Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Dog seizure! what to do?
Yes, I have experience with this. I lost my 16 year, 3 month old Maltese last fall. A year earlier she began having seizures. Vet thought it was likely a brain tumor. Seizures are the major symptom of a brain tumor. Wouldn't know for sure unless we had CAT scan or MRI done. Neither of which really could be done because she would have needed anesthesia to keep her still and with her age and heart murmur (that she had for several years) it wasn't likely that she would come out of the anesthesia. So we went on the very good assumption it was a brain tumor. X-rays showed she had fluid in her lungs which resulted in congestive heart failure. My vet - who we had been seeing for years and I trusted completely - put her on a regimen of meds. Heart medication, med for the lung fluid and a med for seizures. Nothing can be done for the brain tumor except hope it's slow growing. Every once in a while she would do the things you described but those episodes wouldn't last that long and she would be back to her regular self. And I tried some things to prove she had gone deaf as well. She had a very good quality of life - with a seizure only once in a while - for the next 13 months. We didn't walk any more and she became quieter but she was doing the 4 things the vet said were important to judge quality of life. Eat, drink, pee and poop. She got around on her own around the house - although slept a lot. She was aware of things going on - just didn't take part much. Was content with being held - didn't have to chase those dang squirrels any more. After a year - she took a turn for the worst. Stopped eating and couldn't control her bowels and bladder. After 10 days of trying to get her to eat anything - I tried hamburger, roast, steak, rice, baby food - the only thing she would take was a little water - it seemed she was tired of it all and we decided it was time to let her go. Hardest thing I ever, ever had to do. Anyway, my point is - could be a brain tumor and there are meds to control seizures. And hopefully the other things might slowly come back to normal. If not - you will need to judge her quality of life and possibly make the decision to let her go to the Rainbow Bridge. My heart goes out to you because after all the years and memories - it is the most gut-wrenching thing. I lost my Savannah last September after 16 years, 3 months and 10 days of sleeping with her every night. Having her by my side every day. God bless you and your little dog.
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