Max seizures or anxiety?

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Ok, she just called. I am not familiar with the normal levels of bile acids. She said the both Max's pre-meal and post-meal BAT results were elevated in the 40s. She is sending his record over to the specialists in the morning, and I will call for an appt. ASAP. She wants me to set up the appt with internal medicine rather than neuro, as they can consult each other since they are in the same office. Thoughts?

Manolos pre and post were about in the 40. That sound to me more like MVD. But I am no Doctor. Think about what you have been feeding. Any changes, High Protein? Praying for you and your baby everyday....God Bless...Lissette

[orlnurse]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

Manolos pre and post were about in the 40. That sound to me more like MVD. But I am no Doctor. Think about what you have been feeding. Any changes, High Protein? Praying for you and your baby everyday....God Bless...Lissette

No changes. I dont give him fatty or high protein treats. He eats wellness simple solution duck and rice formula for his IBD. They may see something on the abdominal ultrasound today when looking at the liver?

[orlnurse]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Lesley again you are doing such a great job getting the answers. You'll soon have all of them.

BTW, Teddy is on a drug called Zonisamide (name brand Zonegran) 25 mg every twelve hours. It requires no liver monitoring at all, in fact, I never have to do anything outside of treat him as a normal dog. So, if Phenobarbital is not suitable, maybe Zonisamide is worth asking about. It is a newer drug and more expensive but I am able to get it discounted through the Angell Memorial Pharmacy. BTW, Teddy suffered four severe generalized seizures in his two years of life that involved his whole brain before he was placed on Zonisamide and it has worked very well to eliminate his seizures so far.

I'll be checking for your updates!

Thank you for the encouragement Cathy

[orlnurse]

The neurologist just called. GOOD news so far. The MRI appeared normal as well as the abdominal ultrasound. She took a look at the CSF fluid which she thought looked normal but we are waiting for the official results from the lab. I'll bring him home tonight and take him in the morning for the repeat BAT.

I am crying with relief right now....thank you for your prayers. I was fearing the worst.

[ladyjane]

Oh, what wonderful news! I am so happy for you!

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

The neurologist just called. GOOD news so far. The MRI appeared normal as well as the abdominal ultrasound. She took a look at the CSF fluid which she thought looked normal but we are waiting for the official results from the lab. I'll bring him home tonight and take him in the morning for the repeat BAT.

I am crying with relief right now....thank you for your prayers. I was fearing the worst.

I'm so happy for you!! Sending continued prayers for more good news tomorrow.

Bonny

[AllDogBoots]

Oh this is wonderful! I have tears of joy right now as I know exactly what you are going through!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

The neurologist just called. GOOD news so far. The MRI appeared normal as well as the abdominal ultrasound. She took a look at the CSF fluid which she thought looked normal but we are waiting for the official results from the lab. I'll bring him home tonight and take him in the morning for the repeat BAT.

I am crying with relief right now....thank you for your prayers. I was fearing the worst.

Awesome! Max is so lucky to have you.

[orlnurse]

Thank you everyone...30 minutes later and I'm still crying with joy!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Thank you everyone...30 minutes later and I'm still crying with joy!

Awwww. Here is a group hug for you

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Thank you everyone...30 minutes later and I'm still crying with joy!

Yay, keep crying! What's the next step? Waiting for the CSF fluid? Do you know what that could reveal? I'm not terribly familiar with all the terminology but am learning.

[orlnurse]

Needed that group hug for sure!

The CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) from the spinal tap will reveal if any infection such as a virus caused the seizures. i.e. encephalitis. She took a look, I'm assuming with a microscope and said it looked normal to her but we're waiting for the lab to confirm it.

The next step is to repeat the BAT in the a.m. to determine if his liver can handle the phenobarb or if he needs to be on something else. I guess with everything ruled out they can conclude that it is ideopathic epilepsy.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Needed that group hug for sure!

The CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) from the spinal tap will reveal if any infection such as a virus caused the seizures. i.e. encephalitis. She took a look, I'm assuming with a microscope and said it looked normal to her but we're waiting for the lab to confirm it.

The next step is to repeat the BAT in the a.m. to determine if his liver can handle the phenobarb or if he needs to be on something else. I guess with everything ruled out they can conclude that it is ideopathic epilepsy.

Has he been on the phenobarb since that first dose? How have his seizures been with it?

[orlnurse]

He got a loading dose of phenobarb Sat nite at the ER after the last seizure. They started him on pills Sunday and he's been on them since then. No more seizures to report since the one he had at the ER

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

He got a loading dose of phenobarb Sat nite at the ER after the last seizure. They started him on pills Sunday and he's been on them since then. No more seizures to report since the one he had at the ER

That's good, in case it does turn out to be idiopathic epilepsy. My Becca was diagnosed with that and she took Phenobarbital for years with great results.