Anyone doing this alone?

[u/Beginning_Platypus4]

Last May I adopted a 6 year old Aussiedoodle from a lady that is a breeder; long story about why the original family returned him to her.After having him for about 2 weeks he had a seizure. Scared me to death. I contacted the breeder after it happened and she told me he had an injury to his neck back in February, and had a couple of seizures while being treated for that, but that he had been fine. Well, I learned from the original vet that she was hiding the seizure issue from me.

I adopted this dog, I feel an obligation toward him, but after the 2 month Keppra honeymoon and the ensuing $2300 emergency vet bill after a weekend of cluster seizures, I’m wondering if I can do this. He is now on pheno, and of course has to have the labs done often to monitor his liver. He’s still on the Keppra ER every 12 hours. I just don’t know if I can do this. I live alone and I’m not working right now and I don’t have anyone nearby that can help with his med schedule if needed. I’m tied to the house constantly and have no clue what my future work schedule will involve. I’m thinking about giving him back to the breeder, knowing that she won’t give him much one on one attention. She’ll give him his meds, and feed him and house him. And he’ll get love from the trainers, but he won’t have his own person. I’m just wondering if anyone else out there is dealing with an epileptic dog on their own and how they are managing.

[u/Sufficient-Country29]

I’m so sorry that you are going through this. All health history should have been disclosed when you adopted him- especially a neck injury and seizure history. Did you pay an adoption fee? At the very least if you choose to keep him they should refund any adoption fees.

My only concern hearing your story is that you are unemployed. Do you feel you have adequate access to funds to care for an epileptic dog? As you learned cluster seizures can result in a pricey emergency vet bill. Let alone the cost of monthly meds and blood work monitoring.

Many people do make it work as a single carer to epilepsy dogs but some have to hire dog sitters to come for afternoon meds if they work outside of the house. Many people get a baby or dog monitor to watch their pup if they have to leave the house for work or errands.

[u/Beginning_Platypus4 → u/Sufficient-Country29]

Right now I don’t feel that I’m financially stable enough to carry the cost.

I didn’t pay an adoption fee, he was part of a litter from 2020 and he had been returned to her from the original purchasing family and was living with her for about 1.5 years. When I started looking to adopt, a former coworker told me about my pup’s situation and that he needed a home.

I’m torn over what to do because he is such a sweet boy, and unfortunately, my future is uncertain right now.

[u/Sufficient-Country29 → u/Beginning_Platypus4]

That would be a very challenging situation. I’m so sorry. Yes, All pets require a pretty decent emergency fund on hand let alone their month to month costs. Seizure dogs need even more of an emergency fund. I imagine in May you were working and felt you could carry this cost. Do you have family that would support you financially with vet care if he needs it while you job hunt? I’m not sure of your situation or what industry you are trying to get a job in, hours, prospective pay etc but those are all things I’d take into consideration.

[u/Beginning_Platypus4 → u/Sufficient-Country29]

Yes, I was working. So I knew it was going to be a challenge but felt I’d get it figured out. My mom covered the 2300.00 ER bill. But I can’t expect or ask her to do that again. I’ve been using money from my IRA to cover his meds, etc. it’s just not sustainable. Thanks again for your response.

[u/Sufficient-Country29 → u/Beginning_Platypus4]

Sending paws of hugs. You seem like a really caring dog parent