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  #1  
Old March 24th, 2011, 10:57 AM
jeff_j1701 jeff_j1701 is offline
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Seizures in a Shih tzu :(

Hello,

My mom's 14 yr old Shih tzu is having seizures.

I took him to the vet (my mom's on disability and can't afford it) and the vet was very concerned about the seizures at his age. "Joey" has had a seizure every day for almost 2 weeks and now he's up to 2 a day.

The vet doesn't think it's epilepsy.

The vet thinks it may be time to consider putting Joey down.

My mom is single, in her 60s, on disability, and can't do much. Joey is her life. She treats this dogs better than she treated me and my sister when we were kids!

Joey doesn't seem to be in any pain during the seizures, and the vet seems to think this is true.

Is it right to keep him alive or should we put him down? Besides the seizures, his quality of life seems to be good. Me and the vet are mainly concerned about the seizures getting worse and occuring more frequently.

Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Geoff
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  #2  
Old March 24th, 2011, 11:12 AM
BenMax BenMax is offline
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Geoff - was Joey given any meds for the seizures?
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  #3  
Old March 24th, 2011, 01:21 PM
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Marty11 Marty11 is offline
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My friend has the very same dog around 10 with the same problem. She is on a medication and home cooked meals and seems to be feeling bit better.
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Old March 24th, 2011, 02:58 PM
SamIam SamIam is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff_j1701 View Post
The vet thinks it may be time to consider putting Joey down. ... Joey doesn't seem to be in any pain during the seizures, and the vet seems to think this is true.
If the dog is not actually suffering, I can't imagine why put him down at this time. However, the vet may be assuming suffering will begin at some point and is asking you to plan ahead so that when the decision becomes one of euthanasia in order to prevent further suffering you will be prepared for it.
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Old March 25th, 2011, 10:52 AM
jeff_j1701 jeff_j1701 is offline
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Sorry, I forogt to mention that my mom won't be able to afford any on-going care or medications.

And unfortunately I can't help her out because I have my own problem with a senior dog (and I have to buy tires for my car!!) so I'm pretty short on funds as well.

I'll see if there's any medication that we can try.
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  #6  
Old March 25th, 2011, 10:54 AM
jeff_j1701 jeff_j1701 is offline
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Originally Posted by Marty11 View Post
My friend has the very same dog around 10 with the same problem. She is on a medication and home cooked meals and seems to be feeling bit better.
What medication is she on?
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  #7  
Old March 25th, 2011, 07:36 PM
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dbg10 dbg10 is offline
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Jeff there are organizations that will help with vet bills for a pet and I believe also help with the cost of medication. They are called The Farley Foundation and may help your Mom. Please click the name to go to their website.

I also wonder if the vet is worried that your Mom's dog has a rapidly advancing problem causing the seizures because they have only been happening for 2 weeks and have progressed to 2 a day. The vet may be preparing you and your Mom to lose her little companion

BTW welcome to Pets.ca
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Old March 25th, 2011, 09:33 PM
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Marty11 Marty11 is offline
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The med she is taking is a prescription from the vet. It is typical med but must be prescribed by the vet. The latest news is she is doing better though.
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  #9  
Old March 29th, 2011, 11:05 AM
jeff_j1701 jeff_j1701 is offline
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Joey now has between 4 - 7 seizures a day and his urine is bright orange, which tells me his kidneys are shutting down too.

I made the appointment to do the deed tonight. I hate putting "family members" down, but unfortunately it's part of pet ownership.

Well, I always keep this in mind...

Us humans live about 80-85 yrs and we try to live a good and honest life.

Dogs have a shorter lifespan because they don't need to live as long to learn the same thing.
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Old March 29th, 2011, 12:02 PM
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Shaykeija Shaykeija is offline
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Poor baby, hugs to your Mom....
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  #11  
Old March 31st, 2011, 03:03 PM
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dbg10 dbg10 is offline
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I am sorry you had to take this final step so soon after your Mom's Joey started having seizures. Your Mom must be heartbroken I send a big hug for both of you Joey is at peace now
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