This weekend we are honored to join Fur Angel Gibson from the FiveSibes blog and fellow epi-warrior, Olivia at Knotty Toys for Good Dogs for the 2022 edition acknowledging Purple Day for Epilepsy (with apologies for being a day late of the actual date, March 26-I got my dates mixed up).
You may recall, the Ranch’s resident Ninja (aka Elsa) was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy a couple of weeks following her adoption. You can read part of her story here.
We are so grateful for all the info Gibson and Olivia have shared on their respective blogs about epilepsy and remain appreciative for their leadership in sharing information and resources. Please visit the Purple Day website for additional information about epilepsy. Elsa is living proof dogs who have been diagnosed with this condition can live relatively normal and productive lives.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Lulu: “Oh, we missed purple day! Dada had a dog with epilepsy when he was a kid ― her name was Miss Marple, and he was alone with her the first time she had a seizure, and he didn’t know what to do. Apparently he called his grandmother who told him to stay with Miss Marple until she recovered, so that’s what he did. Eventually she got prescribed phenobarbital, which helped.”
Phenobarb is the most commonly prescribed anti-seizure med. It’s effective but can have some serious side effects. Elsa’s bloodwork is monitored to make sure none of those show up. When I was a kid we had a couple of dogs that had seizures and it was alarming to say the least. Hopefully by shedding a light on this condition, people will be better able to help pets (or people) when they occur. 💜
My reading glasses are purple. Do they count? All my purple clothes are in the laundry basket.
My mom’s last poodle – the one who outlived her and was in my care for the last 8+ years of her life – started suffering idiopathic seizures during the last few years of her life. It broke my heart because back then the only seizure medicine they had for dogs were just as bad as the seizures themselves. In fact, the vet didn’t start Boo on the meds until the seizures started coming closer together. And by then, they didn’t really help her that much. All I could do was sit on the kitchen floor with her to keep her from hurting herself, and then love on her when the seizure was over. The best thing I could do at the end was to let her go be with Mom in Heaven.
Any purple will work! 💜💜💜
It’s heartbreaking to watch the seizures and not be able to do anything about them. Growing up more than one of our Cocker Spaniels had seizures. It terrified me, now I swing into action without thinking about it. Luckily Elsa’s frequency hasn’t been too bad of late.
im glad to know that Elsa’s seizures haven’t been too frequent lately! Sweet girl! Give her some lovies for me. She has a special place in my heart, being so much like Ducky in many ways; and with their Gotcha Days being only one day apart. 💞💞
She appreciates the extra attention. 💜 She’s a love (though she can be a pill, too) and keeping her safe and healthy is paramount in my mind especially after her rough start in life. It’s the least we can do, right? Hugs to you with tail wags from the Ranch Hands.
Happy Purple day sweet Elsa!
You look beeuteefull inn yore purple bandana….
Wee follow Olivia Cee-E-O now two!
Guess what Elsa? Mee has 2 smaller OOk-PIKSS like yore big one! Aren’t they kewl???
***nose bopss*** BellaDahrma an <3 BellaSita Mum <3
Olivia is one sweet girl and her mum is super helpful with info about epilepsy. 💜💜💜
Iss good that Olivia’ss Meowmy iss supportive to you Miss Monika an Elsa!!!
**purrss** BellaDharma
What a wonderful cause………….Elsa rocks her purple bandana!
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
The girl knows how to rock purple, that’s for sure. 😆
Elsa is such a beauty, and I’m glad to know her medication has helped. No pup (or human) should have to go through the seizures which can be so devastating … thankfully she is in loving hands.
She’s one of the lucky ones. She’s had a rough start in life being a puppy mill survivor as well as an epi-warrior. She’s a sweetie who deserves someone in her corner. 💜
And even more possible when the pup has a dedicated and loving mom to do all the things it takes to keep her safe. Special purple hugs to Elsa from all of us at the Golden K.
Aww, you’re very kind. Thank you. 💜
Looking furbulous in your purple my furiend & fellow Epilepsy Warrior Elsa 🐾💜🐾
Thanks, Olivia. Stay strong 💜💜💜
We lost our darling Sophie last week….she had been clear of fits for so long but had a massive attack, dying before the vet could arrive. He thought the heatwave here – which has been unbearable – might have been a trigger. Then the next day I read of the loss of Tom’s Max….Not a good week.
Oh no, Helen. I’m so very sorry to hear that news about Sophie. My deepest condolences. Extreme temps can be a trigger to the onset of seizures. You’re too right about last week-I’m still sad about dear little Max. I hope tender memories you shared with your sweet Sophie are a special comfort with her loss. Thinking of you and sending heartfelt thoughts your way. 💔
Thank you, we all, thugs and people, miss her. None of the dogs will sit in her special places, and I feel her presence beside my chair, where she always sat to direct operations, brown eyes peering up through her fringe.
She sounded like quite the lady. My thoughts are with you all. Hugs and tail wags. 💜
Thank you…your kindness means a lot.
I know all to well the sting of losing a beloved pet. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.
My brother’s Shiba Inu has had seizures for most of his 5 years…it’s strange because I don’t remember my brother saying he was ever diagnosed with epilepsy and it seems that would be the logical choice as to why he has seizures so often. I am so glad that Elsa is holding her own!
Thanks. She’s done decently well now that we’ve figured out the medication. We’re lucky, some dogs have an awful time. 💜💜💜
And I am wearing purple in honour of the Nnja! xoxo
Aww, thanks. Spread the purple! 💜💜💜
You know it!
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
A terrific awareness post, Monika.
Thanks, John. It’s something near and dear to my heart and not just for Elsa. I have family members who suffer from seizures.
Bless them.
Stay well, “Black Ninja”. 👍😉👍👍👍
Thanks, Herr Pit. We’re doing pretty doggone good all things considered. 💜💜💜
👍🐶👍