This is big time OT, but I can't figure out how to add a new topic ..so here goes.. my little fellow, the mini shnauzer is once again having seizures. His first were 2 1/2 yrs ago. He's been holding since. He started "clustering" last night with like
3 in a row lasting up to 15 minutes. He has them at midnight, 6 PM, and 6 AM. The vets tell me he has probably got a tumor, 2 1/2 yrs ago. He's a little cancer survivor, and the sweetest little thing ever, however he is just 12 yrs old. I got him cause they were supposed to live a long time, like 15 yrs. The vet will see him Monday. I am just sitting here, with him on my lap, waiting for the "witching ' hour, midnight, before we sleep. He's on 37.5 mg Pheno barb twice a day. Anybody with a similar circumstance? I am so afraid his end is near, and I love him so much!! GF

Oh... *hugs*

I'm so sorry. I'm an animal lover but I've never had a dog with seizures so I don't have any advice. I've heard about it though, and I think they can live a long time on meds. I don't know about if it's due to a tumor. I lost my favorite cat to tumors so I can imagine what you are going through.

*hugs*

Jayne - Going Forward is the one who has the dog with seizures. She couldn't figure out how to post a new topic, so had posted this on the Goddess thread.

I'm a dog lover, but don't know about seizures. I would assume just talk to him and love him so that he feels safe.

{{{ Going Forward }}}

Yes, the most important thing you can do is to just be there with him. Is the phenobarb helping?

Oh Going, I'm sorry your dog is hurting.

I have no knowledge on what to do. But I'm wondering if having a heating pad around would be some help.

Anyone else think that would be ok?

Hi Believer

Sorry to hear about your dog.

I had a dog with similar situation. He died when he was 13. He was a lab mix (90 pounds).

Did your dog walk funny last couple of weeks?

I hate to tell you this, but I want you to prepare.
Mine started walking leaning to the left, like he was drunk. His balance was getting worse and worse.
Their seizing will happen more frequently and there is not much you can do but comfort him like you are doing now.

They are very afraid when their seizure starts because they can't control their motion and though. As long as you are with him, he knows and he can sense your caring. That's the best you can do for him. He may not want to eat anything. It may be a good idea to give him some bread just to soak up some of his stomach acid. Of course, you can give him some pedialyte if he is not interesting in water.

I ended up took mine to the emergency vet. Hope this will not be your case.

I will pray for this little fighter. What's his name anyway?

Good luck.

NW

I am so sorry. I am a HUGE animal lover...all kinds. Although I've never experienced what you are, my heart goes out to you. They are so sweet and innocent. I am sure he is scared. All you can do is be there for him during his seizures and hopefully the vet will help him tomorrow. In the mean time...

Here is a prayer for you to pray over your sick pup...

Heavenly Father,
you created all things for your glory
and made us stewards of this creature.
If it is your will, restore it to health and strength.
Blessed are you, Lord God,
and holy is your name for ever and ever. Amen.


I will be thinking of you and praying for him...

Cat

My petsitter has a dog who has seizures and she read somewhere to try about a tablespoon of ice cream and something else (can't remember right now) every night and that has helped her dog. Now, without knowing exactly what is causing the seizures this may or may not work, but I thought I'd offer the suggestion.

Maybe you could do a search on canine seizures and ice cream. It sounds crazy but it has worked for some. I will check further when I get home from work if you'd like me to. Just did a quick search - try searching on canine epilepsy guardian angels. There is a lot of information there.It talks about applying an ice pack to the dog's back during the seizure.

Hang in there. We've had quite a time with our two lately so I know what you're going through.

Shadows

GF,

I know for you feel, I love my dogs more than anything. They are always there for you when you are down, they know when something is wrong,they always listen, and they always have a kiss for you.

I pray everything turns out ok for you and your best friend.

Silver

Any news from the vet on your dog?

Hope things went well...

Cat

GF,

We just found out Thursday that our dog has a tumor. It's in his mouth and moving his teeth out of alignment. Even if it's benign it will be the end of him and soon. It's growing so fast you can actually see it's larger each day. There's no way to remove it as it's in the jawbone as well as on the gums.

He's only eight years old. He probably has a week or two left with us.

I spent Friday in shock and Saturday crying. Now I'm waffling between enjoying every precious moment with him and crying.

We have another dog, a great dog. But the sick dog is one of those rare ones that really becomes family. One that all others will forever be compared against.

I so feel your pain right now.

Just be thankful for the time he graced your life, and allow yourself to grieve. Take lots of photos.

Oh Turtle,

I am so sorry. I will pray for you and your dog that he doesn't suffer.

GF,

Any word on your dog? Still thinking about you both...

Turtlehead, I am sooo sorry about your little buddy. It's just such a painful time for us, isn't it? Still no word of the blood test for his seizures. I did start giving him ice cream and he loves it with no "brain freeze". He has more trouble, however. They found a large tumor in his abdomen yesterday. I thought he was just gaining weight. They aren't too keen to operate, given his age and seizure activity. They are fairlycertain that this tumor isn'ta good one. The blood tests may indicate some more information about the tumor. So it's a waiting game. I know I won't suffer him any more than he needs to be. However, it's gonna rock to be him in his final days with his goodies and attention he'll be receiving. Thanks to all who responded. We, in the pet world are truly a kindred spirit. Catgirl, thank you for the beautiful prayer (by the way, no new seizures for about 36 hrs now)

GF

GF

Pooch

Dog people certain are a special group.

I hear you on him loving life, you should see how many treats, and maybe a little steak, I gave my pups on Monday... They went for sooo many walks, go soo many treats,got so many hugs, and I did not even yell when one of them pooped on the floor. I feel for you, I really do. They really have a way of becomming your best friend in about 2 min's after you get them home and you cant imagine life without them.

My prayers are with you both.

Silver

Keep us informed on your dog. Hope you are doing okay. All of this is so hard.

I'm glad the seizures have stopped.

All you can do is make him comfortable and pray he will not suffer.

Please know you are still in my prayers. I love animals and feel sorry for them as they are so helpless and have no idea what is going on...seizures, illness etc. As long as you are there for him, as I know you are, he will be fine.

Cat

GF,

I can't believe you found the time in your grief to reach out to me. How thoughtful and generous of you. I guess it does help to talk about it and know you're not alone, doesn't it? I, too, had thought about posting here but felt kind of silly grieving a pet when folks are grieving such bigger things in their lives on these boards. I'm glad you decided to.

The vet called today. The lab results say it's a type of melanoma. It's not prone to metastasizing but it doesn't respond well to radiation or chemo. The vet had a few questions about the report, and he's going to talk to the lab and get back with us tomorrow or Friday, but right now it looks like we'll be putting him down on Friday. It's VERY hard right now knowing there aren't many more moments of touching him, watching his antics, and smelling his doggy smell.

The good news is that he seems very happy and he doesn't seem to be in much pain. His appetite is good. There's a strong desire to just wait a few more days because he acts so normal... but the tumor is growing FAST and won't get better. I'd rather miss a few days with him than have him in any pain at all (and I do think he's in some already).

He's getting an insane amount of treats and scratches, and it's a wonder he can fit through a doorway - his head must be swollen from being told how good, smart, clever, funny, noble, etc. he is.

It sounds like you are in an extremely similar situation, waiting for official results but knowing the outcome does not look promising. I know you're hurting at the thought of losing him. It sounds like he is one lucky son of a gun. You are clearly a very loving and responsible caregiver for your little guy.

Turtle and GF,


You both doing OK?

I've been thinking about you both.