Making a plan to deal with seizures

[k9coach]

You all are amazing. Thank you.

I wrote down a detailed description of the entire seizure episode. What stands out to me this time is that we woke up earlier than usual and I was holding off on feeding them until their regular breakfast time. The dogs are used to eating pretty much first thing when we wake up, but that day we got out of bed about an hour and a half earlier than normal and I figured I didn't want to mess up their regular meal time so I was waiting to feed breakfast at the time we normally get up.

Back when she started having seizures I kept a journal and I could not discern a pattern of triggers but now I am hoping I can find that journal and see if there is any connection with hunger / empty stomach or routine change. All of her seizures have been in the day time, not in the evening. Mostly morning but I know at least once it was afternoon - that was the one that scared the hell out of me. We were swimming and she had a seizure right at the edge of the pool. I was right there with her so she wouldn't have drowned but just thinking of her falling in and being totally not in control of her body.... it's very upsetting.

After the first time she had a seizure I read that I should comfort her during seizures so every one she's had since then I gently pet her and talk to her in a soothing voice.

She'll see the vet next week. When she first started having seizures, the vet had us hold off on medication until they became more frequent. I'm wondering if we should do the same again or if we should just get her on medication immediately knowing from past experience that her seizures can become frequent enough to warrant meds.

[abbara]

I am sure you know frequent seizures cause brain damage.

Please keep us update and ask the Vet about the 3 month blood work to avoid liver toxicity.

[barndog]

Hi k9! My sweet Barnaby took Keppra (Levetiracetam) for his seizures. It worked well for him.

I don't know any other dog, personally, who has taken Keppra instead of the two mentioned here. B saw a number of specialists because he had a complicated medical history, however, and they did a superb job of figuring out new and tricky ways of treating him to account for that.

Good luck!

[zugor]

Coach - I don't have any experience with this issue (knock on wood). I just wanted to wish you good luck in finding a treatment that eliminates or significantly reduces the seizures without keeping your dog totally zonked out.