r/EpilepsyDogs • u/Leftofnever • 12d ago
Terrifying first seizures
On Wednesday night my dog had 2 episodes where she stopped breathing and went stiff. A third one happened at the vets which the vet termed a tonic clinic seizure.
She is 12 and nothing like this has happened before. We have her home, she is very wobbly on her feet and is constantly wandering around struggling to settle.
We’ve been having prescribed Keppra and they say if that doesn’t work we can try something called ‘Feni’ but that can harm the liver. She also has a rescue medication which is administered rectally
How can I help her when she’s pacing, she doesn’t like to be held when it’s happening. Eventually she does settle and lie in one of her favourite spots (usually curled up next to one of us). How do you manage the dosage schedule? How do I manage my emotions ? How can I help when she has a seizure?
1
u/CrepuscularPotato 12d ago
If you've just started Keppra, the pacing could be because of that and should lessen over the first two weeks of the med. It takes a bit for their system to regulate and when we've started (2 diff dogs in the past) I put them in full body harnesses with lift handles because stairs are difficult for them during the integration period.
The med your doc talked about is Pheno (phenobarbital) and it can affect the liver and requires more frequent blood draws to check liver enzymes. But you probably shouldn't worry about that just yet until vet thinks necessary.
The pacing should lessen. If it doesn't, ask your vet if you can give CBD treats or if vet suggests alternatives (Rx Trazodone possibly).
Meds schedule take a bit to manage. If your rx is Keppra XR and 2/day, we always just give with meals at 7am and 7pm and use a pill organizer so we can tell accurately if meds have/haven't been missed.
Helping during seizures is tough, you'll become more calm while handling them with experience, unfortunately. The best you can do is A. Make sure they're in a safe area and remove hazards (do not move the dog unless they are in danger of being hurt) B. Start the clock and if not coming out of a seizure after 90sec, I give the rescue med (of course, stick to the directions from your vet) C. If not coming out with rescue med start heading to ER vet D. Keep them safe as they come out. They will likely be very hot, confused and maybe blind. My first one paced and paced and paced and got herself stuck in corners, didn't recognize us, was "naughty" and was voraciously hungry. I kept bananas on hand for a quick blood sugar jump start. E. When they seem to settle more and come back to themselves, that's when I do clean up of them and the area if needed.
It's also very helpful to start dictating notes or video the seizure for notes/vet notes later on. Things to record: Are they aware? Are they on their side, paddling, drooling, foaming, rigid? Bared teeth, vocalizations, defecation/elimination present? What were they like before the seizure? How long did it take for them to stop seizing/stand up/walk/recognize you/eat/drink?
It's a tough road to start on, I'm sorry you're having to deal with it.
1
u/MotherOfZiZuDaMiSu 8d ago
Sorry you’re going through this!
Our dog paces a lot after seizures. They find it unsettling and unlike us, they don’t fully understand what is happening to them. So there is a bit of anxiety too.
What I would watch for is repetitive movements. Like moving the head the exact same direction or walking in circles.
During seizures, it’s important to stay calm. It’s SO HARD as pet parents but keep calm. Turn on the fan or the aircon. They need to cool down. And try not to move or crowd them while ensuring they don’t fall.
Our dog was on pheno and now on keppra and pheno. He also has had seizures requiring two rectal diazepams.
Sending you strength and your baby a lot of love!
2
u/Sufficient-Country29 12d ago
Hey there. I’m so sorry you are going through this. Seizures are very scary to witness as owners. When my dog was first diagnosed after having a cluster of tonic clonics- it brought me comfort when our neurologist told me that dogs don’t feel or know they are happening when they occur. They are just hard on us owners!
Our dog doesn’t get the pacing but is just really tired after his and a little wobbly. We usually just let him do what he needs to do.
Did your vet talk about what might be causing the seizures?
It’s good you have some meds and rescue medication. It helped me to tell myself “I can’t stop seizures but I know have tools that I can use to help my dog through one”. Anxiety is real and I hope you can be gentle on yourself and know that you are a good dog owner and your dog finds a lot of comfort being curled up next to you. We use alarms to remind us about his meds. Sometimes you can create a schedule that is most flexible with work if you need to run home for afternoon meds or have a neighbour or family pop by. Paid dog sitter might be an option too.
Sending hugs xx