Medical Mystery Round 3: Seizures? Allergies? Steroids? Help! - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ProfessorPeteZa · 10-04-2013, 05:02 PM

so, we went to the neurologist and he didnt think it was neurological. he conferred with my regular vet and they put her on potassium bromide and reconcile. So far, it's only been one day, and I haven't seen any improvement but her stool is getting less soft so that's good....
I hope this is what is wrong with her....

ladyjane · 10-04-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorPeteZa

so, we went to the neurologist and he didnt think it was neurological. he conferred with my regular vet and they put her on potassium bromide and reconcile. So far, it's only been one day, and I haven't seen any improvement but her stool is getting less soft so that's good....
I hope this is what is wrong with her....

Why Reconcile?

Ellie May · 10-04-2013, 07:51 PM

Hmmm. Sounds really odd.

How often is she having seizures? What type? Since when?

I assume her anal glands are ok?

Allergies are possible. Steroids really should help though. If an antibiotic drastically improved things then time fir IMS.

What testing has been done apart from BAT? ?borderline BAts are never good.

My Yorkie has eone that biting at her butt thing. It is rare with her though and it is neuro in her case.

What does she takes for seizures? If an IMS is convinced it is not liver shunt then you may end up needing to go the MRI route to get a neuro dx. Whether or not the butt issue is neuro, seizures are..

ladyjane · 10-04-2013, 07:58 PM

I am back to my original suggestion. A board certified internal med vet. I too am concerned about the BATs and feel they should probably be repeated but thought that internal med would decide that; but they decided to go to neuro.

wemple2 · 10-04-2013, 08:49 PM

Have they done a simple Urinalysis? You mentioned an elevated WBC...

AllDogBoots · 10-05-2013, 06:38 AM

I am located close to you. I hear excellent things about the Coral Springs Animal Hospital and understand there are all kinds of specialists there. Is that where you met with the neurologist?
http://www.coralspringsanimalhosp.com

ProfessorPeteZa · 10-05-2013, 08:16 AM

HI Everyone,
Let me try to answer every post

Why Reconcile:
I was told that she could be OCD (but read that this was a separation anxiety med and watched an accompanying dvd that stated the same). A little background on Nimki, she was rescued from a hoarder who had 86 dogs in a townhouse. I've had her for a yr. She is about 5 years old and when I got her she had never experienced grass or the outside much. Her teeth were rotted and mostly been pulled. when i leave (even though she has Bindi here with her) the house or even the room and she can't follow she hollows and cries incessantly. So maybe they gave it in relation to that? I don't know.

The "seizures" are off and on. They told me that it wasnt really "fly biting" seizures but it may be some kind of motor something seizure. the neurologist was hesitant of calling it seizures while my regular vet said he could be a seizure. I have a video.... I could upload it here if you'd like but I don't know how. This has been going on for the past 6 months. Off and on. I'll go a vet they'll think it's one thing and it'll go away for a month or two then it'll come back. The antibiotics helped the first time but not much the second. The same for the steroids. They helped the first round but not in the second so we discontinued using it. Her anal glads were ok. the antibiotics were because the first vet got them infected when expressing them. but perhaps I should ask this vet to check them again.

The neuro was confident that the mri would come back negative and said I could have it done but he doesn't think it's necessary. she just started potassium bromide for the seizures but was told it would take weeks for it to reach levels that would help her.

No other testing other than BAT besides annual blood work. The neuro when reviewing the BAT said that the numbers were indicative of maybe a small shunt but said that the levels would not cause such a large reaction that I am experiencing. They have not done a Urinalysis. As for the inernal med doc. should i wait a bit before suggesting that route to the vet to see if these meds work?

I've actually been to Coral Springs Animal Hospital (years ago) and have heard the exact opposite of you.

There are really bad reviews for CSAH online as well. I didn't have a great experience there. They seem to be preoccupied with trying to make money rather than caring for the dogs.

I'm getting really confused and flustered now with everything. I feel like I'm spending a ton of money (i have my own medical bills along with hers that I'm trying to pay. I postponed my own surgery until I figure things out with her) and not really sure if I am getting anywhere. I feel somewhat helpless and my poor pup isn't feeling hot. On the plus side though. Her stool is getting harder and shes having less of these episodes. we actually slept the majority of the night last night! so a couple good things.

Edited to Add:
I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions and would like to say thank you to all.
Thanks!!

Wylie's Mom · 10-05-2013, 08:22 AM

What a complete mystery. I have no advice, but just wanted to wish you the very best of luck and I sure hope you find out what's wrong with this special kiddo. Please keep us posted.

ladyjane · 10-05-2013, 08:25 AM

I simply don't understand that a neuro would suggest a small shunt and then prescribe seizure meds. A shunt is a shunt is a shunt. I can only tell you that if she were my pup she would be at a specialist....yes, they are expensive but that is because of the overhead they have. The thing I like is that going to them you usually leave knowing just what is happening...rather than making trips over and over to a regular vet who is not coming up with a definitive diagnosis. If she has a shunt and it can be repaired, it should be. SHe also could have MVD .. but you really need to know. I don't understand any vet guessing about the size of a shunt and saying that it is not causing symptoms. Here is some information about liver shunts that might help you:
Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

ProfessorPeteZa · 10-05-2013, 09:47 AM

Hi There,

So you think I should just go to a specialist on my own then? and not say anything to my reg. vet?

what is MVD?

ladyjane · 10-05-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorPeteZa

Hi There,

So you think I should just go to a specialist on my own then? and not say anything to my reg. vet?

what is MVD?

That is what I would do. I am concerned about the fact that there was an elevation in the bile acid test. Here is another link:

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-04-10.pdf

lillymae · 10-06-2013, 05:07 PM

I agree, I would be at a specialist with this baby ASAP. Something is deff going on & it seems that no one has addressed it yet. I am shocked the Neuro felt an MRI was a waste of time/money

when any of my babies has a seizure I Deff get an MRI ASAP to deff rule out any brain abnormalities & a thorough liver work up as well.

JuliannaB · 10-07-2013, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorPeteZa

HI Everyone,
Let me try to answer every post

Why Reconcile:
I was told that she could be OCD (but read that this was a separation anxiety med and watched an accompanying dvd that stated the same). A little background on Nimki, she was rescued from a hoarder who had 86 dogs in a townhouse. I've had her for a yr. She is about 5 years old and when I got her she had never experienced grass or the outside much. Her teeth were rotted and mostly been pulled. when i leave (even though she has Bindi here with her) the house or even the room and she can't follow she hollows and cries incessantly. So maybe they gave it in relation to that? I don't know.

The "seizures" are off and on. They told me that it wasnt really "fly biting" seizures but it may be some kind of motor something seizure. the neurologist was hesitant of calling it seizures while my regular vet said he could be a seizure. I have a video.... I could upload it here if you'd like but I don't know how. This has been going on for the past 6 months. Off and on. I'll go a vet they'll think it's one thing and it'll go away for a month or two then it'll come back. The antibiotics helped the first time but not much the second. The same for the steroids. They helped the first round but not in the second so we discontinued using it. Her anal glads were ok. the antibiotics were because the first vet got them infected when expressing them. but perhaps I should ask this vet to check them again.

The neuro was confident that the mri would come back negative and said I could have it done but he doesn't think it's necessary. she just started potassium bromide for the seizures but was told it would take weeks for it to reach levels that would help her.

No other testing other than BAT besides annual blood work. The neuro when reviewing the BAT said that the numbers were indicative of maybe a small shunt but said that the levels would not cause such a large reaction that I am experiencing. They have not done a Urinalysis. As for the inernal med doc. should i wait a bit before suggesting that route to the vet to see if these meds work?

I've actually been to Coral Springs Animal Hospital (years ago) and have heard the exact opposite of you.

There are really bad reviews for CSAH online as well. I didn't have a great experience there. They seem to be preoccupied with trying to make money rather than caring for the dogs.

I'm getting really confused and flustered now with everything. I feel like I'm spending a ton of money (i have my own medical bills along with hers that I'm trying to pay. I postponed my own surgery until I figure things out with her) and not really sure if I am getting anywhere. I feel somewhat helpless and my poor pup isn't feeling hot. On the plus side though. Her stool is getting harder and shes having less of these episodes. we actually slept the majority of the night last night! so a couple good things.

Edited to Add:
I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions and would like to say thank you to all.
Thanks!!

Wow! Just read Nimki's history and present issues. You are sure going through some trying times. It is sooo great to hear that Nimki was rescued by you

Good karma for sure! How lucky she is that she has you to go to bat for her!!! Although I have no experience, and hence no answers for you, I thought to send you a note with my best thoughts coming your way to finding something that will make her well!!!!!!! Cheers!

ProfessorPeteZa · 10-07-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuliannaB

Wow! Just read Nimki's history and present issues. You are sure going through some trying times. It is sooo great to hear that Nimki was rescued by you

Good karma for sure! How lucky she is that she has you to go to bat for her!!! Although I have no experience, and hence no answers for you, I thought to send you a note with my best thoughts coming your way to finding something that will make her well!!!!!!! Cheers!

thank you!

ProfessorPeteZa · 10-07-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

That is what I would do. I am concerned about the fact that there was an elevation in the bile acid test. Here is another link:

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-04-10.pdf

thanks im looking at the link now.

10-04-2013, 05:02 PM	#16
ProfessorPeteZa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Parkland, FL Posts: 742	so, we went to the neurologist and he didnt think it was neurological. he conferred with my regular vet and they put her on potassium bromide and reconcile. So far, it's only been one day, and I haven't seen any improvement but her stool is getting less soft so that's good.... I hope this is what is wrong with her.... __________________ Always wear your party hat! Proud Mommy to Bindi and Nimki

10-04-2013, 07:51 PM	#18
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Hmmm. Sounds really odd. How often is she having seizures? What type? Since when? I assume her anal glands are ok? Allergies are possible. Steroids really should help though. If an antibiotic drastically improved things then time fir IMS. What testing has been done apart from BAT? ?borderline BAts are never good. My Yorkie has eone that biting at her butt thing. It is rare with her though and it is neuro in her case. What does she takes for seizures? If an IMS is convinced it is not liver shunt then you may end up needing to go the MRI route to get a neuro dx. Whether or not the butt issue is neuro, seizures are.. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

10-04-2013, 07:58 PM	#19
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	I am back to my original suggestion. A board certified internal med vet. I too am concerned about the BATs and feel they should probably be repeated but thought that internal med would decide that; but they decided to go to neuro. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP Last edited by ladyjane; 10-04-2013 at 08:00 PM.

10-04-2013, 08:49 PM	#20
wemple2 Wee Winston Wiggles Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kewanee, Illinois Posts: 9,666	Have they done a simple Urinalysis? You mentioned an elevated WBC... __________________ As Ever, Kathy Intruducing Bentley Winston and Spencer: RIP My Sweet Angels

10-05-2013, 06:38 AM	#21
AllDogBoots Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 7,984	I am located close to you. I hear excellent things about the Coral Springs Animal Hospital and understand there are all kinds of specialists there. Is that where you met with the neurologist? http://www.coralspringsanimalhosp.com __________________ I'm Karen - Devoted Mama to the Drama Boyz - Cooper & Max www.alldogboots.com

10-05-2013, 08:16 AM	#22
ProfessorPeteZa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Parkland, FL Posts: 742	HI Everyone, Let me try to answer every post Why Reconcile: I was told that she could be OCD (but read that this was a separation anxiety med and watched an accompanying dvd that stated the same). A little background on Nimki, she was rescued from a hoarder who had 86 dogs in a townhouse. I've had her for a yr. She is about 5 years old and when I got her she had never experienced grass or the outside much. Her teeth were rotted and mostly been pulled. when i leave (even though she has Bindi here with her) the house or even the room and she can't follow she hollows and cries incessantly. So maybe they gave it in relation to that? I don't know. The "seizures" are off and on. They told me that it wasnt really "fly biting" seizures but it may be some kind of motor something seizure. the neurologist was hesitant of calling it seizures while my regular vet said he could be a seizure. I have a video.... I could upload it here if you'd like but I don't know how. This has been going on for the past 6 months. Off and on. I'll go a vet they'll think it's one thing and it'll go away for a month or two then it'll come back. The antibiotics helped the first time but not much the second. The same for the steroids. They helped the first round but not in the second so we discontinued using it. Her anal glads were ok. the antibiotics were because the first vet got them infected when expressing them. but perhaps I should ask this vet to check them again. The neuro was confident that the mri would come back negative and said I could have it done but he doesn't think it's necessary. she just started potassium bromide for the seizures but was told it would take weeks for it to reach levels that would help her. No other testing other than BAT besides annual blood work. The neuro when reviewing the BAT said that the numbers were indicative of maybe a small shunt but said that the levels would not cause such a large reaction that I am experiencing. They have not done a Urinalysis. As for the inernal med doc. should i wait a bit before suggesting that route to the vet to see if these meds work? I've actually been to Coral Springs Animal Hospital (years ago) and have heard the exact opposite of you. There are really bad reviews for CSAH online as well. I didn't have a great experience there. They seem to be preoccupied with trying to make money rather than caring for the dogs. I'm getting really confused and flustered now with everything. I feel like I'm spending a ton of money (i have my own medical bills along with hers that I'm trying to pay. I postponed my own surgery until I figure things out with her) and not really sure if I am getting anywhere. I feel somewhat helpless and my poor pup isn't feeling hot. On the plus side though. Her stool is getting harder and shes having less of these episodes. we actually slept the majority of the night last night! so a couple good things. Edited to Add: I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions and would like to say thank you to all. Thanks!! __________________ Always wear your party hat! Proud Mommy to Bindi and Nimki

10-05-2013, 08:22 AM	#23
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	What a complete mystery. I have no advice, but just wanted to wish you the very best of luck and I sure hope you find out what's wrong with this special kiddo. Please keep us posted. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

10-05-2013, 08:25 AM	#24
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	I simply don't understand that a neuro would suggest a small shunt and then prescribe seizure meds. A shunt is a shunt is a shunt. I can only tell you that if she were my pup she would be at a specialist....yes, they are expensive but that is because of the overhead they have. The thing I like is that going to them you usually leave knowing just what is happening...rather than making trips over and over to a regular vet who is not coming up with a definitive diagnosis. If she has a shunt and it can be repaired, it should be. SHe also could have MVD .. but you really need to know. I don't understand any vet guessing about the size of a shunt and saying that it is not causing symptoms. Here is some information about liver shunts that might help you: Portosystemic Shunts FAQ __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

10-05-2013, 09:47 AM	#25
ProfessorPeteZa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Parkland, FL Posts: 742	Hi There, So you think I should just go to a specialist on my own then? and not say anything to my reg. vet? what is MVD? __________________ Always wear your party hat! Proud Mommy to Bindi and Nimki

10-06-2013, 05:07 PM	#27
lillymae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,544	I agree, I would be at a specialist with this baby ASAP. Something is deff going on & it seems that no one has addressed it yet. I am shocked the Neuro felt an MRI was a waste of time/money when any of my babies has a seizure I Deff get an MRI ASAP to deff rule out any brain abnormalities & a thorough liver work up as well.