seizures

[MMMM]

My Basset Hound had siezures his entire life. We put him on over the counter Niacin and it helped their frequency but he still had them. He lived till he was 15.5 years old and died at home of old age. We used to get a damp cool washcloth and put it on his forehead when he was having the seizure.

He was on Prednisone later in life for the seizures but that can cause liver damage over time so it is not good for young dogs.
I have heard that Pheno Barb can change their personality quite a bit- more moody & aggressive but I have no personal experience with it.

After they bounce out of the siezure, they really don't remember it at all.
I think it does help though to talk softly or sing to them while holding them when they have the siezure.

It was something I just learned to live with.

 

[Heathy]

Thank you all so much! Everyone's suggestions and experiences help! I do think he is having seizures though, because I can't wake him up while he is having them. I can't help but to talk to him during an episode. And I've been told to leave him be, but I can't get myself to stand back and just watch, so I try to comfort him and pet him. I have been keeping a journal as well....and so far it doesn't seem like the monthly meds (frontline and heartgaurd) are causing them. Still trying to find a second opinion. And when I do I will make sure to ask and/or suggest what you all have brought to my attention. I will keep you updated.

Heathy

 

[Debbie2166]

Head Temors or Siezures

Head tremors are very similiar to small siezures. Just the head shakes. I have been to countless vets, had countless number of tests (that all came back fine) and nuerologists for this. I have kept a log as well. This is good to tell the vet the amount of times it is happening but I was told unless they actually see it happen, it is very hard to diagnos.

They couldnt really give me a definitive answer. All the dogs that have this problem have to have a common thread that we just havnt found yet. I have a hunch and would like to ask all that reads this and there baby's are experiencing this problem, what king of heart worm medication are they currently on or have taken in the past?

If nothing else your answers will help me.

 

[Debbie2166]

Heart Guard

Healthy...What your dog seems to be having are seizures not head tremors. Everyone that I have spoken to on this site that have experienced head tremors, there baby's are fully awake and aware of what is around them. There heads just shake, sometimes for 10 sec to 3 minutes.


DID YOU ALL KNOW THAT ONE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HEART GUARD ARE SIEZURES.

There are alternatives, and I for one who just got a new baby that does not have head tremors, is not going to be taking heart guard. Just to be on the safe side.

 

[Heathy]

Debbie2166:
I actually am giving Tigger "Ivehart Plus", which is like a generic. I personally, wanted to use "Heartgaurd plus", but my vet (banfield pet hospital) does not sell that kind of medication. I have been leery from the beginning that it is a generic and did not realize that heart worm medication had seizures as a side affect. What other alternatives are there?

I have also heard that a certain type of topical flea medication has had seizures as a side affect...and actually one of my friends told me that their dog had died because of it (very sad). Now, don't hold me to my word, because it didn't happen to my dog...just someone elses. Anyways...it's upsetting to know that this medication to "protect" our baby's is having other affects on them.

 

[jnickles8]

Heathy--

I just posted something very similar (seizures and meds question), but I am also in the Dayton area. My uncle is a vet, and I have three close friends who are vets (by chance) or vet techs. If you need a reliable vet, maybe there is some way we can get in touch...I can give you names and/or numbers of some reputable clinics in the area.

 

[macey]

Dont understand started with seizures (really upsetting)

Hi Tyson is 9 months and christmas eve started having major seizures it was horrible and upsetting dont understand how they can just start my baby has had 4 in 6 days took him to the vet he had a further 8 seizures in the surgery he is still there i have had to come home and leave him at the vets as he is constantly fitting they are trying meds and running test .I am finding it hard to accept as he was so full of life ,He had the liver blood testand that was ok but he is not good .Tommorrow more test .It seems a long process to get sorted ,but at the moment does'nt look good and i am struggling ,any advice would be grateful for me to understand thanks Macey

 

[Debbie2166]

Heart Guard

Another alternative is Interceptor. They say it is much better than the heart guard as far as the side effects are concerned. All medication are going to have side effects, but in this case they are less in dogs (especially Boxers) with this heartworm medication.

As far as the flea & tic medication is concerned. I live in florida, a breeding ground for insects. I have a yard and have it sprayed and the house sprayed 1 a month for fleas, insects, red ants and things of that nature. I dont give either f the dogs the topical flea medication every month. Maybe once every 3 months or if I see they need it. They are fine. (as far as fleas are concerned). There is nothing in the rule book that says they have to have it. It is convenient for us, thats all.

This is my opinion, you do what you feel is best for your dog. I dont give it to them if they dont need it. They are given a bath every week and checked every night for fleas. They are fine. I have even gone as long as 6 months without given it to them. I hope my information has helped.

 

[courtney323]

Hi Debbie2166 -

Please post your Introduction. This is required of all new members, and should have actually been your very first post (before participating in other Forums)

www.boxerworld.com/rules

 

[macey]

Help Me To Help Tyson

Tyson is still at vets still having really bad fits is very confused and not eating the vet rang me this morning and he is very concerned for tyson they are thinking that his problem is his brain i have agreed to the scan (what a price its silly) but you have to do it ,they are giving him 24hr before making any decisions I feel so useless and upset hes only 9months old how does this happen to such a full of life dog .I thought he was going to suffer from seizures and have tablets to conrol it and all ok but i didnt think he would be this poorly i really dont understand has anyone been though any of this and can help me to understand i am really struggling his my baby and still is a baby . Any thoughts please let me know Macey