Max seizures or anxiety?

[107barney]

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.

Yes that is true. Epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Yes that is true. Epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion.

That's almost exactly what my vet said to me when he had finally ruled out all other causes for Becca's seizures. At the time, I hated not having a concrete reason for the seizures but it got easier as I saw the phenobarb almost stop them completely.

[orlnurse]

I am so relieved...I just want to go get my boy!

[Ladymom]

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.

Wonderful news!

Lady has been living with idiopathic epilepsy since she was four and she will be 16 this year. In most cases it can be controlled with medications and doesn't affect life expectancy.

[Maximo]

I am very happy for you and your Max!!

[orlnurse]

I don't think the neurologist in completely convinced that its seizures although the vet at the ER said based on the one she saw she felt that it was an atypical focal seizure. The neurologist said to continue on the PB for now and we'll know if we don't see anymore seizures that it was actually seizures. I'm just thrilled that there is no tumor or any structural abnormality of the liver.

I'll report the results of the follow up BAT when I get them.

[YorkichonBella]

So glad to hear the good news. HUGS! Max, u r surrounded with Love & Prayers. Hope tomorrow will be good too.

[yorkieusa]

I'm so happy for you. Sending you and Max my very best wishes. I know you must feel like a load has been lifted from your shoulders.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

I don't think the neurologist in completely convinced that its seizures although the vet at the ER said based on the one she saw she felt that it was an atypical focal seizure. The neurologist said to continue on the PB for now and we'll know if we don't see anymore seizures that it was actually seizures. I'm just thrilled that there is no tumor or any structural abnormality of the liver.

I'll report the results of the follow up BAT when I get them.

If not seizures, then what is her theory about the inappropriate mental behavior, running and bumping into things, and the loss of bladder/bowel control?

Also how's Max doing?

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by 107barney

If not seizures, then what is her theory about the inappropriate mental behavior, running and bumping into things, and the loss of bladder/bowel control?

Also how's Max doing?

I was thinking about this as well and thinking last night that what was described in the initial post doesn't sound like an atypical focal seizure, at least from my experience.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I was thinking about this as well and thinking last night that what was described in the initial post doesn't sound like an atypical focal seizure, at least from my experience.

No, it does not sound like a focal seizure to me either. This sounded like the dog had a series of severe generalized seizures (cluster seizures). I am really interested in the neurologist's theory - and certainly she must have one to recommend an MRI, CSF test, and medicate the dog with phenobarbital. She must have reviewed the ER records where the dog needed diazepam and propofol to reverse the "seizure" it had while there - what did she make of that vet's report?

[orlnurse]

Now that I think about it I'm not sure that the ER vet said it was focal. But she did say atypical for sure. The neurologist thinks there is a fine line between the previous seizures and behavioral issues. She does believe the seizure at the ER was a seizure however. She just said she would like to see me than the short video that I have. We were in the car and it was a bit dark. Waiting for the BAT that was done this am are back. The pre prandial was slightly elevated. And post prandial was totally normal. So far the plan is to continue the phenobarb and see if he tolerates that well. She does not think we need to see a behaviorist as she thinks it is more likely to be seizure activity.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Now that I think about it I'm not sure that the ER vet said it was focal. But she did say atypical for sure. The neurologist thinks there is a fine line between the previous seizures and behavioral issues. She does believe the seizure at the ER was a seizure however. She just said she would like to see me than the short video that I have. We were in the car and it was a bit dark. Waiting for the BAT that was done this am are back. The pre prandial was slightly elevated. And post prandial was totally normal. So far the plan is to continue the phenobarb and see if he tolerates that well. She does not think we need to see a behaviorist as she thinks it is more likely to be seizure activity.

This all sounds very good to me. My Max was diagnosed with idiopathic focal seizures/idiopathic head bobbing and the seizures were nothing like you described.

How is Max feeling? Is he getting a little more energy?

[107barney]

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Now that I think about it I'm not sure that the ER vet said it was focal. But she did say atypical for sure. The neurologist thinks there is a fine line between the previous seizures and behavioral issues. She does believe the seizure at the ER was a seizure however.

I have a very hard time with the theory that a dog is bumping into objects and acting frantically coupled with loss of bladder/bowel control as a behavioral issue. If dog behavior is that abhorrent to cause the dog to defecate and urinate on itself and bump into objects frantically and vocalize abnormally then I would be going to a behaviorist (and it would have to be one few board certified animal behaviorist vets in the country).

Originally Posted by orlnurse

Waiting for the BAT that was done this am are back. The pre prandial was slightly elevated. And post prandial was totally normal.

So they did the BAT in house? What was the explanation for the elevations a few days ago and now normal?

[107barney]

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