Time between seizures reduced

Pereg had another Grand Mal seizure this morning, just two weeks to the day [and at virtually the same time] since the last one.

The seizure-free period seems to be reducing as she went 7 weeks and 2 days after her Pb was increased from 25mg bid to 50mg am and 25mg pm. She then went five weeks and now just two.

I have just spoken to my Vet who says he cannot increase the dosage until she has been on Pb for 12 months but that if she has more frequent seizures then she will have to be referred to a neurologist, which will be almost impossible. To the best of my knowledge the only major Veterinary Hospital here is in Jerusalem, and I have no idea how I could possibly take her there. A taxi would cost a small fortune, apart from the sheer physical difficulty it would entail.

Really do not know what to do.

Malka - I do feel for you and know how it is when there is a shortage (or no) specialists, our Bara has had a breathing problem all her life, it does effect some Newfoundlands and had we been in England we'd have taken her to 'soft tissue' specialist which the Newfie club recommded but there no such people here in CZ so she has had to live with it all her life.

Thinking on the positive side, maybe the seizures will no always increase in frequency, maybe the next one will be a longer time span, wishfull thinking maybe but I do hope so.

I really do not know if a neurological examination could do anything to help Pereg. On various canine epilepsy websites I have read about MRIs and lumbar punctures, but to put a small dog through such things when it is doubtful that the tests would even show up anything, let alone help, seems to me to that it would put unnecessary stress on her.

As for a longer time span I almost thought we had gotten away with it when she hit the seven week mark, but then two days later I was proven wrong. And as I say, she then went five week. Now it is back to two.

The only good thing, well two actually, that has come out of my phone call with the Vet this morning was that first they have accepted that I am giving Pereg a partial BARF diet - no more lectures about the evils of chicken wings! - and that they are happy with the supplements I am giving her. The comments regarding the latter being that yes, they might help reducing the severity and duration of the actual seizures, and they might help reduce length of post-ictal behaviour.

I guess we will just have to cope, Pereg and I.

And you do cope brilliantly,I take my hat off to you. She is a lucky girl to have you and I am sure you feel lucky to be loved by her. Hope the seizures slow down again xx

I really hope that the fits slow down again, because you are doing everything that you can it seems to help her.

All the very best of luck - you deserve some.

Oh dear Malka, I have only just seen this.
Poor you, you must be so worried and poor old Pereg.
I really don't know what else to say, I can't offer any advice but I will be thinking of you both xx

Thanks for your kind thoughts everyone. It is just so hard for me emotionally, and yes, also physically draining coping with Pereg after the seizure until she had calmed down [with a very full tummy].

I obviously was not expecting her to have another seizure after just two weeks, but somehow was not surprised when I heard her go down [I was just getting dressed and she was the other side of the plastic gate across the doorway], because she had acted out of character when we went to bed last night. Or rather this morning as it was gone 1.30am so yet another night of not even 6 hours sleep.

In fact I slept with a torch under my pillow to keep checking on her because of her strange behaviour when we had gotten to bed. Something was just not right - did not seem quite right, but it would be difficult to explain to someone who has not seen her regular nightly routine.

Oh well. Back to marking the days from Day 1 again.

I'm sorry to hear Pereg had another seizure.

It is a worry when they start to happen closer together. Isaac had a few 15 days apart and I thought the worst. He's been fit free for about 70 days now which is a first for Isaac. Hopefully Pereg's will start to be less frequent.

Big {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} to you both. Look after yourselves and take good care.

Seoniad.

I know that feeling. I hope you both have a restful night tonight. xxx

Hi Malka , really sorry to hear about Peregs seizures .
I also have an epileptic dog and I know how difficult it can be . I was lucky in that she was able to see a specialist. The medication was discussed after her MRI and spinal fluid tests. They said to initially start on phenobarbitone and levels would be increased based on response and blood levels. They did not say anything about waiting 12 months to increase amounts . Also said that if required further drugs could be added or tried individually . These were potassium bromide (cheap) or keppra ( expensive ) . I think keppra is a human drug . I don't know about the availability of these in Israel but it might be worth asking your vet . I don't know how helpful it is as I am not a member but I think there is a yahoo epilepsy support group - I am a member of the immune disease and addisons versions and they have been an invaluable source of information as vets are often not very familiar with some of these conditions so can be a good place to get ideas that you can then discuss with your vet and see if there is something practical that can help pereg .
I was also given some tubes of rectal diazepam that I can give if there is a very bad fit . Hope this helps a bit and vibes for less seizures to Pereg .

Luca