Thread: Seizures
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Old May 2nd, 2012, 10:37 PM
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Rgeurts Rgeurts is offline
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I've done that several times. Usually when it happens I can hit the back button, then copy and paste, but it lost it this time

Ok, here are some good links for seizures. Even though your boy hasn't been diagnosed with Epilepsy, the info here will help. I would tend to think his is Epilepsy, though. Possibly brought on by the vaccines. But considering he has no other medical issues, I would think it's probably, in part, due to being a Doxie as they are predisposed to it.

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/

This is the oral and rectal protocol for Valium to help control cluster seizures and Status Epilepticus:

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/FAQ.htm

That website gives GREAT info on pretty much everything when it comes to dogs that are prone to seizures. Here are a few more links:

http://www.canine-seizures.freeservers.com/
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/...pathic_genetic

These links have some info on natural HW prevention:

http://www.alternativeheartwormcure.com/index.html
http://www.theherbsplace.com/Heartwo...on_sp_104.html

I can't say if it works or not because I haven't tried it. But there might be something here that will help. You asked if stopping the drug would stop any seizures. It could, but if Theo is having an immune reaction, chances are the seizures would continue even after the treatment stopped. That's what happened to Nookie (he's affectionately known as Nookie Monster ) . He will never be "ok" and will have immune issues the rest of his life. We have to be so careful what we give him. He's never alone, not even for 1/2 hour. When we work, he goes to daycare. When we go on holidays, he goes with us, or we don't go. He requires a lot of special care.

And as for the annual vaccines, these are links that were recently posted by another member who was responding to a possible vaccine related issue. These links are a very good read:

https://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocume...Guidelines.pdf
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites...uidelines.aspx
http://tollchester.tripod.com/vaccine.html

If your vet is still insisting on annual vaccines, it's most likely for 1 of 2 reasons:

1. He is not up to date on current vaccine protocols, which would worry me and make me think he isn't too concerned with continuing education
2. He knows the protocols, but like so many other vets, refuses to adapt because the annual vaccines are the "bread and butter" for a lot of clinics

Either way, I think I would be looking for another vet. He may have done well for Theo, and even saved his life, in the past. But he isn't doing anything good for him (or you), at this point. In fact, by insisting on the annuals, he could be putting his life in danger, especially with the seizures.

I would also avoid putting him on anything to control the seizures at this point as he doesn't have them frequently (unless he starts to have clusters). The rule of thumb for seizures is anything less than 1 per month, the risks of the drugs outweigh the benefit. A lot of dogs die due to liver toxicity and organ damage before they die from seizures. Nookie goes through "phases" where he will have 2-3 in a month for a couple of months, then goes back to 1 a month, or less. Our vet said as long as he isn't seizuring more than once every 3 weeks, frequently, we will just control them with the Chinese herbs. His seem to be seasonal as well (more seizures in the spring than any other time, up to this point anyway). He does have allergies as well, which can also bring a seizure on. One thing you may find helpful, and even get you some "Aha!" moments, would be to keep a daily journal. Write down what he eats, treats, activities and anything that seems odd. You may notice a pattern and may even be able to come up with a trigger for the seizures, which in turn, might help to lessen them. With our Nookie, his are noise related (he has a lot of neurological damage/issues). Our vet thinks he has Auditory and Tactile Hyperesthesia. That just means that his sense of sound and touch become so overly sensitive that it causes a seizure. The touch part is fairly easy, we just don't touch his bum or tail. But the noise is another story... it's hard to avoid when it's all around. But again, the journal may help you, over time, establish a pattern and/or trigger(s).

One thing you should check is his thyroid. If your vet has ever tested it, chances are he just did a T4, not a full panel. If Theo is in the low normal range (which is where Nookie was), the seizures can become more frequent and more severe. A great place to have it tested is Hemopet in California. Dr. Jean Dodds is the authority when it comes to thyroid and immune-mediated diseases as well as Vaccinosis (immune disease brought on by vaccines). She not only does the test, but will tailor it specifically for the breed/age, and also take in to consideration any other health issues/medications that may play a part in the results. I'll link the website:

www.hemopet.org

I had more earlier, but I'm exhausted and just can't think straight right now, sorry

I'll try and post some more for you tomorrow. If you have any questions at all, please let me know
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Last edited by Rgeurts; May 3rd, 2012 at 09:53 AM.
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