Confused, Severe First Seizure, HELP! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

smallmans · 10-18-2015, 11:44 AM

Our beloved Bella had a severe seizure on Wednesday a.m. Lost control of legs,
arched back, neck to side, eyes fixed and dilated, all 4 legs straight and rigid, loss of bladder/bowel control, drooling. Lasted 5-8 minutes.
Took her to local vet, checked her out, found no heart issues, etc. Said she should be back to normal tomorrow. Well, she wasn't. So we took her back.
Acting lethargic, yelped in pain, fearful, wobbly, wouldn't eat or drink. Hid under bed all day.
Vet did bloodwork. Took her home to wait for results. Next a.m. ALL bloodworm normal. Suggested ultrasound.
Now Friday. Took her to emergency/specialist veterinary hospital. Thorough exam and lots of questions. Did bile acid test/ normal and full abdominal ultrasound. No problems with organs, liver etc.
So, told us it was either a brain lesion or epilepsy. Put her on Zonisamide 15 MG 2 times a day.
She's had 2 doses of medicine.
Still very lethargic and sleeping alot. Remains in her favorite travel bag. Seems hesitant to walk initially. Not happy and bouncy as she was before the seizure.
The vet said her seizure was so severe it could take 7 days for her to return to her new normal. This is day #4 post seizure. She has been through the ringer with 3 vet visits, blood draws, exams, ultrasound etc. She is 7 years old and 6 lbs.
Any insight to help me calm down would be great. I don't want her to have this as he quality of life if it is epilepsy or a brain tumor. Am I expecting too much too soon as far as recovery?

Maximo · 10-18-2015, 11:53 AM

Poor Bella! I am sorry for your little girl and you that you are going through this. I do not have any experience in this area or advice to offer, but I wanted to extend my support and best wishes for you.

There are many other people here who have been through this with their pups, so I know they will be able to offer advice.

Juliealfies mum · 10-18-2015, 11:56 AM

It can take a few days to get back to normal especially since this is the first episode. Our little Alfie has epilepsy and has had many many seizures over the years , he is now 10 but he is on medication and leads a good life , with his medication he can go quite a few weeks with out seizure and then he has one so we feel his quality of life is good . Hopefully your little one gets better and it may be a one off , just wait to see how the tests go and try not to get her over excited about anything . You may notice she sleeps a little more at present and the meds can take a few weeks to balance out and her system has to get used to them . I hope that you get good results with the tests.

Yorkiemom1 · 10-18-2015, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallmans

Our beloved Bella had a severe seizure on Wednesday a.m. Lost control of legs,
arched back, neck to side, eyes fixed and dilated, all 4 legs straight and rigid, loss of bladder/bowel control, drooling. Lasted 5-8 minutes.
Took her to local vet, checked her out, found no heart issues, etc. Said she should be back to normal tomorrow. Well, she wasn't. So we took her back.
Acting lethargic, yelped in pain, fearful, wobbly, wouldn't eat or drink. Hid under bed all day.
Vet did bloodwork. Took her home to wait for results. Next a.m. ALL bloodworm normal. Suggested ultrasound.
Now Friday. Took her to emergency/specialist veterinary hospital. Thorough exam and lots of questions. Did bile acid test/ normal and full abdominal ultrasound. No problems with organs, liver etc.
So, told us it was either a brain lesion or epilepsy. Put her on Zonisamide 15 MG 2 times a day.
She's had 2 doses of medicine.
Still very lethargic and sleeping alot. Remains in her favorite travel bag. Seems hesitant to walk initially. Not happy and bouncy as she was before the seizure.
The vet said her seizure was so severe it could take 7 days for her to return to her new normal. This is day #4 post seizure. She has been through the ringer with 3 vet visits, blood draws, exams, ultrasound etc. She is 7 years old and 6 lbs.
Any insight to help me calm down would be great. I don't want her to have this as he quality of life if it is epilepsy or a brain tumor. Am I expecting too much too soon as far as recovery?

I am so sorry you are experiencing this, and heart breaks for your little girl trying to work thru this event. I would encourage you to give it some time to stabilize, see if the meds work....may need dosage adjustments....darlings lethargy could be from the seizure itself, as well as the medication. You have to clear your mind, take some deep breaths, and regain your control over your situation.....it is so nerve wracking, believe me I know....I can sit here all calm and advise you what to do, but I remember the panic, the screaming and the crying and the frantic drive to emergency vet office, so I know full well what you are experiencing....that is a normal reaction to emergency events, and seeing your baby having a seizure will kill you!

Now she is on medication protocols....vet is absolutely correct about taking time for her brain cells to get all aligned correctly post seizure, so give that a chance to happen. I am re-reading your post for a definitive diagnosis...have you gotten to the cause of the event? If you have not seen a neurologist specialist, that would be my next step.....or I have always beat a hot path to A&M vet school....you have all your specialties under one roof there or ANY vet school, with all the latest equipment...everyone can get in on the treatment plan, in the event this is caused from something other than brain/neurological issues.....

Try to take some deep breaths and remain calm....easy for ME to say.....but you have her on an even keel at this moment, so now is when you formulate a treatment plan. I am so sorry you are experiencing this....it is so traumatic to witness seizures.....you are on an even keel and calm waters for the time being, so now is when you can formulate your plan. After you get a firm diagnosis and treatment with expected outcomes, then you can start thinking about other issues related to this unfortunate baby's medical crisis. Just remember to take it one step at a time, and get clear and affirmative diagnosis/prognosis every step of the way.....then you can with clear mind evaluate your next steps and the direction you will take. We here at Rosehill are praying for you and your baby girl.....

Russpilot · 10-18-2015, 07:43 PM

Praying that your lil pup will be ok. Did the vet prescribe Keppra? It is what they give dog post liver surgery to prevent seizures.

Cindy_17 · 10-18-2015, 08:27 PM

Praying for Bella and your family!

matese · 10-19-2015, 01:55 AM

Keeping little Bella in my prayers and thoughts.

107barney · 10-19-2015, 03:22 AM

Hang in there. My dog Teddy has been on zonisamide for five years (since he was 2). It can take a few days to see if it is sedating. Teddy takes 50mg twice a day which is a maximum dose and he has a couple of seizures a year. His seizures are severe and he recovers within 10 minutes. I've never seen the effects of seizures last days. You need a veterinary neurologist. If you can afford an MRI and spinal tap I would have them done.

Yorkiemom1 · 10-19-2015, 12:33 PM

I keep checking back to see how you and your baby are doing....concerned for you....hope all is still at least, on an even keel.

Buster Brown · 10-19-2015, 03:41 PM

Sending prayers and best wishes for sweet Bella and hugs to you.

smallmans · 11-09-2015, 12:09 AM

Bella has been diagnosed with a brain lesion. She is take Zonisamide and Rimidil daily to keep her comfortable. She sleeps alot and has about 5 hours 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or so that she seems almost like herself. My heart is breaking. I can't imagine life without her. We are enjoying every moment we have with her. Can't say anymore. Vet said we have to decide when we think her "quality of life" is not good. I can't imagine euthanizing her! But, I don't want her to "crash" and be in a BAD way, that's not how I want to remember her. If you have euthanized a pet, stayed with them through it, etc. could you tell me about your experience. Also aftercare decisios you made, burial, cremation, etc. I can't sleep through the night right now, I wake up and think about life without her and just cry. I love her so much my heart actually aches. 7 years has not been enough time. I've lost pets, cats, before but have never had the depth of feeling I do now. Any words of wisdom, suggestions for coping, etc. would be a blessing to me. I love my little Bella and don't want to say good-bye!

Juliealfies mum · 11-09-2015, 12:18 AM

I'm so sorry you have had this result, all you can do is keep a watch on her and her quality of life , I have been in your shoes and feel your pain , be guided by your instincts and support from your vet. I have in the past kept a Yorkie too long and it is the biggest regret of my life , I was very young and I loved him so much that I could not see the full extent of his little failing, but I did get him put to sleep and it was so peaceful I stayed with him till the end it's not easy but it our biggest gift that we can give to ensure that they do not suffer, you will get good advice from here but only you can decide what is right for you and your little one, I will keep you in my thoughts.

Cindy_17 · 11-09-2015, 05:29 AM

I am so sorry for what you and Bella are going through. I have never had to euthanize, for that I am thankful, but I lost Jingle suddenly in January and had to make decisions about aftercare quickly. I was so distraught and devastated I didn't know what to do. We are fortunate that a local funeral home also cremated "pets" (Jingle was more than a pet to me). So I decided on cremation and I am so glad I did. The funeral home was professional and never made me feel rushed, but treated us with respect and love. Jingle was cremated by himself and not with other dogs/cats, it is his ashes alone that I have, and that is a comfort to me. He will now be with me forever, if I move during retirement etc., he will be with me, and when I pass he will be buried with me. He would have wanted to be with us, and I definitely want him with me. Again I am so sorry for what y'all are going through, take one day at a time, one minute at a time if the need be, don't be hard on yourself and don't expect too much out of yourself too soon.

Buster Brown · 11-10-2015, 09:46 AM

I am so sorry to hear of what poor Bella and you are dealing with. I know when we had to put our cat to sleep we had a Vet come to our home and when Jack had to put his beloved dog to sleep they did it at his favorite park. You may be able to find a Vet that does that near you. I plan on having Buster cremated and to keep his ashes with me like Cindy17. I am so sorry that you have to face this hard decision, hugs and prayers.

chestermama · 11-13-2015, 04:45 AM

Im so sorry for the news, sending prayers

10-18-2015, 11:44 AM	#1
smallmans YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 313	Confused, Severe First Seizure, HELP! Our beloved Bella had a severe seizure on Wednesday a.m. Lost control of legs, arched back, neck to side, eyes fixed and dilated, all 4 legs straight and rigid, loss of bladder/bowel control, drooling. Lasted 5-8 minutes. Took her to local vet, checked her out, found no heart issues, etc. Said she should be back to normal tomorrow. Well, she wasn't. So we took her back. Acting lethargic, yelped in pain, fearful, wobbly, wouldn't eat or drink. Hid under bed all day. Vet did bloodwork. Took her home to wait for results. Next a.m. ALL bloodworm normal. Suggested ultrasound. Now Friday. Took her to emergency/specialist veterinary hospital. Thorough exam and lots of questions. Did bile acid test/ normal and full abdominal ultrasound. No problems with organs, liver etc. So, told us it was either a brain lesion or epilepsy. Put her on Zonisamide 15 MG 2 times a day. She's had 2 doses of medicine. Still very lethargic and sleeping alot. Remains in her favorite travel bag. Seems hesitant to walk initially. Not happy and bouncy as she was before the seizure. The vet said her seizure was so severe it could take 7 days for her to return to her new normal. This is day #4 post seizure. She has been through the ringer with 3 vet visits, blood draws, exams, ultrasound etc. She is 7 years old and 6 lbs. Any insight to help me calm down would be great. I don't want her to have this as he quality of life if it is epilepsy or a brain tumor. Am I expecting too much too soon as far as recovery?

10-18-2015, 11:53 AM	#2
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	Poor Bella! I am sorry for your little girl and you that you are going through this. I do not have any experience in this area or advice to offer, but I wanted to extend my support and best wishes for you. There are many other people here who have been through this with their pups, so I know they will be able to offer advice. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

10-18-2015, 11:56 AM	#3
Juliealfies mum YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: scotland Posts: 2,224	It can take a few days to get back to normal especially since this is the first episode. Our little Alfie has epilepsy and has had many many seizures over the years , he is now 10 but he is on medication and leads a good life , with his medication he can go quite a few weeks with out seizure and then he has one so we feel his quality of life is good . Hopefully your little one gets better and it may be a one off , just wait to see how the tests go and try not to get her over excited about anything . You may notice she sleeps a little more at present and the meds can take a few weeks to balance out and her system has to get used to them . I hope that you get good results with the tests. __________________ From Julie Alfie & Lottie

10-18-2015, 07:43 PM	#5
Russpilot Donating 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 881	Praying that your lil pup will be ok. Did the vet prescribe Keppra? It is what they give dog post liver surgery to prevent seizures. __________________ Russ, Denise, Bella and Bailey .

10-18-2015, 08:27 PM	#6
Cindy_17 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Murrells Inlet SC Posts: 656	Praying for Bella and your family! __________________ Blessed Mommy to Presley, Bama & Holly My angel RIP Jingle

10-19-2015, 01:55 AM	#7
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 67,952	Keeping little Bella in my prayers and thoughts. __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

10-19-2015, 03:22 AM	#8
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	Hang in there. My dog Teddy has been on zonisamide for five years (since he was 2). It can take a few days to see if it is sedating. Teddy takes 50mg twice a day which is a maximum dose and he has a couple of seizures a year. His seizures are severe and he recovers within 10 minutes. I've never seen the effects of seizures last days. You need a veterinary neurologist. If you can afford an MRI and spinal tap I would have them done. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

10-19-2015, 12:33 PM	#9
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	I keep checking back to see how you and your baby are doing....concerned for you....hope all is still at least, on an even keel.

10-19-2015, 03:41 PM	#10
Buster Brown Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toluca Lake, CA Posts: 5,491	Sending prayers and best wishes for sweet Bella and hugs to you. __________________ CarolynBuster Brown "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

11-09-2015, 12:09 AM	#11
smallmans YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 313	Update on Bella/Help With Euthanzsia Process????? Bella has been diagnosed with a brain lesion. She is take Zonisamide and Rimidil daily to keep her comfortable. She sleeps alot and has about 5 hours 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or so that she seems almost like herself. My heart is breaking. I can't imagine life without her. We are enjoying every moment we have with her. Can't say anymore. Vet said we have to decide when we think her "quality of life" is not good. I can't imagine euthanizing her! But, I don't want her to "crash" and be in a BAD way, that's not how I want to remember her. If you have euthanized a pet, stayed with them through it, etc. could you tell me about your experience. Also aftercare decisios you made, burial, cremation, etc. I can't sleep through the night right now, I wake up and think about life without her and just cry. I love her so much my heart actually aches. 7 years has not been enough time. I've lost pets, cats, before but have never had the depth of feeling I do now. Any words of wisdom, suggestions for coping, etc. would be a blessing to me. I love my little Bella and don't want to say good-bye!

11-09-2015, 12:18 AM	#12
Juliealfies mum YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: scotland Posts: 2,224	I'm so sorry you have had this result, all you can do is keep a watch on her and her quality of life , I have been in your shoes and feel your pain , be guided by your instincts and support from your vet. I have in the past kept a Yorkie too long and it is the biggest regret of my life , I was very young and I loved him so much that I could not see the full extent of his little failing, but I did get him put to sleep and it was so peaceful I stayed with him till the end it's not easy but it our biggest gift that we can give to ensure that they do not suffer, you will get good advice from here but only you can decide what is right for you and your little one, I will keep you in my thoughts. __________________ From Julie Alfie & Lottie

11-09-2015, 05:29 AM	#13
Cindy_17 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Murrells Inlet SC Posts: 656	I am so sorry for what you and Bella are going through. I have never had to euthanize, for that I am thankful, but I lost Jingle suddenly in January and had to make decisions about aftercare quickly. I was so distraught and devastated I didn't know what to do. We are fortunate that a local funeral home also cremated "pets" (Jingle was more than a pet to me). So I decided on cremation and I am so glad I did. The funeral home was professional and never made me feel rushed, but treated us with respect and love. Jingle was cremated by himself and not with other dogs/cats, it is his ashes alone that I have, and that is a comfort to me. He will now be with me forever, if I move during retirement etc., he will be with me, and when I pass he will be buried with me. He would have wanted to be with us, and I definitely want him with me. Again I am so sorry for what y'all are going through, take one day at a time, one minute at a time if the need be, don't be hard on yourself and don't expect too much out of yourself too soon. __________________ Blessed Mommy to Presley, Bama & Holly My angel RIP Jingle

11-10-2015, 09:46 AM	#14
Buster Brown Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toluca Lake, CA Posts: 5,491	I am so sorry to hear of what poor Bella and you are dealing with. I know when we had to put our cat to sleep we had a Vet come to our home and when Jack had to put his beloved dog to sleep they did it at his favorite park. You may be able to find a Vet that does that near you. I plan on having Buster cremated and to keep his ashes with me like Cindy17. I am so sorry that you have to face this hard decision, hugs and prayers. __________________ CarolynBuster Brown "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

11-13-2015, 04:45 AM	#15
chestermama YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: washington Posts: 3,383 Blog Entries: 1	Im so sorry for the news, sending prayers