Rhianna spent the night in the hospital

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Mom2TwoYorkies

Thanks Karen.

Do you know how long I should expect her to be not herself? They told me this morning she is groggy from the pheno and that it may take 2 - 3 weeks for her to adjust.

They also said she may have increased thirst/hunger, frequent urination, grogginess, etc . . .

I'm kind of scared if she comes home today and just lays around . . .

Everything stated above sounds very accurate to what Max experienced. To be honest with you, Max could barely function when he just started pheno and also when his dosage increased. He was extremely groggy and could hardly even walk for the first few days. He was also very thirsty and had an insatiable appetite as well as frequent urination, which made potty training horrible. If she stays on pheno, those things will eventually level out and become completely unnoticed.

She will come home today and just lay around. As far as increased appetite I would recommend finding very light treats to give her. I gave Max Gerber Puffs and he really enjoyed them.

Don't think about her being on medicine forever. It's one day at a time. I have been told by numerous vets that seizures do not require medication unless they are frequent (TBD by vet, I suppose). Even once/month seizures may not be frequent enough to require medication.

[Mom2TwoYorkies]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Everything stated above sounds very accurate to what Max experienced. To be honest with you, Max could barely function when he just started pheno and also when his dosage increased. He was extremely groggy and could hardly even walk for the first few days. He was also very thirsty and had an insatiable appetite as well as frequent urination, which made potty training horrible. If she stays on pheno, those things will eventually level out and become completely unnoticed.

She will come home today and just lay around. As far as increased appetite I would recommend finding very light treats to give her. I gave Max Gerber Puffs and he really enjoyed them.

Don't think about her being on medicine forever. It's one day at a time. I have been told by numerous vets that seizures do not require medication unless they are frequent (TBD by vet, I suppose). Even once/month seizures may not be frequent enough to require medication.

Thanks. I'm new to all of this . . last time she came home and was groggy and not herself was when she was spayed . . .it's hard on me and on Brody who's been beside himself looking for her . ..

I too, will take it one day at a time . . .I just feel so helpless . . .

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Mom2TwoYorkies

Thanks. I'm new to all of this . . last time she came home and was groggy and not herself was when she was spayed . . .it's hard on me and on Brody who's been beside himself looking for her . ..

I too, will take it one day at a time . . .I just feel so helpless . . .

You aren't helpless at all! You are giving your baby medicine that's going to make her feel better.

[Mom2TwoYorkies]

Just got off the phone with the vet and she feels that Rhianna is ready to come home today!! She's had no additional seizures and is doing well, or so I'm told . . .Soooo we can get her between 4 - 6. We'll be there promptly at 4!

Can't wait to kiss my little girl . . .we call her Sissy . . .she's the love of our lives . . .she's such a little spit fire! She's always so happy and talkative and she just loves to be by your side . . .

Brody is napping now, but I told him we're going to get Rhianna soon and he perked right up!

I'll give an update later this evening after we all get settled down.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I would consider going to a board certified neurologist for an opinion. The fact that she had a head injury and now the seizures are getting worse would concern me.

Other meds for seizures are now being used that don't have the side effects that phenobarbitol can have.

I am a very strong advocate of "cut to the chase"! We know we have this issue, we know what apparently caused it initially, and now that they are changing in character...frequency, duration, etc., time for a SPECIALIST!
Cant find a neuro.specialist near you? Go to the nearest vet school, where they have specialist and equipment to accurately diagnose and treat issues. Prayers for your little girl...this is all so emotionally draining for you, as well as what effects it is having on the baby....just get her to a specialist and they can guide you effectively through a course of action. They will also be up to date on all the best medications for this particular situation and dog.

[Mom2TwoYorkies]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I am a very strong advocate of "cut to the chase"! We know we have this issue, we know what apparently caused it initially, and now that they are changing in character...frequency, duration, etc., time for a SPECIALIST!
Cant find a neuro.specialist near you? Go to the nearest vet school, where they have specialist and equipment to accurately diagnose and treat issues. Prayers for your little girl...this is all so emotionally draining for you, as well as what effects it is having on the baby....just get her to a specialist and they can guide you effectively through a course of action. They will also be up to date on all the best medications for this particular situation and dog.

Yes, me as well, and I will be conferring with my vet this week with regards to additional testing.

Thank you for the prayers.

[Perrella]

Aw...poor baby and so very worrisome for you. Sending prayers for your sweet Rhianna.

[Mom2TwoYorkies]

Showed up at the hospital right at 4pm, got all the instructions, dosage info, and then they brought her out to me . . .

Ya know, I prepared for the worst . . .and I'm glad I did, because what a surprise it was to see her alert, wagging her little stub and whining to get into my arms . . .she wasn't groggy or lethargic at all!

I do have to say that she is a bit drunk on her feet . . .but they tell me it is because her body needs to regulate to the meds. She hasn't had a bowel movement yet, so hopefully that will come soon . . .but she's eating and drinking.

I will be following up with my vet in a couple weeks and for now, we will just take each day as it comes.

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers . . .

[Patti]

I am so happy Rhianna is home and doing better than expected. I will keep her in my prayers.

[ladyjane]

Glad your baby is home. Happy Mother's Day!