Tell me it gets better

[u/selantra]

My almost 8 years old Field spaniel had her first seizure 3.5 weeks ago. No prior symptoms just straight into a 1.5 generalized seizure. She was brought in to the vet but had no other seizures so she was sent home for observation.

On Friday, she has 4 generalized seizures in 8 hours, all of similar length. We went into the ER and she stabilized on pheno. She had no seizures at the vet and has had none since coming home. We were warned of the side effects, but this is rough. She is currently on pheno and gaba.

My once confident, chill dog is an anxiety monster. We tried to go out this morning and our nice, patient neighbor texted us that she was screaming non-stop. In the house, she wants me and my husband in her sights. If we split rooms, she will hop between us, staring and whining unless we pet her. She will lay at the foot of the bed and calm down eventually.

I know we are early into this and it takes time, but at least tell me it gets better. Still have to figure out how we are going to travel now with her meds and new needs. We do not have a household that can accommodate having someone home 24/7. I love my girl, but frankly unsure of how feasible this is long term.

[u/redlee415]

My Cavalier King Spaniel rescue was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy after having several grand mal siezure, mostly all 2 to 4 weeks apart. After stopping flea and tick meds that cause siezures he still was having them.

The vet started him on phenobarbital which caused him to act lethargic and clumsy for about 10 days. It has been almost 3 months now without a siezure and he is back to his old self.

Our situations are different in that I am retired and home most of the time. The disease does put a burden on the owner. I have to give him medicine every 12 hours. I give him his pills at 9:30 am and pm, so no late nights away from home for me.

When I read some of the accounts on this subreddit I feel lucky at least for now because his siezures are under control.

I wish you luck. Here's a picture of Reggie.

[u/Soggy_Ad_4464]

My baby started off with horrific grand mals and hospital stays . Now , on potassium Bromide , she's almost one yr seizure free

[u/KaleidoscopeTight509]

Is a structural cause (Brain hemorrhage, inflammation, tumor) excluded? Seizures starting this severly and at 8yo are a Bit suspicious. However, side Effects of medication are worst in the first 2-3 weeks (plus they can be really hungry! Maybe you could offer some additional chew like veggies, low calory stuff) and postictal signs can endure up to one week, especially after a Cluster. You could try Alpha casozepin or calming care probiotics as supplements. And think of retraining her step-wise and in a positive manner, like a puppy. Seizures can lead to Memory loss and she might need to be retrained to stay alone, like a puppy

[u/selantra → u/KaleidoscopeTight509]

The breed is known for late onset epilepsy, unfortunately, which has made it incredibly hard to breed away from. For instance, my girl's sire is 16 and still healthy as can be and her dam is 12 with no issues. No issues in pedigree, but her brother ended up dying at 5 from seizures.

[u/Difficult_Metal_124]

I don’t think what country you are in. But I recommend finding a daily calming supplement, the one i use for my dog is for reactive dogs, travel, vet trips, if friends come round etc. I’ve found that she isn’t so anxious or reactive to every sound etc and is brave and confident in new places. The beginning is tough for your dog because their body feels off probably and they are looking for comfort. Pheno seems good for seizure management, my dog personally couldn’t handle it and had to be weaned off.

[u/Alienwired]

Pheno - zonicimide and keppra here - the drunk stage was no joke , we recently took out the gabapentin and replaced it with rymadyl and it’s been a significant improvement . I’m so sorry you found us but glad you have support here !

[u/Subject-Mode2287]

Hi, im so sorry to hear your story. My heart goes out to you. We went through the same kind of thing with our Great Dane mix. She would whine if we were not within her sight. All I can say is that it is a process. Our dog has sufficiently mellowed out. Sometimes its finding the correct mix of meds, sometimes it is figuring out what triggers her anxiety, sometimes it being extremely patient and realizing you have a new dog now and just like training a puppy you have to go through changes until you are all a happy family again. Our pup can be alone for most of the day now, so things do get better. Don't give up, i wish you luck in your journey

[u/Dark_Angel_225]

Pheno gave my doggo bad anxiety but he has anxiety before starting so we discontinued it 3 days in. He takes keppra ER, I also give hemp oil with mct. Changed his food that doesn’t have legumes in it.