Originally we had hoped to have had this post prepared during the Thanksgiving holiday week rather than on the last day of the month but we were hampered with poor cell phone coverage and no Wi-Fi while visiting Mom’s Dad and we only just returned yesterday afternoon. As a blogger, this is as troublesome as trying to deal with the whole WordPress block editor garbage, and ranks right up there with Daylight Savings Time in dumb things you shouldn’t have to deal with. Between you and me, Mom’s bandwidth to deal with such junk is pretty slim so I knew we’d have to publish today.
When you’re a dog like me, you become pretty used to taking your meds. Mom has become quite creative in wrapping my pills in a very tasty treat so it’s not like she has to hog-tie me and pop a pill in the back of my throat. Having that happen would be weird, not to mention rude.
I began having seizures shortly after Mom rescued me over seven years ago (you can read about it in the highlighted link) and she’s been educating herself ever since.
My diagnosis came two weeks after I was rescued. There I was, a completely feral dog started having seizures getting used to being around people. I was fortunate to have Sam and Norman as my brothers-they taught me how to be a dog. I mean, I didn’t even know how to accept food from my Mom’s hand I was that shut down. Grand mal seizures started at first and following a short stay at the emergency vet clinic, I was treated and diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy which meant the vet wasn’t sure what the cause was. A likely factor was believed to be most likely was genetic (all the dogs seized after the owner of the puppy mill passed away had various conditions and he didn’t keep health records of any of us). Initially it was challenging determining what the right dosage of anti-seizure medication should be. I was placed on the least potent dose of Phenobarbital as well as given CBD oil but the dosage proved to be inadequate. The Phenobarb had to be adjust several times and for the most part I’m happy to report that Mom has been pretty good keeping me seizure free since late May {knock on wood}. Having a dog like me who has seizures can be a terrifying thing to witness. Even with treatment, seizures are no picnic in the park and there are always challenges. Despite a few hiccups along the way like determining what the right dosage would be for my situation, Mom and my vet have seemed to hit the sweet spot and manage to keep the seizures mostly at bay. Even when I do have one, Mom has learned various techniques which make them fairly minor compared to when I first experienced them. I even went over a year without a single one.
Mom says she’s lucky to have been part of an amazing blogging community who are far smarter and more knowledgeable than her when it comes to epilepsy and is particularly grateful for loads of advice from our friends over at Knotty Toys for Good Dogs and The Five Sibes who have shared amazing and informative resources and tips that have helped me. Remember that epilepsy is not a death sentence by any means and it is super important to get accurate information when treating epilepsy. There are also various epilepsy websites including Canine-Epilepsy as well as generalized info found at the Epilepsy Foundation and The Wally Foundation for educating oneself if it ever happens to you or your pet. I’ve certainly learned a lot since that first seizure and hope, with proper nutrition and the right balance of medication, I will live a long and happy life. If chewing on various items like reading glasses is any indication of happiness, Mom thinks I’m in hog heaven.
Did you know one in every 100 dogs is affected by epilepsy? Idiopathic epilepsy (the most common cause of seizures in dogs), is an inherited disorder, yet its exact cause is unknown. Other causes may include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. Onset in dogs usually beginning sometime between 2-6 years. As I mentioned, my onset episodes were quite severe, life threatening in fact and required emergency vet intervention but are now mostly managed. I live a good life and enjoy things considered normal for dogs now and when the epi-monster hits, Mom knows how to treat me and get me through it easily. Do you know anyone who is epileptic?
Again, many thanks to Knotty Toys and the Five Sibes for their counsel and support along this journey. With their help and info they share, Mom hopes to have me around chewing on her things for a good long time.
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are making ready for Santa Paws.
Lulu: “Thank you for sharing your story! We are so glad you have your mom there to take care of you ― if you had still been feral when you started having seizures, who knows what would have happened?”
Charlee: “Our Dada says that when he was young like ten or eleven maybe their dog Missy developed epilepsy. He was home alone when she had her first seizure and he didn’t know what it was, he was scared she was going to die or something. He remembers calling up his Mimmier but he doesn’t remember what she told him. Anyway Missy went on phenobarbital and lived so long she got to meet our Mama when she and our Dada started dating in college.”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, lucky dog, getting to meet Mama!”
Viewing a seizure for the first time is scary especially for kids. Happy hear your Dada’s Missy was treated and lived a long enough life to meet your Mama. We try to spread the word that dogs with epilepsy can live happy, long lives with treatment. 💜
It’s good that your Mom has learned so much about this terrible and difficult condition, and that you have become a very good girl about taking your “meds” and behaving properly. And we, too, give a big paws-up to Dorothy and the FiveSibes for their on going resolve in promoting and publishing news of epilepsy in the dog community. At one time, I lived with my daughter and family, enjoying the company of their beautiful and loving chocolate Lab. He began to suddenly (no warning) suffer a seizure one day (on my watch, family all at work). It was terrifying. Thankfully, after vet appointments, trial and error, and a few mini-seizures the balance for meds was found for him. But to see your beloved pet go through that is heart wrenching, and it can be so damaging and fatal when not fully or properly treated. So again, thank you to all of you who bring into the open all that others need to know about epilepsy.
Thanks, Ann. Trial and error are the watch words when living with a pet with epilepsy. Dorothy has shared so much and made such a difference in how we handle seizures. Her webpage is so full of relevant info and scads of tricks. I’m not sure I’d be in such good shape without her and Knotty Toys CEO Olivia and her Mom’s advice and experience. Mom and I are truly blessed to have found them. We just hope by making folks aware and informed, they will realize we can live good lives. The stigma surrounding epilepsy is still medieval and out of touch with reality. 💜
Mee-yow Elsa yore so beeuteefull….mee as a little OOK-PIK like yore BEEG one!
What a post about how you came to bee with Miss Monika an yore Eppylepsy.
Olivia iss mee Bee Eff Eff an has tott mee alot about THE diss-order…..
An wee 150% AGREE that Daylite Savinss Time an Block Eddytor need to get “GONE”! Fore guud!
Wishin you an Miss Monika a lovelee not too chilley weekend!
***nose bopss*** BellaDharma an {{{hugss}}} BellaSita Mum
Many thanks. Olivia has provided us with most comprehensive information; we are so grateful for her expertise and support.
Stay warm, cozy and safe this weekend. Hugs and tail wags.
P. S. we received your very sweet Christmas card. Thank you for thinking of us. We hope your holiday is calm and bright. 🌲🕎🌲
You’ve come such a long way, Elsa. We’re all proud of you and of your wonderful Mom. XOX Xena, Lucy, Chia and Riley
Thanks guys. I really credit my two oafish brothers for turning me into a nice girl. And Mom because she takes such good good care of me and loves me to pieces. 💜
Your fur,
Elsa 🐾
Mom’s got you Elsa. 🙂
Hugs.
Indeed she does, much to my health and happiness.
🙂
Elsa you are in good hands with your vet and your Mom – I’m sorry that you have epilepsy BUT getting your meds on time and being otherwise healthy are two things on your side – not to mention all the love you get which we all know is HEALING! Sending you hugs……
Love, Teddy
Thank you. I’m one lucky dawg!
Your mama is a big smarty pants to get this all figured out for you, buddy. You are in good hands. And you are a very good pup to take your medicine so nicely.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thanks, Cupcake. I keep telling Mom I’m a good girl. She usually laughs a lot, but I think she’s ever grateful that I’m pretty good on taking my pills. They can be nasty tasting and she finds some terrific stuff to hide them in.
Oh, I did not know Elsa had epilepsy. Elsa is being very brave. Not keeping health records is awful. We bought a few dogs from puppy mills. Our Daisy might have epilepsy, but she has had just a few seizures, one recently, but we don’t know if that is the case. It could be something else. Our veterinarian said to wait and see if the seizures happen again. She is also very old now, 15. I can add that the Leonberger community is watching breeders so it is almost impossible to have a puppy mill with Leonbergers.
There are many reasons why dogs have seizures but suspect the majority of them end up being idiopathic in nature (meaning no one knows for sure). We’ll keep our paws crossed that your Daisy doesn’t have any more.
Glad to hear the Leonberger community is watchful. Responsible breeding (over profit) makes all the difference in the gene pool. Not all backyard breeders are bad but there are many who are just in it for the big bucks they can charge, especially when poodles are the basic stock for so many hybrids these days. Spending $2500 and more for a mixed breed seems crazy to us. The rescue from where Elsa came was run by a very responsible breeder who also showed her dogs and been in the business for decades so she knew that group that Elsa was in was potentially going to be a problem even thought there were some really beautiful dogs; they all had various health problems. She was very selective with who could adopt and neutered/spayed the whole lot to put the kibosh on continuing the bad blood lines. Looks aren’t everything when you have serious genetic conditions/diseases passed on through multiple litters.
Elsa, you are a trooper and an excellent spokes-dog for the cause. Too many people may think epilepsy is limited to humans – so cheers to you for getting the word out. For Mom’s role in helping you, let her have a beer more often.
Thanks Mr. Frank. One of the biggest problems with seizures is the stigma that has been associated with them over time. People are afraid and take it out on their fellow uprights and pets. We’re good dogs and deserve the good life. And you’re probably right…Mom deserves a big every now and then. 😉
My husband has idiopathic epilepsy. His first episode was in his mid-70s. (Did you know for peeps the most likely time to be diagnosed is between 8 and 14 and over 65?) He takes anti-seizure meds and it’s been a few years since he had one. It was a big deal at the beginning because he couldn’t drive until he was seizure free for 6 months. Also, it was terrifying! For the meds could you not adjust the time and give them at 7 and 7 during ST and 8 and 8 during DST? I had a diabetic cat and pretty much did that although with insulin you have a more flexible window.
Oh no, sorry for your husband, Kate. My Mom has a couple of nephews who also have seizures so we understand what you’re going through. Did not know about the age groups-that’s very interesting.Glad he’s been seizure free for a few years. We tried the alternate times but it got terribly confusing and goodness knows Mom needs as much help keeping herself straight as it is! It’s easier to ease the time for a few days in advance. Then again, it’d be easier if we bloody well didn’t have to deal with it at all. I keep writing to my Congressperson to see why they don’t repeal it but obviously it hasn’t been dealt with yet-maybe after the election cycle. Sigh.
Thanks for sharing your story, Elsa. Our dog, Maddie also had epilepsy (along with other issues) we learned to care for her as your mom has. Daylight Saving Time is stupid. No dog ever had to check the clock in order to know it’s dinner time.
You take care!
Boy, you sure nailed it, Dan. We have an internal clock that will rival any Swiss watch. Sorry your Maddie was an epileptic. We epi-warriors make some of the very best dogs and by spreading the word, we hope people will stop stigmatizing the condition.
As you know, we lost our darling Sophie to epilepsy…the vet could not get here in time. So very glad you have it under control.
We’re so sorry the vet couldn’t save Sophie in time. Grand mal seizures must be dealt with quickly. The seizures I have these days are fairly mild and Mom’s gotten pretty good about some techniques to make them go away reasonably quickly. Spreading the word about the condition will help with the stigma that too many people feel when it happens to their pet.
Thank you for sharing your story, Elsa. Your mom is a saint and thank goodness she is there for you.
Don’t want to break your bubble, but Mom’s no saint though she loves me to pieces for which I’m glad and do what she can to help me. She tries very hard to be good but sometimes… 🤣
😁
We don’t understand the time changes also that mess with our Med schedule as well. Bless your wonderful mom for taking such good care of you. ❤️🐾
Thank you, Paulette. We agree, that going back and forth is just stupid. We hate the change and that was even before the challenge of getting my meds to me on time. With the short days now, we never know if it’s 5:00 PM or 10:00 because of the darkness. 🤞🏼😉
💕
Thanks. We appreciate the hearts. 💜
First of all, we opted to use the old WP and not the block editor as it was just too stupid for our taste, LOL. No regrets ever. As for internet, we have a phone hot spot that works alright and when we travel we get a free hotspot from the public library so we can work on the road. Mom has to be online for her job. Last summer we were at a place where no one got internet and it was so hard. We had to drive to get internet, so we know the pain of that. It’s bad enough when you need it to blog, but for work is really important! Sorry you have to suffer with seizures, that is really hard and the time change is also as dumb as the block editor! Hopefully you can ease in with everything without a seizure.
Mom uses the classic editor as well but more and more comments now show up in the block editor format. Boo-hiss. Mom feels the same as your mom! We tried using it a couple of times and it just made Mom crazed. It took forever to do a post and she switched back to the classic. She was told by one of the happiness folks they will eventually get rid of the classic. Hopefully we’ll be around long enough to not have to endure that.
Normally Mom can use a hot spot but this time the connectivity was too poor to be able to get any kind of signal. She thinks the installation crews impacted everything and not in a good way.
Poor puppy, what a rough start. It sounds like mom is very aware and is working well with your vet. We had a cat who seized twice but it was only twice. He was found to be diabetic so we had to give him insulin shots for about 8 years. Cats are not good patients like you! I’m so glad your mom found you!
Thank you…my Mom had a couple of dogs when she was growing up that had seizures and a dog when she moved to Denver. We recently discovered as many as 2% of cats and up to 5% of dogs can have epilepsy so shared treatment info is very important.
Thank you-Mom has been good to me and takes good care of me though I wish she’d let me chew snow more since a storm hit Thanksgiving and is still in spots). Being back home now where the Wi-Fi is decent and (mostly) dependent. They were installing fiber optic cable at Dad’s house and cut through the phone lines and the router crashed and burned (it was almost as old as my Mom). Good grief…what a bunch of knuckle dragging installers. 🙄 So sorry for your cousin’s diagnosis; Mom has a couple of nephews that also have had seizures over the years. Such a terrible condition but one that can be managed so it’s important for us to spread the word.
one of our friends has that attacks too… it was not easy for her people to learn how to live with this scary moments and what they have to do when this moments happen… hugs to all peeps and pets who live their life with it… and all the best …
We have uprights in our world as well who suffer from this condition and suspect it does for lots of peeps and pets. We hope that spreading the word will help them all manage the condition.
Oh Elsa, I cannot tell you how happy I am that your mom found you and has taken such fantastic care of you. So many would have given up, I don’t doubt.
My cousin developed epilepsy very soon after his father died. He and his sister had been staying with us for a while when he had his first one. My mother was quick to react and we had no idea it had happened in the night. We were sleeping away and woke up asking where Joel was. Poor guy. He’s got it under control now, as far as I know – I haven’t seen him in years and he lives over in New Brunswick.
Thanks for the heads up on the special month that it is. And hopefully no more WiFi issues!