyone out there have any words of wisdom? I'm so devastated and my hope is dwindling. I appreciate any input. Thanks!

[SharonaR]

thank you for your kind thoughts and advice. We had to put Abbie to sleep this AM. She was so distended, her vet, who has cared for her since birth, said she was full of fluid in her stomach....sign of stomach cancer...and she had lost alot of muscle mass in the past few weeks...he said she may make it another week but would be miserable. One of the hardest and heartbreaking things I ever dealt with. We were with her when she passed. I've cried all day and am just now begining to breathe. I appreciate your prayers. Abbie is in a better place now....but my heart aches. Thank you.

[elliot777]

Good Morning!
I don't have any advise for the stomach tumor issues.  I have no experience with that issue.  However, I have a 9 year old rescue JRT?
/Rat Terrier mix that is deaf & has seizures.

Phenobarb is so tough on the kidneys.  I changed to Zithomide.  It kept the seizures at bay but the side effects for him were bad.  Paranoid, aggression, agitation to name a few.  I can across a drug called Gabapentin .  It's the ticket for him!  Weights 23 pounds.  He receives  300mg daily.  1/2 in am.  1/2 at bedtime.  He has been on it for 8 months & makes all the difference in the world.

I too, was told it could be a brain tumor.  However, he has responded so well to the Gaba I don't believe this is true.  It isn't within my budget for him to have a CT scan.

Also, he has little to no side affects with this medication.  He takes a good nap 30 minutes after he has the pill.  Wakes up & is ready to go.  

Gabapentin is not a drug that is completely secreted through the .  kidneys & liver.  Only 40-50%...remainder escapes through his urine.

Gabapentin is rather new in the animal world.  It's  brand name is Neurotin in the human world.  Gabapentin is the generic version

Keep up with pumpkin every other day.  I add brown rice, peas & carrots to his dinner.  He likes carrotts raw as well as cooked.  Also a bit of oatmeal.

I hope this helps you a bit.  I send good thoughts & prayers for you & your 4=legged family members.

elliot777