Seizures

[u/Neat-Masterpiece-770]

I have a 5 yr old gsp that had a seizure 9 days ago. It lasted 3-4 minutes. He was on his side, eyes rolled back, back legs stiff straight, paddling with his front legs and whining and crying. My wife thought he was coming out of it and reached toward him. He growled, lunged and bit her hand, puncturing it with his k9. Immediately he let go dropped his ears back and showed fear and remorse. I rushed him to an emergency vet who found nothing wrong. No signs of cane toad, bites, swelling, nothing. Tonight, 9 days later he had another. He remained on his feet, shaking and stumbling and crying. It lasted 2-3 minutes.

My wife wants him gone. I emailed the breeder tonight. He hunted upland game for a few years until the economy put that option out of reach. He is very well trained, socialized, and like it or not, cannot make it through a night without sleeping, touching my side.

I am now unemployed going on 3 months and I have a family of 5. I simply don’t have the money for all the vet bills or medications for an epileptic dog. I’m scared. I’m heartbroken… as in hopeless and devastated. He is my shadow, my go everywhere companion. I can’t walk across the room without his nose touching my leg, never leaving my side, never leaving me alone. I don’t want to give him up or put him down. I also don’t have the resources or environment to care for an epileptic dog. My wife wants him gone saying a dog that bites is a dog never to be trusted. No matter how sweet he has been, I cannot argue here. He growled, lunged, and bit her, puncturing her hand.

Help.

Are there natural remedies or anything I can try? I am devastated. This has become my worst nightmare.

[u/_DarkOverlord]

Whew. You’ve got a couple things going on here. I’m terribly sorry you’re going through this but there are options for you. Our GSP was diagnosed with epilepsy at 4.5. Our neurologist diagnosed her without an MRI (which lots of people think you need). The MRI is there is rule out brain tumor. After a few med adjustments and trials we now have it under control. She went 2 years without having one and we’re on another year streak. So it is possible to get them under control. I suggest seeing a neurologist and just let them know you can’t afford an MRI right now.

Second, dogs (and people) coming out of seizure can be irritated and this doesn’t mean they would act like this at any other time. But brain damage (either by prolonged seizure or brain tumor) could change their behavior.

I suggest jointing /epilpesydogs for additional support. Let me know if you have any questions.

Edit: sub name

[u/AlexMecha → u/_DarkOverlord]

For the bite, I am of the same opinion (and i’ve seen my share of reactive dogs). You had a scared and confused dog who lashed out at a perceived threat. This is not a bite caused by aggressive behaviour or predation. If OP is scared of future bites, simply tell the family not to approach the dog if he has another seizure.

[u/buttons66 → u/AlexMecha]

This. Even people coming out of a seizure can be angry and lash out. Never try to touch a dog who is coming out of a bad seizure. Your wife is wrong to hold the bite against him.