Unfortunately, we don't have a pets forum, or I would have posted there. So, I hope no one is offended by my asking a dog related question here. Sorry.
So, here's the situation, my corgi, Widget, has epilepsy. He goes into status epilepticus, which usually lasts an hour, to an hour and a half.
In fact, he's sleeping off the aftermath of a bad episode at my feet right now.
The vet told me I could put him on daily phenobarbital, which will eventually damage his liver and/or kidneys and probably shorten his life, and if I forget to give it to him it could cause a seizure. Or, I could just expect this to happen every couple months, which seems to be his regular cycle.
I've had a couple seizures caused by adrenalin hypersensitivity, but they were random one off events. Nothing regular. So, while stress definitely plays a large part in the timing of Widge's seizures, I doubt that's the only factor, (too regular). I do however, think the recent degree of non-routine activity around the house, may have caused his seizure today. I've just bought a house in another state, and am presently, getting my current house ready to go on the market. So, there's been contractors in and out, and packing, and really no surprise, my dog ended up having an hour long seizure.
My questions are: Do any of you guys have regular, but widely spaced seizures, that are not controlled by meds.? Or is everyone on anti-seize meds.? If so, do you feel there's any quality of life trade-off. I've heard they can make one sleepy. And if there's something out now that's less damaging to the liver, I wonder if it might be safe and available for my dog. My vet said there's only one pharmaceutical option. Seems to me that can't be right.
Your thoughts? And thanks in advance.
08 Dec 2011, 1:39 pm
