4 seizures so far.Tests in hospital tomorrow - Page 4 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

feminvstr · 10-07-2005, 12:38 PM

Awww Maria I hope all goes well, finding out the problem is the hardest knowing the cure, have faith she will be better soon. Keep us posted

Beachitmom · 10-07-2005, 03:33 PM

I just got home with Roxy and the vet wasn't even there when I picked her up. The tech was there to explain things to me. No test results will be ready until Monday.

They put her on Phenobarbital - 2 a day. Now, how and why would they do that when they don't even know if it is a liver shunt yet!? Won't this hurt her if it is a shunt?

I read the post of the yorkie that died after seizure. Now I am even more freaked out.

I am at the end of my rope. I can't even think straight anymore. I still can't get over the fact that the vet wasn't there to explain things to me when I picked her up. I questioned the tech but she just repeated what the vet said. I think she should have at least called me. I think I am changing vets when I get the results back.

Roxy's Mom,
Maria

:mad

River · 10-07-2005, 04:18 PM

Maria, I am so sorry to hear about your Roxy girl! Seizures are sooooo hard to watch! We had a shep/wolfhound mix that started seizuring when she was 10wks old. She had one right after the other, about 25 in 1 day! We had tests done, nothing was ever found. They put her on Phenobarbitol and it was like a miracle drug! Her seizures were the "grand mal" where she completely contorted and fell over, it was awful to see in a 70lb dog! The phenobarb didn't stop them completely, she would have one about every 3 or 4 months, but I could deal with that. They told me she probably wouldn't live much past 5yrs, but she lived to be 15yrs old. Now my Jack Russell has seizures. She is on phenobarb and they have stopped with the meds. I will pray that you get some answers with the tests, the bile acid will tell you alot. My yorkie, Indy, just had liver shunt surgery about 1 month ago. Please let me know if he comes up with a shunt, I met some really great people with my struggle with Indy's liver shunt and can pass on some good info. Good luck, I'll keep little Roxy in my prayers!!

ademas · 10-07-2005, 06:20 PM

Hi Maria,
I owned a miniature doxie for years who had frequent seizures.
The only thing that controlled them to some degree was a dropper of potassium bromide every morning with her breakfast. It cut back on the seizures tremendously, but not entirely.
The valium worked good for her at the onset of the seizure. I never gave it to her until the she began to seize--then I would dissolve 10 mg. in a dropper full of water, and feed it to her orally. I would just hold her head back, pry her jaw open, squirt the dissolved valium in her mouth, and hold her head up until she swallowed it. If the seizure continued, I would dissolve another 5 mg. and give it to her 10 minutes later. I never went beyond 15 mgs.
The potassium bromide was a godsend.
We tried everything else, and nothing was as effective at preventing both the frequency and intensity of her seizures.
If the vet doesn't mention it to you as a possibility...ask! It's a very cheap prescription--about $7 for a 3-month supply!
my best to you and Roxy.

Beachitmom · 10-12-2005, 04:20 PM

Well, I am STILL at the end of my rope. Many of you read the whole seizure story that Roxy and my family went through. She went in for the tests on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7:45am. I have not gotten the test results back yet from the bile acid. What is going on? Is it my vet, or does it always take this long to get results back?

I have called everyday to find out if the results came in. The last time I called was yesterday and they were very annoyed with me. The front desk told me the doctor will call me when the results come in, I do not have to call them. Nice,Huh? I didn't call today, but I am calling tomorrow.

Just wanted to know how long it took to get results back if anyone had the test done.
Roxy's Mom,
Maria

Zoe's mommy · 10-12-2005, 04:26 PM

Dear Maria,
I can't believe you're STILL waiting for the bile acid results!?!?!? I've have them done on Zoe 3 times and I always got the results back the next day! When you call tomorrow, I'd ask them if they sent the blood samples by mail. They sometimes do that but most vets have messengers that drive the blood tests to the private labs... I would leave a message for the vet to call you. There is no reason for anyone being upset at you for calling. You are worried and you pay dearly for these tests. You ARE the customer! Don't worry, I've change vets 3 times because no one seemed knowledgeable about Liver Disease in Yorkies. If you want to "talk", please feel free to write to me personally (digitalsylvie@mac.com).
Hugs,
Sylvie

Beachitmom · 10-12-2005, 04:33 PM

Thanks Zoe's Mom. Thanks all I needed to know. I am going to start looking for a new vet. I put your email in my address book. Thanks for caring!
Roxy's Mom,
Maria

Zoe's mommy · 10-12-2005, 04:38 PM

My pleasure Maria! I've been there, I so much understand how must be feeling right now. Is Roxy feeling better? Please don't hesitate to e-mail me. I'd be happy to share all I know about this disease with you.
Hugs,
Sylvie

ecucurlyq77 · 10-13-2005, 02:25 AM

i agree with sylvie....max has had his bile acids tested twice and they both came back the next day. luckily my vet has been wonderful with max and returning my phone calls. i would look into finding another vet that is more customer oriented! also please feel free to email me if you have any questions about liver shunt....i don't have all of the answers, but i know what you are going through!!

Beachitmom · 10-13-2005, 12:44 PM

After waiting since last Friday, the tests are finally in.

Roxy has a urinary tract infection which I guess is totally unrelated.
Bile acid Pre eating-7.1 Post 45.3

The vet said that is not high enough for a liver shunt, but thinks she has some sort of liver disease. She wants to do an ultrasound. I am back to my original concern which is Roxy taking the Phenb. for her seizures. Won't this further damage her liver if something is wrong with her liver?

Blood work all came back normal.

Needless to say I am now looking for another vet. All of this information was left on my answering machine after I left my cell phone # for them. Anyway, I don't want to focus on that.

Any suggestions or input from these results? I know nothing and would appreciate any and all help!

Roxy's sort of relieved, but still worried Mom
Maria

GucciMyGirl · 10-13-2005, 03:39 PM

Maria .. I can't believe all that your going through, I see that you live in Southern NJ, I am in central nj and have a great vet. whom belongs to one of the best animal hospitals in the country. Let me know if you want the name and number here is my email address NJRealtor56@aol.com , email me and I will give you all the info.

Gina

Zoe's mommy · 10-13-2005, 04:26 PM

Maria, I've replied to the e-mail you sent me. Did you receive my reply?
Hugs,
Sylvie

Beachitmom · 10-14-2005, 05:30 AM

I can't thank everyone enough for all of the helpful info and caring notes while I have been going through this nightmare for the last week! I have learned so much and have been given information I would have never known had it not been for Yorkie talk (I sound like a commercial) but, it's true!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to help me! I will keep in touch and hopefully get Roxy on a diet and medication that she can live a LONG happy life with!

Roxy's Mom,
Maria

10-07-2005, 12:38 PM	#46
feminvstr Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 4,405	Awww Maria I hope all goes well, finding out the problem is the hardest knowing the cure, have faith she will be better soon. Keep us posted __________________ Kimberly

10-07-2005, 03:33 PM	#47
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 72	Update on Roxy I just got home with Roxy and the vet wasn't even there when I picked her up. The tech was there to explain things to me. No test results will be ready until Monday. They put her on Phenobarbital - 2 a day. Now, how and why would they do that when they don't even know if it is a liver shunt yet!? Won't this hurt her if it is a shunt? I read the post of the yorkie that died after seizure. Now I am even more freaked out. I am at the end of my rope. I can't even think straight anymore. I still can't get over the fact that the vet wasn't there to explain things to me when I picked her up. I questioned the tech but she just repeated what the vet said. I think she should have at least called me. I think I am changing vets when I get the results back. Roxy's Mom, Maria :mad

10-07-2005, 06:20 PM	#49
ademas No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Des Moines, WA Posts: 18	Hi Maria, I owned a miniature doxie for years who had frequent seizures. The only thing that controlled them to some degree was a dropper of potassium bromide every morning with her breakfast. It cut back on the seizures tremendously, but not entirely. The valium worked good for her at the onset of the seizure. I never gave it to her until the she began to seize--then I would dissolve 10 mg. in a dropper full of water, and feed it to her orally. I would just hold her head back, pry her jaw open, squirt the dissolved valium in her mouth, and hold her head up until she swallowed it. If the seizure continued, I would dissolve another 5 mg. and give it to her 10 minutes later. I never went beyond 15 mgs. The potassium bromide was a godsend. We tried everything else, and nothing was as effective at preventing both the frequency and intensity of her seizures. If the vet doesn't mention it to you as a possibility...ask! It's a very cheap prescription--about $7 for a 3-month supply! my best to you and Roxy. Last edited by ademas; 10-07-2005 at 06:25 PM.

10-12-2005, 04:20 PM	#50
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 72	No bile acid results yet!!! Well, I am STILL at the end of my rope. Many of you read the whole seizure story that Roxy and my family went through. She went in for the tests on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7:45am. I have not gotten the test results back yet from the bile acid. What is going on? Is it my vet, or does it always take this long to get results back? I have called everyday to find out if the results came in. The last time I called was yesterday and they were very annoyed with me. The front desk told me the doctor will call me when the results come in, I do not have to call them. Nice,Huh? I didn't call today, but I am calling tomorrow. Just wanted to know how long it took to get results back if anyone had the test done. Roxy's Mom, Maria

10-13-2005, 02:25 AM	#54
ecucurlyq77 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hampstead, North Carolina Posts: 46	i agree with sylvie....max has had his bile acids tested twice and they both came back the next day. luckily my vet has been wonderful with max and returning my phone calls. i would look into finding another vet that is more customer oriented! also please feel free to email me if you have any questions about liver shunt....i don't have all of the answers, but i know what you are going through!! __________________ Brooke & "Max"

10-07-2005, 04:18 PM	#48
River Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: PA Posts: 188	Maria, I am so sorry to hear about your Roxy girl! Seizures are sooooo hard to watch! We had a shep/wolfhound mix that started seizuring when she was 10wks old. She had one right after the other, about 25 in 1 day! We had tests done, nothing was ever found. They put her on Phenobarbitol and it was like a miracle drug! Her seizures were the "grand mal" where she completely contorted and fell over, it was awful to see in a 70lb dog! The phenobarb didn't stop them completely, she would have one about every 3 or 4 months, but I could deal with that. They told me she probably wouldn't live much past 5yrs, but she lived to be 15yrs old. Now my Jack Russell has seizures. She is on phenobarb and they have stopped with the meds. I will pray that you get some answers with the tests, the bile acid will tell you alot. My yorkie, Indy, just had liver shunt surgery about 1 month ago. Please let me know if he comes up with a shunt, I met some really great people with my struggle with Indy's liver shunt and can pass on some good info. Good luck, I'll keep little Roxy in my prayers!!

10-12-2005, 04:26 PM	#51
Zoe's mommy Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Québec, Canada Posts: 17	Dear Maria, I can't believe you're STILL waiting for the bile acid results!?!?!? I've have them done on Zoe 3 times and I always got the results back the next day! When you call tomorrow, I'd ask them if they sent the blood samples by mail. They sometimes do that but most vets have messengers that drive the blood tests to the private labs... I would leave a message for the vet to call you. There is no reason for anyone being upset at you for calling. You are worried and you pay dearly for these tests. You ARE the customer! Don't worry, I've change vets 3 times because no one seemed knowledgeable about Liver Disease in Yorkies. If you want to "talk", please feel free to write to me personally (digitalsylvie@mac.com). Hugs, Sylvie

10-12-2005, 04:33 PM	#52
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 72	Thanks Zoe's Mom. Thanks all I needed to know. I am going to start looking for a new vet. I put your email in my address book. Thanks for caring! Roxy's Mom, Maria

10-12-2005, 04:38 PM	#53
Zoe's mommy Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Québec, Canada Posts: 17	My pleasure Maria! I've been there, I so much understand how must be feeling right now. Is Roxy feeling better? Please don't hesitate to e-mail me. I'd be happy to share all I know about this disease with you. Hugs, Sylvie

10-13-2005, 12:44 PM	#55
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 72	Tests FINALLY in! After waiting since last Friday, the tests are finally in. Roxy has a urinary tract infection which I guess is totally unrelated. Bile acid Pre eating-7.1 Post 45.3 The vet said that is not high enough for a liver shunt, but thinks she has some sort of liver disease. She wants to do an ultrasound. I am back to my original concern which is Roxy taking the Phenb. for her seizures. Won't this further damage her liver if something is wrong with her liver? Blood work all came back normal. Needless to say I am now looking for another vet. All of this information was left on my answering machine after I left my cell phone # for them. Anyway, I don't want to focus on that. Any suggestions or input from these results? I know nothing and would appreciate any and all help! Roxy's sort of relieved, but still worried Mom Maria

10-13-2005, 03:39 PM	#56
GucciMyGirl YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 550	Maria .. I can't believe all that your going through, I see that you live in Southern NJ, I am in central nj and have a great vet. whom belongs to one of the best animal hospitals in the country. Let me know if you want the name and number here is my email address NJRealtor56@aol.com , email me and I will give you all the info. Gina

10-13-2005, 04:26 PM	#57
Zoe's mommy Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Québec, Canada Posts: 17	Maria, I've replied to the e-mail you sent me. Did you receive my reply? Hugs, Sylvie

10-14-2005, 05:30 AM	#58
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 72	YorkieTalk is the Best! I can't thank everyone enough for all of the helpful info and caring notes while I have been going through this nightmare for the last week! I have learned so much and have been given information I would have never known had it not been for Yorkie talk (I sound like a commercial) but, it's true! Thanks to everyone who took the time to help me! I will keep in touch and hopefully get Roxy on a diet and medication that she can live a LONG happy life with! Roxy's Mom, Maria