Very very sick puppy

[Skokk]

My dog is a 11 month old shih-tzu. He started having seizures about 13 weeks ago. The vet put him on Phenobarbital, a very low dosage. He did not take to it well, he started showing very severe symptoms, the vet told us they would go away soon. We waited, they did not go away. We got a second opinion and started to take him off the medicine. His symptoms include; seizures (3-4 a day), complete loss of appetite, will not drink, can not walk at all (at first it was just his front legs), completely lethargic (won't play with his toys, walk, nothing). He is completely off the medication and is still showing these symptoms, he is not the same dog what so ever, he is completely out of it, the vet has no idea what is wrong and my parents are thinking about putting him to sleep, if anybody knows anything please help!

[JanisM13]

I have been watching the posts in hopes something could be found to help
'lil Gator,I was so sorry to read that he has crossed over. You are the very
best fur mom ever,you tried so hard to find answers and help him,yes he
was blessed and he did have the BEST,MOST LOVING family and I am
sure he knew this and treasured you.
Again, I am very,very sorry but in the end,you did what was best FOR
GATOR...it's never easy to let go and let love guide you.

[tonyb286]

I am so sorry for your loss. You did everything you could in the short time you had and tried your best to help your little guy. My sincere condolences.

[Margot49]

Oh, how sad.  I am sorry you lost your sweet puppy but made the right decision.
Hugs.

[Skokk]

Update: Unfortunately Gator had a very very bad day yesterday, he had so mini seizures and was basically lifeless. We took him straight to the vet and he just laid there in our arms, couldn't even move his head. We had to do the right thing and put our poor baby to sleep, he was miserable and couldn't do the things a normal puppy would do. Thank you all so much for your help and kind words. We will miss our little buddy but he lived a good 11 months with the best family ever.

[Margot49]

I too am very sorry you are going through this with such a young dog and know it is heartbreaking.  
Yes, where did you get the pup from?  Have you contacted the breeder?  If they are a reputable breeder, they would certainly want to know they have a pup out there with these probkems and just might be honest if you ask if they have seen this before or in other litter mates.  
That being said, agree with the advice given.  Chem panels are very important, if they haven't been done.  Further testing, like an MRI might help get a definitive diagnosis but testing can add up in costs.  
Do you happen to have a Vet school near you?  If so, you might try seeing a neurologist there.
Just no easy answers unless you can get a definite diagnosis.
If you have faith in this Vet, then go by his recommendations as to if your puppy is suffering or there are still other options to consider.
Good luck and please come back to update!!

[tonyb286]

Hi. Sorry, but I think your response is inappropriate. At this stage, neither we nor the owner knows what may be causing this condition - and more importantly, whether it is treatable. It is therefore very inappropriate to consider it right or to support to put a potentially healthy puppy to sleep, without good reason.

Tony

[BluCrystal]

AAAWWW! (BIG HUGS)  I'm so SORRY.  In this case I think your parents are doing the right thing for the little guy, if they choose to put him to sleep.  No animal deserves to live a life of suffering and no fun, which is clearly happening with your fur baby.  Just give him all the love you can while he is here, and know that he will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge (google that) when the time is right.

[Misfits4Me]

I assume a full blood panel was done in the beginning? If not, it must be done to rule out a number of causes or point towards others......Possible Liver Shunt is the first thing I suspect.....Where did this puppy come from???? Again, there are many causes of seizures.....What is this puppy fed???? ANd treats??? Thanks

[tonyb286]

Seizures in a dog so young may be caused by a wide range of problems. For example, genetic faults could be the problem, in which case there may be no resolve to the issue, other than controlling it with medication for life. It could also be the result of poisoning or toxemia. This might even be something to do with what the puppy has been fed (some manufactured dog foods are very poor quality). It could also be the result of a recent head trauma, if he has banged himself while playing, etc. Brain tumors are also a possibility.

The first course of action is to have full blood and urine sample tests undertaken, which will help the vet identify a causative link. Has your vet done this?

The poor walking and lethargy are almost certainly side effects of the phenobarbital. If he's off this medication, the seizures may continue, but the side effects should subside over a matter of weeks.

Tony