Seizures

[katew888]

I've posted a lot of questions on here about epilepsy (my dog was diagnosed in October).  His medicine does not seem to be working, and we've upped it to 3 times per day (every 8 hours).  Also, the last 2 seizures he had occurred while he was asleep...he lifts his head as he wakes up and starts convulsing.  Has anyone experienced this?  Is this normal?  I have a huge fear that this is more than epilepsy...that it's a brain tumor.  I haven't had an MRI done, though (it's $2500!), and all 3 of my vets don't think that's likely at 1 yr. old and with no other symptoms.  But all 3 vets told me nothing was wrong with him before the seizures started, so I can't help but worry...

Please share thoughts if you have any experience.  My past 2 posts have gone unanswered :)
Kate

[peekawho]

Kate, you might also try posting this question on the Ask A Vet forum.  Dr. Cheng recently answered one similar:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/600762

She may be able to give you a couple of idease, too.  

Best of luck,
Peek

[sojka123]

Valium works well and is a simple pill.  (can be used IV in the hospital).  because it is a controlled drug the doc may be talking about the difficulty of the paperwork etc.  Texas A&M would be an outstanding place to go for help.  However, I'd exhaust the help you can get locally first.  should not be that difficult to control.  

[katew888]

I have read a lot (thanks in part to the link provided by peekawho!)on combination drugs with the phenobarbital, like potassium bromide, but I guess I assumed it was only done so to prevent liver levels from dysfunction (which his have not have problems with yet, phew).  I will definitely call on Monday to check  on how else we can adjust his medicine other than simply "upping" his phenobarb.

I might look into TX A&M, although it's several hours south.  Did you simply to a Google search for facilities near you?  

I actually got Care Credit with my dog who died from cancer this time last year and am still paying off that treatment, so that's on a hold.  Not sure how I'll ever have REAL kids one day when all I do is throw money at my vets for dogs ;)  Well worth it, though!

Any thoughts on Valium and how that helps?  In the most recent weeks, his seizures have occurred multiple times in a day, and I have friends who have used Valium after the first seizure in order to prevent more later in the day, but for some reason my primary vet says this is difficult to keep on hand and administer, etc...I would rather deal with difficulty administering than having to deal with 3+ per day!

Thanks so much,
Kate

[peekawho]

Has he been seen by anyone at a university-based veterinary teaching facility yet?  That would probably be my next move.

Surprisingly, sometimes costs can be lower there, since obviously, finances will be an issue.  Are you near any facility like that? Your vet may be able to help you locate the nearest place.

They have some of the most advanced knowledge in the field available to you there.  When our dog had bone cancer, every local vet we consulted said to put him down.  We took him to the Univ. of TN vet school, and he was given state of the art treatment, and lived another 3+ years.

It could be they will have some new ideas for investigating and controlling the seizures.  I hope so.  My heart goes out to you.

In case you need the info, you can also try a web site called CareCredit.  Google it.  You can apply for a credit card that is only used for Veterinary expenses.  

[sojka123]

Many find that anti-seizure drugs need to be given in mixtures and seem to have a synergistic effect.  Also when you find you are not controlling the seizures, then go ahead (with the Dr.'s guidance) dramatically increase the dose.  You have to do what it takes to control the seizures.  Once controlled, you can slowly decrease the meds until you notice another seizure.  then back up and you have "titrated" the dose of meds it takes to control the seizures.  Sounds like you are simply not on a high enough dose at present.  Also, ask your dr. about the combo of meds - this is commonly used.  

I agree, at 1 yr. very rare to have a brain tumor.  Epilepsy is much more common and it is sometimes not simple to find the right dose of meds to control.  also be aware that some epilepsy can be so severe as to not respond to treatment.  

sure hope you find a good answer.  Please call on Monday and see if they will research the right combo for you.