Loki Update and Thanks (idiopathic epilepsy)

Thanks for your lovely messages - I'm overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness.

We picked him up from the vets and he was hyper but okay and much better than when we left him there in the early hours. Took him to the specialists and after examining him, the specialist explained what he would do and what everything meant. They took him in for an MRI scan and a spinal tap and we went off for a couple of hours in a daze. When we got back the specialist told us that the MRI showed his brain was fine, no tumours showed up etc. The results from the spinal tap will be back next Tues or Weds.

What it means is that as thought, after everything else has been eliminated (including thyroid tests which I asked for) they can only say he has the idiopathic epileipsy and we've been given the drug phenobarbitone, which he'll be on for life and it may take 2 weeks to have any effect. I hate the whole idea of it but I tried everything I could think of to avoid this over the last few weeks and nothing worked, and we can't let it go on any longer. Last night was the worst yet and we have to give the drug a chance, although the specialist said there's a 20% chance it may not work. We will have to monitor the concentration and liver function periodically.

He had a general anaesthetic so was groggy and subdued when we went to him but he managed to thump his tail when he saw us and ***** his ears up when I asked was he hungry. He looked so pathetic - the back of his neck has been shaved, some of his throat and patches on both legs, poor baby.

We got him home and he was ravenous and thirsty, even though he's been on a drip. Then he went in the garden and must have wee'd puppy style as he couldn't balance for 3 solid minutes, even though they'd fitted a catheter.

Thank God we are insured as this just about broke the bank. It made me really think though because even if you are insured, you have to stump up the cash in advance and what if you don't have it?

Thanks again - I am so touched by your kind wishes and I really appreciate it.
xxxxx

Thank goodness it's nothing too serious

I'll keep everything crossed that the medication works soon

Good Luck

at least you have a bit more idea of where you stand now LS, and even though drugs aren't always the option you would like to take given the choice, controlling the seizures is preferable. I really hope that this solves the problem, and at least it gives you some control over the situation. Thats the worst thing with dogs...feeling so helpless and not being able to explain to them whats happening.
big hugs to Loki
xx

Thanks for the update, and sending hugs to you all x

So relieved for yoy that it appears to be nothing more sinister than epilepsy That in itself is unfortunate, but at least you know what you are dealing with and it can be controlled so well now that Loki should be able to lead a perfectly normal life.

aww LS thank you for the update on loki im so glad to hear everything went well fingers crossed that the medication starts to kick in real soon sending you both HUGE HUGS

so glad loki is feeling a little better and that the mri scan didnt reveal anything really nasty, hugs to you and loki

Big hugs to Loki from me and sades

You must be so happy to have him home

Thank goodness you know what it is and that he can be treated. Big hugs from us and hope he perks up soon. Get some rest