Anyone have experience with epileptic dogs?

[big4life]

The vet believes that the seizures that my little dog has been having is the onset of epilepsy. I have been doing a ton of research about it, but I would like to hear from people that have actually had to deal with a pet with epilepsy, and their experiences.

 

[StickFigure]

My mom has an Ausi Shepherd that has seizures caused by what they believe is epilepsy, and also have a friend who has lost two Ausi Shepherds to the same thing.

 

[heatherrae]

Oh boy, I am sorry for you and your little pup! Sincerely. The only experiences that I have had is that I had two friends whos dogs had epilepsy. In both cases, they spent lots of money on expensive medication only to have to put the dogs down later because the seizures got worse and worse. I sincerely hope this isn't the case with your dog.

 

[drwindmill]

First post here guys, I lost my bulldog last week at 4 years old because of epilepsy. She was having seizures for about 3 years while on epilepsy medication. She would have really good weeks without any seizures then she would hit a spell and have several a day for couple of days. The seizures are really hard to watch when you really care about your dog........

 

[big4life]

The vet has already told me that the medication is almost worse than the seizures. The side effects are very bad to the liver and kidneys. Right now the seizures are not happening often enough, or severe enough to need medication, but she thinks they will get worse with time.

 

[StickFigure]

The vet has already told me that the medication is almost worse than the seizures. The side effects are very bad to the liver and kidneys. Right now the seizures are not happening often enough, or severe enough to need medication, but she thinks they will get worse with time.

So far, I have not heard any stories of the dog getting any better. They don't always die, but they don't seem to improve. Sorry.

 

[RottenWillow]

The vet believes that the seizures that my little dog has been having is the onset of epilepsy. I have been doing a ton of research about it, but I would like to hear from people that have actually had to deal with a pet with epilepsy, and their experiences.

The mutt we had when I was a kid had epilepsy. It started when she was about 3 and she lived until age 12. Worst part was the look of complete terror on her face when the seizures would hit. Her whole body would become rigid as a board and I'd just hold her until they passed. She was never medicated for them. They'd hit about once a month and last maybe a minute or so.

 

[madbomber31]

my mom's oldest dog is epileptic... i was watching a jaguars game in 99 and i hear this rattling sound, i get up and look and the dog's mouth was biting down on a metal table leg... i thought it was being electricuted!!! i freaked... turns out it was a siezure, the first of a few... she had them about 1 every 6 months after that for a few years... hasnt had one now in over 3 years.... the advice the vet gave us was to not freak out, and just talk calmly to the dog while it was having it's episode...

oh, dont get too close to the mouth, as my mom's dog tried to bite me as it came out of it, then realized what she did and chilled...

freaky experience though... but they can live a long life with epilepsy (mom's dog is 13 now).

 

[madbomber31]

also, my mom's dog is not and has never been on any medication for the siezures...

here she is... getting old

 

[big4life]

The mutt we had when I was a kid had epilepsy. It started when she was about 3 and she lived until age 12. Worst part was the look of complete terror on her face when the seizures would hit. Her whole body would become rigid as a board and I'd just hold her until they passed. She was never medicated for them. They'd hit about once a month and last maybe a minute or so.

That sounds like what little bear is going through. She knows when one is coming on and she will go to someone for help. All we can do for her is keep her still and try to make her comfortable until it passes. The scared look in her eyes is the worst thing.

Here is a picture of her as a pup.