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Old March 11th, 2009, 03:20 PM
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Dog yelping in pain..seizures???

Hi everyone! I started talking about this in a different post of mine and thought I'd start fresh with the new issue..

Albert has presented with some weird issues starting this past Friday. Started out with him being really quiet, not eating much...he was having problems standing..and he'd yelp in pain at different occasions..sometimes we'd be touching him, sometimes we'd be nowhere near him. Over the weekend he was doing it more often..5-8 times a day..now they happen 2-3 times. I have a feeling he's adjusted to the pain & just doesn't yelp anymore, but the frequency is still there. He's alone a lot. We've tried to work out a schedule (my boyfriend and I work different shifts) but often he is still alone 6 hours or so.

He'll be laying down, and he'll yelp in pain (just once or twice), then he'll get up, or get off the couch, and stand..his body stiffens up, his back arches,his head turns to the side, he drools a little bit..and he tries to walk..but can't really..he ends up kind of going in a slow circle..he will bump against things, eventually sitting on the floor. The whole thing lasts under 10 seconds..he's back to 'normal' after. His demeanor has changed a bit..he's a bit more lethargic..and his appetite has decreased a bit. Now he has been through a lot recently..he lost an eye less than a month ago. So it's hard to pinpoint what is going on.

We did x-rays and there is slight arthritis in his spine..but with the drooling, and body stiffness, the vet thinks we may have a different issue at hand.

She is suggesting testing for Blastomichosis..which was a test that we were supposed to run when he first presented with a swollen, red eye. It very qucikly turned to glaucoma, so we removed it, and didn't get to the test. It may explain the eye issues and the new issues though. But we aren't sure. The treatment for Blasto often has toxic effects on the kidneys..and Albert has some kidney deficiency already.

They are also recommending an MRI..in case these episodes are seizures..which I am not sure of. How would I know? He is responsive to me while it is happening. I am trying to catch it on video so I can show the vet. The original eye issue was diagnosed as uveitis, which then led to secondary glaucoma..we have run countless tests..full blood panels, tick titers...the only other test left is the Blasto test.

If anyone has any suggestions..please feel free to reply. I know a vet posts sometimes..so if they could give their that would be great too!

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old March 11th, 2009, 04:37 PM
bosluv001 bosluv001 is offline
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Go to the vet
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Old March 11th, 2009, 04:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bosluv001 View Post
Go to the vet
Wow, thanks for coming out!
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Old March 11th, 2009, 05:13 PM
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Bosluv:

I understand some people have come to this site looking for 'free' answers rather than heading out to get professional advice. Those of us that have been members for years aren't like that. We use this site to gather infomation, get opinions..it is just that. Every dog is different, every situation is unique. Please don't just assume that I am irresponsible and haven't already begun taking the proper measures to help my dog.

I can assure you that everything financially and physically possible is being done in figuring out what is going on. It can be draining, but worth it.
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Old March 11th, 2009, 08:33 PM
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How invasive is the test for blasto? I know it's difficult to treat and I hope Albert doesn't have it, although it would be nice to finally have an answer.

Have you PMd Dr Lee for his opinion? Maybe he'd have more suggestions?

for Albert! You guys sure could use a break!
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Old March 11th, 2009, 09:13 PM
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I don't have any advice but wanted to send some hugs your way .

Is Albert on any pain meds?
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Old March 12th, 2009, 01:14 AM
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I found this article on Blastomycosis here at pets.ca and according to this article:
Quote:
Forty percent of dogs with blastomycosis have eye lesions including uveitis, retinal detachment, and hemorrhaging into the eye
Unfortunately it is apparently fatal if left untreated :sad:

Some info on the most commom med of choice for treatment itraconazole which is contra-indicated for kidney issues

I would do the Blasto testing if that is clear then the MRI

for Albert
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Old March 12th, 2009, 11:24 AM
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There are many ways of diagnosing blastomycosis however serum serology (simple blood test) is usually fairly straight forward. Itraconazole should not be used in dogs hypersensitive to azoles or with hepatic (liver impairment) (Plumb's fifth edition drug handbook). My sources do not mention renal (kidney) impairment with itraconazole. The link that growler has is a good site however it's mention of kidney disease must be taken under 2 considerations: 1) it is human site and 2) it is going to have a general disclaimer for telling your doctor about any other medical issues. Furthermore itraconazole has many drug reactions which is often more important with people as they may be taking more medications than dogs. Many other drugs will stay in the system more with renal disease and thus may increase interaction with itraconazole which might also be the concern with renal impairment and itraconazole with people. First lets run the test. While blastomycosis and most other systemic fungal infections are fatal if not treated, many dogs (including one of my own senior dogs) can do very well with medication despite other medical issues.
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Old March 12th, 2009, 11:10 PM
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An MRI would also rule out Vestibular Syndrome
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Old March 13th, 2009, 05:50 PM
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Thanks everyone!

We did run the test for Blasto and are now eagerly awating the results. I should have them by Monday.

There are several meds to treat Blasto and some may not affect the kidneys. The thing is I'm cautious of any drug, preservative, chemical..going into my baby's system. He gets nothing but home cooked, wholesome, organic when possible food and treats. Having him on Tramadol and antibiotics for 7 days after his eye surgery was driving me crazy. Of course I didn't want him to hurt or risk infection..but I hated seeing him all doped up. He hated it too. But if we can find something that will help, and only do good..I'm all for it!

He is not on any meds right now. He can't take things like Rymadil.and Tramadol was too strong. Even half a pill had him acting like a zombie. He's been doing really well the last two days. His appetite got a little better, he's more energetic, and I was able to give him his IV fluids successfully. (For those not familiar with Albert..he has had renal disease for over two years, weekly sub-q fluids are part of the drill) I am looking forward to the weekend when I can be home and keeping an eye on him. With me at work all day it's hard to know...but in front of me..he has had no episodes in two days. General demanor has greatly improved. He is happy on his walks, and actually wants to keep going long after mommy is a frozen popscicle outside!!

I will keep everyone posted..thank you to each of you for posting. Thank you Dr. Lee for giving your professional input as well of course.
My poor dog does need a break, that's for sure. I just wish he could enjoy his 'golden' years in peace!
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Old March 13th, 2009, 05:54 PM
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for a good result for you & Albert

What were Alberts' last results for CO2/TCO2?

Was Metabolic acidosis considered? It can lead to epileptic type seizures
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Old March 23rd, 2009, 01:55 PM
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Update

We have tested negative for Blasto..THANK GOD!!

the 'seizures' or whatever they were have gone away completely. I still don't know what the heck it was! The vet says if they have gone away..to just keep a close eye on him for now.

so we are still taking it one day at a time. Growler..Thank you for ideas!! I will have to check the results..I keep copies of all his labs at home. Acidosis did come up when the issues with eating and all. Since it can be common for CRF patients. He is eating a lot better and I have raised his dishes with a big fat yellow pages directory!! LOL! until i go buy him a new bowl set! We had just bought these that had a little bit of height already so we just 'improvised' for now!

The only thing I'm seeing now is stiffness in his joints..a little limping. When we did xrays about 2 weeks ago they found arthritis on his lower spine. which has been there for some time..it looks the same from the xrays we ran two years earlier..so it isn't any worse..but he's still stiff. He's been on glucosamine forever, along with other supplements that should help. I'm hoping i can find other natural, less invasive ways to ease the pain of arthritis without pain meds. Since we have to be really careful with those!

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts! I really hope my furball gets a break for a bit! He's doing amazingly with his 'one eye'...and has adjusted beautfilly. THought I'd send an updated pic of my beautiful boy!! Excuse the 'scruffiness'..this was before daddy gave him a good bath and trim!!
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Old March 23rd, 2009, 02:18 PM
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What a sweetie! I love his little beard whiskers And I'm so happy that the Blasto test was negative! Blasto can be a real problem to treat.

for Albert continuing seizure-free! You sure do deserve a break!
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  #14  
Old March 23rd, 2009, 02:35 PM
BenMax BenMax is offline
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He is a cutie.

I had a GSD that had the same problem. Though many illnesses can be masked or there are different variations, did your vet check for a possible stroke?

My dog did that yelping thing and his body would contort or he would be sensitive in certain areas. After several episodes it turned out to be mini strokes.

I am definately not implying that this could be the problem, but maybe this can be considered?
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Old March 23rd, 2009, 05:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lm9012 View Post
I'm hoping i can find other natural, less invasive ways to ease the pain of arthritis without pain meds. Since we have to be really careful with those!
What about acupuncture? A side benefit of using it for arthritis is that it can also be beneficial for renal issues and diminished appetite. This link pertains to cats, but the premise is the same: http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_tr...TM#acupuncture
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Old March 23rd, 2009, 11:37 PM
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lm9012 I'm so glad the Blasto test was negative

Albert is looking great

I agree with trying acupunture, or if someone in your area does GUNN IMS - Duffy sees a human/animal physiotherapist for IMS treatments for her kidneys, she was going every month we are down to going every 3 months now.
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