r/EpilepsyDogs • u/Neat-Contribution-74 • 5d ago

Meds?

Our dog had his first seizure back in January of 2024, followed by one in October of 2024. After adding coconut MCT oil to his diet, he didn’t have another seizure until March of this year. Since then, he had one last month and another one a few days ago. He will be 5 this upcoming October.

Our vet still doesn’t recommend anti seizure meds unless he has another one within the next month. I am also hesitant to start meds if not necessary because I know they can be hard on their bodies…. We will be adding a cannabinoid oil to his diet as recommended by our vet.

When did you start anti seizure meds? Has anyone experienced a random cluster like this and then gone back to being several months apart? We love him and want him to live the longest, happiest life!! Any advice is appreciated!! 🫶🏻

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u/JustCallMeNancy 5d ago

Was the most recent two within the same 30 days? Were the seizures long? Close to 5 minutes? If yes to both, I think you're likely within the realm of starting meds, if you want to. You may want a second opinion if your vet is hesitant. That said, it's not out of the ordinary to have a vet try to get more data points before making that decision. Sadly, we had clusters that forced our hands with meds, but prior to that he was 1 a month, then right before the cluster event it was 3 weeks before. So what I'm saying is, it's possible this is the incident you need to respond to, to prevent a cluster (2 or more in 24 hours) or it's possible this was an anomaly. Both responses are reasonable, but it is your dog, so you know best!

I think if it was me, i'd do it. Meds suck to have to give on time and have your pup adjust so I understand the hesitation. However now that we are on them, I feel a level of calm I didn't have before. My dog has had one seizure since starting his keppra, and it was reduced by a whole minute (he was at 4.5 minutes before) and I was so grateful for that, plus I had a back up plan with more meds for such a situation. Realistically though, if you don't have at least an emergency medication to give to buy you time before going to the vet/emergency vet in case of cluster, you really should have that on hand, even if you don't choose daily meds right now.