[kjc]

There are some issues I spotted in your post that give me concern... see highlighted text below:

Originally Posted by concretegurl

Thank you so much everyone. I read over each of your posts here and it really helps to feel so supported and not alone in this.

It has been a long struggle, too long.

We have had a neurological consult, a few months after I got Elvis after his first set of seizures, but because Elvis has cluster seizures in a spirratic pattern that has never been more than one session or cluster of them any closer than 3 months apart she recommended to be without medication.
Th neurologist didn't recommended bring him to her for full treatment until several steps had been accomplished with our veterinarian here.

Elvis was going for his second consult to access damage and evaluation of a treatment plan in July, which would be based on the seizure pattern..

This is acceptable protocol for dogs and humans, though it does depend on the type, duration and frequency of the seizures.

Originally Posted by concretegurl

So far the assessment of damage I see in his behavior has been Elvis seems to already have optical damage from the pressure on his optical nerve during seizures-he walks into things but randomly or is suddenly surprised when he touches something so it appears to be a depth perception issue in his right eye (he only walks into walls etc on his right side) but it was "cloudy" on the scan also he seems to have lost his sense of smell (if he really had it at all when I first got him).

Does this 'damage' resolve after a period of time after the seizure where he can function normally? This can happen in people too. My DD loses the ability to swallow effectively for up to 30 minutes after having a seizure. We monitor the length of the seizure, the frequency, and the 'recovery time' afterwards. Any changes in these responses gets her reevaluated. We also purchased a suction machine in order to keep her airway clear. She has had aspiration pneumonia 15 times in her lifetime as a result of this.

I remember reading something about the olfactory senses in people with seizure disorder but can't recall it now.

Originally Posted by concretegurl

my other dogs can sniff something out right away Elvis seems to have about the sense of smell of a person he smells things but has to exert a lot of effort to find it while my other dogs sniff it and go right to the smell.

Elvis also has knocked one tooth during a seizure-he had horrible dental issues when he came to me and despite originally being told we should consider having all his teeth pulled we have saved them at least for now).

Originally Posted by concretegurl

he literally jumped up from sleeping flew off the couch tried to run to me ran right past me and smacked into the brick fire place before falling over into constriction..

If his seizures occur frequently while sleeping, it may be safer to put him in a crate/playpen or Xpen to help protect him from harm. Many dogs will try to run away from things that scare them...

Originally Posted by concretegurl

Of course I was told to call back and schedule sooner if things worsened...but really we need someone on hand here not 7 hours away..

Originally Posted by concretegurl

Then I was stressed because he started to exhibit more of them in a closer succession so we started alternative treatments and basically triage (giving Valuim to interrupt after he had a seizure) nd he did receive (annal a potassium something) but he was only on an alternative medication for the last almost year and it obviously wasn't working..

We give crushed Valium rubbed on the gums ( due to her inability to swallow) during the seizure. It shortens the seizure for her, and prevents multiple seizures, in her case. There is a risk of getting bit, so many don't recommend it.

If it did prevent additional seizures for Elvis, then it was working. Changes in seizure activity can be caused by many things: growth and development, the body becoming immune to the intended effects of medications, etc.

Originally Posted by concretegurl

I'm feeling bad that I was doing all of this alternative treatments and going back and forth with conflicting advice and then what everyone was saying seemed common sense and I wasn't proactive enough being responsible for his care to make this decision before.

I was really relieved to hear one seizure is one too many and to feel justified in not being the crazy over zealous dog owner who thinks they know more than the experts. I went from being confused about this in the beginning to being frustrated it wasn't "fixed" right away, then frustrated I

Alldogboots thank you so much for that advice! I will definitely follow your lead and insist on it ever 6 months then. I was previously so worried after the concern of liver issues that in my mind anyone suggesting .

Originally Posted by concretegurl

pheno was following and old school treatment that was harmful-however I have to swallow my pride say I don't know what I'm talking about if it is working for others then I owe it to Elvis to try it-obviously what I was choosing wasn't working and it has been to his detriment..

Many medications can cause liver damage. This is something that will need to be monitored and it's use constantly weighed between the benefits and the risks. Denamarin is a liver protectant... maybe discuss using this with your vet. (or other similar products)

Originally Posted by concretegurl

I have noticed he is a little lethargic with the pheno, but then again he is always very lethargic after a set of seizures (also very edgy and anxious with both seem to translate into him just curling up on my feet or lap and literally not only being with me 24:7 but he has to be actually touching me somehow)..

His body and mind will need time to adjust to the new meds, and adjustments in the amount may be needed.

People with seizure disorder report feeling a sense of being lost, literally, after having a seizure. As Elvis loses his sight also, I can only imagine what he feels after an episode. He needs you to be near him as he recovers, you being there makes him feel safe, as he doesn't understand what is happening to him.

I do the same for my DD. I hold her hand, and talk softly to her, and ask her questions until I can determine if she's come all the way back yet. She understands English, but cannot speak other than yes or no, and sometimes confuses them. I stay by her side, touching her, until she is fully cognisant and functioning normally.

Originally Posted by concretegurl

Every-time this happens I go through this whole emotional phase of at first being so panicked, then mad because this is all so unfair, and then I catch myself up and try to figure out what to know, do next and to evaluate and process the next course of action..

It may help to accept that Elvis is a little dog with a seizure disorder. Feeling sorry for him does not help him, nor does it help him to feel your panic and anger. His care will involve extra work on your part, as it does with any Special Needs dogs or people. Also accept that he may not have a condition that can be 'fixed', only maintained. This will involve a lifetime of vets appointments, medications and monitoring, and changes as his body and mind grow and develop.

Originally Posted by concretegurl

It's so especially unfair he's such a great little (well big for a Yorkie) buy who already has enough medical issues epilepsy is just the icing on his short stick cake..

Originally Posted by concretegurl

I'm ready for this to be the cure or treatment that works, but I'm realizing I have to acknowledge this is forever and I'll probably have to reevaluate the next course of treatment with the vet & new neurology consult over the next 6 months or year all over again. .

I hope you have success with his new treatment plan, and he does well on the new meds. Don't set yourself up for disappointment though. If this does not work... there are many other medications that can be used.

This is a learning process, through which you will learn what is best for Elvis and you. Mistakes will be made, we are all human. Be in tune with his needs and do the best you can for him. And enjoy him.

Originally Posted by concretegurl

I really do appreciate how supportive and caring everyone is. Love you al so much kisses from Elvis and our whole family to you all.