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05-15-2007, 12:28 PM | #1 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1
| Seizures Hi All, I'm new to the forum but wanted to see what people thought. I have a 5 yr old yorkie named Miel (French for honey), who amazing! About three years ago he started having seizured first very sporadically and now more regullarly. I have not been able to identify a trigger, and I have editied his diet which helps. He's not having them frequently to get on meds but I was wondering if there could be other causes for the seizures. I thought it might be because of the frontline I used to use, but I stoped 3 yrs ago and they still occur. Could it be diabetes, or hypoglycemia, etc? I know this is not a medical forum so I'm not looking for specific medical advice, moreso if anyone else has a yorkie w/ seizures, and how you handle it. If you have one and they are meds, how did they help/not help, thier cost, did you have pet insurance, etc. Thanks to all who reply! |
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05-15-2007, 12:41 PM | #2 |
No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 16,218
| Hi and welcome to YT. I however can't help you. Have you taken your pet to the vet? They would be the best bet to determine what might be causing them. I do have a girlfriend with a 120lb german shepard who started with them six months ago but is on phenobarbital, highest dosage that can be given. A blood test might show something. I hope someone else can help you. Good luck. |
05-15-2007, 03:17 PM | #3 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: GA
Posts: 35
| Hi Hi, My baby started in Jan. with focal seizures. She went a month apart...then had a couple within 2 weeks. Her vet put her on phenobarbital. In a 6 week period she started throwing up. She could not even keep water down. Phenobarbital messed up her liver that quickly. Along with milk thistle and baby food she is recovering. She has started back eating food again and holding it down. She has had only 1 focal seizure since she stopped med. Please visit this website www.canine-epilepsy.com They have some great information that will help you A-lot. |
05-15-2007, 03:38 PM | #4 |
Mommy's Lil' Miracle Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mufreesboro, TN
Posts: 1,028
| I know a little bit about seizures in dogs. My Tucker has seizures and has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy which is most likely the same thing your Miel has. Idiopathic epilepsy is common and means that the cause of the seizures cannot be identified whereas symptomatic epilepsy can be attributed to a cause. Dogs with Idiopathic epilepsy usually experience their first seizure at 1 -5 years old. There is no test for Idiopathic epilepsy. It is only diagnosed by ruling out other causes. Typically a vet will not give medication for Idiopathic epilepsy unless the seizures are severe or are occurring on a frequent basis. What they will have you to do is time the seizures and keep track of their frequency. I know how scary it is to watch your little one have a seizure and not be able to do anything, but a seizure that lasts for under 15 minutes is not usually life threatening. If the seizure lasts longer or occurs one right after another (cluster seizures) then they can be fatal and must be treated right away. The best advise I can give you is to ask your vet for a dose of rectal valium that you can keep with you at all times. This could save his life. If Miel has a seizure that lasts longer than 15 minutes or is particularly violent, then you can administer the valium which will bring him out of the seizure and will help to prevent lasting damage until you can get him to a vet. I have some that goes where ever Tucker goes and brings me some peace of mind.
__________________ I LOVE my little Furbutts! |
05-16-2007, 01:27 PM | #5 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: GA
Posts: 35
| I guess my vet decided that since I work and that leaves my baby at home by herself he would start her out on phenobarbital. He didnt give me a choice. Valium was not a option since she spends time alone. I have since learned that potassium bromide and sodium bromide are not bad on their livers. So if you have to work like me there are alternatives to phenobarbital. |
05-16-2007, 06:26 PM | #6 |
Bella Boo & Diggy Too! Donating GS Member | have you had bile acid test done? That test is for liver shunt. Yes hypoglycemia causes seizures quick fix kayro syrup or nutrical.
__________________ ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN |
05-16-2007, 06:52 PM | #7 |
Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 4,387
| Jewel had a lot of seizures and definitely stay away from pheobarbitol - it's so bad for the liver. We had Jewel on potassium bromide. PB has to be made by a pharmacy and it takes longer (up to 6 months to figure out the dosage) It's a slow acting but is not processed through the liver. We had a monthy bloodwork done until Jewel was somewhat stable. Jewel was having 10+ seizures per month. Here is a link to diet changes that can help curb the frequency of seizures. The worst thing you can give them is glutens. It's a bit wordy but I feel it really helped Jewel. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...23&postcount=1 Also, keep: * Rectal valium handy (you can get it from the vet). * Vanilla Icecream in the freezer - Give just a teaspoon or so after an episode (helps to cool down the body & give them sugar) * Ice Pack - I used the resuable gel type and kept it in the freezer. During a seizure, place in on their back between their tail and the rib cage. It helps to keep the temp down and seems to lessen the duration of the seizure. NOTE: I kept the travel type that you can squeeze to make cold when we travel. * Put a bell on your pup so you can hear when they are in trouble Keep a Log!!! Super important! Note the time the seizure starts and when it stops. How they acted after the seizure What they were doing before the seizure How they acted during the seizure. Take the log with you when you go to the vet. I hope it helps. Sorry for the information overload. PM me if you have any questions. May your babies be well and comfortable Corinne
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05-17-2007, 02:31 PM | #8 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 7,178
| I agree, stay away from phenobarbitol, especially if it's a liver condition, it will RUIN her liver...Has the vet done any bloodwork? If so, what were the results? Was anything low or high? Also, I know you say your baby is 5, but if he started three years ago, then it's possible that it could be a liver condition. Maybe liver shunt,MVD, or some other kind of liver problem...A $40 bile acid test will be able to show you if something is wrong with her liver and if that could be causing the seizures.
__________________ Miko 's his Mommy |
05-17-2007, 06:02 PM | #9 |
Bella Boo & Diggy Too! Donating GS Member | I agree...get the test whether you think its liver condition or not. It's a must with this breed....as I am being told! Wonderful advice will come to you on here....Lots to learn explore and enjoy!
__________________ ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN |
05-18-2007, 03:46 PM | #10 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 7,178
| Is there an update on your furbaby?
__________________ Miko 's his Mommy |
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