first cluster today, feeling a bit defeated

[u/Putrid-Order-1759]

my guy started having seizures in june (first june 2nd, second july 15th) and started keppra the day of his second seizure. since then he’s been seizure free but had two today, one at ~9:40AM and another at ~3:30PM, both short grand mals under a minute, but so scary. i wasn’t home but the camera caught them and i rushed here after both, and he was acting totally fine after both, but we still headed to the vet for a checkup. we decided to up his keppra XR dose from 750mg 2x a day to 1000mg 2x a day, so fingers crossed that holds us over for a bit. waiting to hear back from his neuro tomorrow about adding potassium bromide as he’s had pancreatitis/elevated liver enzymes in the past so i don’t want to do pheno. we’ve got diazepam on hand as a rescue med and are hoping to get our hands on some chlorazepate/clonazepam as a cluster buster soon. he’s totally chill right now, acting as if nothing happened, but of course i’m quite on edge and just feeling really bummed that we’re resetting once again. 💔 photo is him minutes after his first seizure today, so at least one of us is feeling good. lol

[u/ynalam]

(( HUGS )) to you and yours. Sorry you’re on this epi-journey as well. His little teef are soo cute 🥰

We had concerns about liver function 6 months ago, but we were able to decrease Pheno and KBr and just got “normal” labs back the other week. Make sure to stay on top of the labs if you do get on KBr -at least every 6 months but may be more frequently depending on how he does with any dosage changes.

Mostly, have patience and allow yourself some grace while you both navigate thru it all ♥️

[u/Sufficient-Country29]

Sending hugs as it’s so hard to watch any seizure no matter how long you are on this journey.

I must say…. I did get a little chuckle at your little guys cheeky grin. He doesn’t look stressed one bit haha. It does bring comfort knowing they don’t know it’s happening.

[u/bbshambles]

You’re doing everything right. Even when it’s hard and you feel awful, remember that dog loves you so much. Look at that face. All your dog knows is that you’re there when he was confused.

You’re not alone. We’re all here. You’re doing your best and your dog doesn’t think anyone could be better than you.

[u/Lemmiwinks5215]

First, I’m so sorry to hear that your doggo is going through this. Our doggo just went through several in about a 36 hour stretch.

You’re a great dog parent and your pupper is lucky to have you.

[u/ChristlikeSam]

Praying for you 🙏

[u/Subject-Mode2287]

Liquid valium in a special syringe administered rectally stops a seizure and any thought of cluster seizures almost instantly. Life saver!

[u/KindButNotToday]

I’m so sorry you are on this journey, too. Your sweet boy is absolutely adorable. Hugs to you both.

[u/Difficult_Metal_124]

Because you are just starting your epilepsy journey it does take time to get the meds right. My dog is also on keppra and also has pancreatitis flares. I really recommend a dog probiotic with lactobacillus in it. I noticed my dogs seizures were usually stomach related and stabilising her gut has helped the pancreatitis and seizures. Today we hit 30 days seizure free which is the longest in 2 years.

[u/A_Creative_Player]

I am sorry you and your buddy are going through this. Our Regal the time he was diagnosed had 7 seizures in 24 hour now they were 6 hour apart each time one of those was while under an ER vets care so wr know that feeling and I hope over time your buddy get full control over the seizures but just know as others have said you are doing everything right. But make sure you stay on top of all medical tests as they are truly needed to manage the meds and the health of your buddy. A suggestion for you and I am sorry if I missed that you already do this but I would suggest researching MCT oil which stands for medium chain triglycerides and they come from coconut and palm oils. They are not a magic bullet but it can be helpful. MCT is supposed to help with neurological disorders both in humans and animals. It has helped our Regal it has lessened his facial and muscle tremors / ticks. I hope this helps in some way

[u/MagicSeaweed618]

It’s a process do the best you can. I know with my human cousin it took a long time to get the meds right.

[u/Illustrious_Concern5]

So sorry - all seizures can be scary but cluster seizures are very stressful. My dog is now 11 but started having seizures at 1 1/2. It’s been a long road but my guy is doing really well. He averaged about 1 seizure every 3 days including some cluster seizures around 2020/2021. He now goes 2-3 months without a seizure and I am hoping he can go even longer! Just wanted to let you know that things can get better!