Lily's Second Seizure

Lily's thyroid test came back. Her T4 count was 1.8; Free T4 was 24; TSH was 0.08.

Those of you who have experience with thyroid, are those the only tests that your vets request?

I've already submitted a request with Hemopet to get a second opinion about Lily's numbers and diagnosis.
 
Lily's been on her seizure meds for two weeks and today had two seizures. She didn't lose her bowels or bladder; the first seizure lasted about two minutes; the second was shorter.

Her doctor said these seizures are to be expected and said unless they increase in severity or frequency, we should maintain the status quo.

Has anyone had experience with Zonisamide? Is there a better choice for seizure control? Is the doctor right to suggest we just keep a watchful eye?
 
Lisadale said:
Lily's been on her seizure meds for two weeks and today had two seizures. She didn't lose her bowels or bladder; the first seizure lasted about two minutes; the second was shorter.

Her doctor said these seizures are to be expected and said unless they increase in severity or frequency, we should maintain the status quo.

Has anyone had experience with Zonisamide? Is there a better choice for seizure control? Is the doctor right to suggest we just keep a watchful eye?
Click to expand...

I am really sorry to hear that Lily's seizures are continuing even on the Zonisamide.

Traditionally the first drug used for serious seizure control (ie grand mals)is phenobarbital. If the phenobarbital alone doesn't control the seizures potassium bromide is often added. However, this is no longer usually the first course of action for focal/partial seizures.

If Lily's seizures start to happen more than once a month or if they escalate in severity or duration, I would definitely ask your vet about a possible change in meds.

Our Mickey has focal/partial seizures like your Lily and he is on Gabapentin...but his seizures only occur about every 3 months and have shown no escalation in severity or duration. But, if they start to get significantly closer together (more than once a month) and/or to become more severe, his canine neurologist has already said that he would then change to a more hard hitting anti-seizure med (ie phenobarbital) for Mickey.

Hopefully your Lily's seizures will remain mild and reasonably well spaced.

Trini
 
Thanks for your response, Trini.

I found out after I posted that Lily did urinate probably before or after her first seizure. My mother was home with her when it happened and didn't notice the spot on the rug. I know the last time she had the cluster seizures she had a bowel movement right after the first seizure ended. She seemed oblivious to the fact that she wasn't outside. I wonder if that was what happened today.

A relative who lives in a much larger city said canine specialists sometimes visit a clinic in her area. I'm going to look at the possibility of taking Lily there to get a second opinion.
 
Great idea what Trini stated to have copies of the thyroid tests made.

To make a long story short, my Lady has thyroid problems, but when you
have four vets in an office and three of them NOT on the same page, I have
problems of an erratic thyroid.

So if I can't see the same vet I am gone. I have been going to this same
office for quite a few years.
 
Lisadale said:
I found out after I posted that Lily did urinate probably before or after her first seizure. My mother was home with her when it happened and didn't notice the spot on the rug. I know the last time she had the cluster seizures she had a bowel movement right after the first seizure ended. She seemed oblivious to the fact that she wasn't outside.
A relative who lives in a much larger city said canine specialists sometimes visit a clinic in her area. I'm going to look at the possibility of taking Lily there to get a second opinion.
Click to expand...

This does sound like a slight escalation in the seriousness of Lily's seizures. If possibly you can get Lily scheduled to see a canine neurologist that would be a big plus.

Trini
 
Lily had two more seizures last night. This time they were a half-hour apart. They're coming at two-week intervals despite the fact that she is now on Zonisamide.

I'm going to call her vet, but I don't have a lot of hope that she'll do anything other than stay at the current level of medication.
 
Have a neurological specialist in addition to your vet? The emergency hospital by me has specialty veterinarians. This dog neurologist was the one who put Blaze on Keppra after his first seizure. (And he was also the one who tapered him off it and returned his care to his regular veterinarian.) I didn't even KNOW that neurologists for dogs existed and don't know how they function. But just a thought if it might help your dear one.
 
I'm sorry to hear her seizures are back and worsening. It does sometimes take a little time to get the right levels of medication.
 
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