Rocky's "Cluster" Seizures

[SheltieAgility]

My 6 year old Aussie was diagnosed with epilepsy, which started 2 years ago. For the 1st year, every 3-4 months he would have 2 seizures over a 2 week span and we would need to adjust or add to his medication. He currently is on pheno, gabapentin and zonisamide. The last time we adjusted his meds was 11 months ago, and he did have a seizure or two every 3-4 months, but was doing well. Then last weekend he had 4 seziures in a 24 hour span. So, we upped the gabapentin since it was on the low end of what he is allowed. I also had a bile acid test done and his levels are slightly elevated. We plan to reduce pheno with the increase in gabapentin, and if need be, will add potassium bromide. I now have rectal diazepam on hand.

It really is a struggle and can be very scary and stressful. So far, the seizures seem to be done with in 2-4 minutes start to finish (30-60 seconds of paddling/thrashing/drooling, up to 3 minutes unconsciousness).

Some things I have found that have helped my dog recover from his seizure episodes: I apply ice packs to the back of his neck and spine to help lower his body temperature which seems to shorten duration. When he awakes, I give him all natural vanilla ice cream with a couple drops of rescue remedy. After he has a chance to run around greeting everyone and goes out to do potty, I give him a small meal and water. The routine makes me feel like I am doing something, and definitely calms him down. When he clusters, I do give an extra dose of pheno. This was the 3rd time in the 2 years he has clustered. I keep a journal, but there is no pattern. So frustrating!

During the seizure, it is definitely harder on us than it is on them. BUT any seizure that lasts five minutes or more, or come in clusters can be very damaging to the patient. Some dogs have one seizure and never have another, and it could be cause be various things like hypothyroidism or hypoglycemia. Definitely always worth getting blood work done and looking into it further, especially in a senior dog. Good luck and hope your guy keeps doing well!

[Shelly]

Thanks for your reply SheltieAgility. It is comforting to know that it is harder on us than it is on them during one of their seizures. The vet did take a blood test and nothing showed up. Carter seems fine and has not had another one since.

[SheltieAgility]

I am very happy for you that the seizures have not been recurrent! It is so weird he would have multiple seizures like that. Hopefully in your case, the pheno is helping. Just don't be alarmed if he does have another. If he does repeat, I find keeping a journal at hand is very helpful-jot down how long the seizure is and how long recovery time is, and any patterns you may have noticed (like, if you changed food or if you had company, etc). The vets have told me 2 seizures in a 24 hour span is extremely worrisome, so that is pretty much my guideline of when to contact my vet.

[wjo53]

Having seen April go through them, I know how you feel. It's a helpless feeling seeing her, and knowing she's not there. When she'd snap out of it, I always welcomed her back, but then the restlessness would start, nothing would settle her for 4-5hrs. Having it go on longer must be very trying. Hope the meds can help him. Good luck.