Devotion

Went to the vet and went over everything will Avril. Took video of what was occurring. They felt it was more of a seizure episode. Put her on 200 mg of Gabepentin at night and so far (last night and tonight) NO EPISODE whatsover! I'm over the moon excited! Avril's not drowsy just seems more settled and not anxious. Thanks for your support! I so greatly appreciate it!

I would think a vestibular issue. However, my grey too had encephalitis; she went from being completely fine to status epilepticus in a very short period of time. we are still fighting....8 months later. Dramamine will help the vestibular symptoms of circling. Is a head tilt present or nystagmus? Is there lots of leaning? I do think I'd see a Neurologist. anything neurological makes one disoriented. But so do liver and kidney problems. Best of luck to your friend. It's a scary road, I know. Please keep us posted.

Thanks so much for the help! I am definitely checking out the denamarin. I will be speaking to my vet about all of this tomorrow. Again, appreciate the advice, and good thoughts for Avril.

Oh gosh I don't know why this is happening. I live in Houston and it gets dark around 6ish. so it seems to happen a bit later. i swear it's the most bizarre thing to witness. It's like she is terrified for a brief time. Her med schedule is 6am and 6pm. they said to space them out 12 hrs. I can certainly change this if necessary. I'm just so concerned. thanks for input!

HI! I'm back with some concerns for Avril. Just a quick refresher....Avril had encephalitis last summer. She presented with acute seizures which really was status epilepticus and had to have anesthesia to come out of it. You all helped me so much with that. She had what I would call severe circling, head tilt and basically couldn't do much of anything on her own. But she fought and overcame. Her personality is Devine. She is the sweetest most gentle hound. Ok now fast forward, Avril does have brain damage. It's just apparant and hard to describe but it's there. However, I do not for one minute think her quality of life has been diminished. She is also partially blind. I would describe it as being "legally blind." she see's shadows but doesn't realize what it is unless very close. She is a certified therapy dog and still does a great job. She goes to lots of Greyhound events etc. Ok. Here's the new question, cocern. She becomes extremely aggitated every evening around 7 (ish). She paces, whines, will even bark, seems completely unsettled for about 30 minutes. I have not a clue as to what is going on. I've had cancer and just in my explaining this it's like what I would feel after chemo at times like I was crawling out of my skin. I work in rehab and know patients with dementia can have what they refer to as "SUNDOWNING" when it becomes dark the patient gets aggitated. I swear this is like Avril. It's the weirdest thing I've seen. Has anyone experienced something like this? if so please help or advice me! and yes, I have a great relationship with my vet. I just want outside experience/knowledge etc if there is any. We go out at nights sometimes and when we come in she seems fine. 9 or 10. It has happened when we come in late but not always. So unless, I set up a camera I haven't a clue if this happened. She is so sweet and has NEVER shown aggression to any of our other pets or us so that's not an issue. It's just complete unsettling on her part. I'm sure I've left so much out but I just really would like to know if sundown is an option in dogs like people. thanks for reading.... Pam and Avril

I have had one with FCE. Diagnosed with MRI. lots of steroids and rehab and he recovered to about 85%. It did take him about 6 weeks however. We were told by some who had gone through it a few days to a week but not for our boy. Prayers for you and that you will have a positive outcome.

This is such incredible news. I've thought of you and Lazer often. I so get the not counting days but now doing it. My Avril is 7 months past her encephalitis diagnosis and sever seizures. She is still here. Happy and alive. She does have some brain damage but she's my happy girl. Cheers for you and Lazer. This will surely be a celebration for a 6 BD and a one year anniversary..... Go Lazer!

Pam, I'm thinking of you.....

what a beautiful tribute to the two boys who are now together again, Stormy and Andy. My heartfelt condolences for your loss of Stormy. Love never dies, the memories will be there for you always. Take comfort in the fact that the boys are together again....

Saint was special to lots of GT people. I loved his smile, but mostly I adored how he lived each day to the fullest, minute by minute....who can really ask for more? You did good Saint. You loved and all loved you in return. My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Judy, you have always been so thoughtful and helpful to me, especially with Avril and her seizure problems. You gave Saint your all and you did right by him. Godspeed Saint....

"IN the arms of an angel...Sarah and Brian; thank you for loving Jewell. Godspeed little one.

Your tribute was so moving. I could feel the love and the pain. Run free sweet Hailey. You were truly loved. Prayers of peace and comfort to you. The time is never enough....

wow...she is rocking it! Pinky looks fantastic! I'm so happy for you two. and of course she looks greyt in pink. and that face, wow how easy it would be to fall in love with that.

I'm not about to waste a minute of time worrying about something that may or may not happen. I have had osteo dogs. I have dogs who died from other cancers and illnesses. Life is too short to worry.... I am enjoying the journey with each of mine.

May the memories become your most cherished treasure. I'm so sorry. Run free sweet Stoker.... Peace and comfort to you~

She continues to amaze me and is doing greyt! We had a tornado in my area of Houston yesterday, so I had to get her and Dalton in the closet along with the dachshund and cat. She did fine with that too. Poor Dalt, the rumbling of thunder is like the devil. It about killed him. thank you all for your continued good thoughts. We are good!

tons of good prayers and thoughts going out for you. My Dalton suffered from a FCE and it was similar to your description.He's fine now by the way! I hope everything is ok. WIll continue to check in.

I would absolutely speak to the vet directly about any concerns. Just approach like you did here! with that being said, I keep waiting to see the "vet wing" they are surely going to name after Avril. Lordy, she's been to college and back now it seems from the money I've spent. But she's worth every bit!

thank you all so much for continued thoughts for Avril. This girls persistence and attitude is amazing. She is an inspiration. She is doing greyt! She has real bad bruising which is to be expected but all her sutures look good. She hasn't bothered them at all. She is stiff but is getting around! So happy and I feel so darn grateful. This incredible dog has been through so much. She continually teaches me and amazes me at how to live life to the fullest. She doesn't seem to have any fear of being outside which I was a bit concerned about. No seizures for two days. Wahooo! She is taking over 20 pills a day currently. Some are because of the incidence. The rest are meds she will likely be on for life due to her problems this summer, encephalitis, seizures etc. But she is real good about taking them. Her appetites not great currently but it's ok. So yeah. we are good. so good and so thankful. This could have been so much worse. Seriously, this dog is beyond amazing. I wish I knew how to post pics here. She's a beauty too. a blue fawn and so precious! Many blessings to all of you who are going through a rough patch with your hound(s). Thanks for keeping my girl in your thoughts! these smart phones change words. LOL who knows what they will put...precious was precise, adorable becomes affordable. LOL Pam and Avril.

Haven't read the responses at all. Avril was attacked by a pitbull on Friday. She is on baytril. She had numerous sutures and bite wounds. I just can't even think about this. It's awful. but I do know from my vet that bites can be serious and cause nasty problems. Avril is on Doxy for a TBD, Encephalitis and also has seizures. But yes, I'd get some meds. Hoping for a good recovery for your little one! also, we did water therapy and hotpacks.

I did have a grey who had elbow surgery and had pins inserted bc his elbow was basically crushed in a running accident. He formed a fistula where the pin actually poked out. This didn't bother him at first, however, A few years later we had to have the pins removed due to irratation. Swelling occured and then he actually had a fever. It was not a big deal to remove the pins. However, unfortunately a year later he developed osteo close to the original site of pin insertion. Who knows if this was related or not but it's highly probable. I know how you feel about losing your greys. However, just remember what they've given you! I too at times, think I can't do this again, but I do. And I'm so grateful I always continue to take the chance. They bless me so much no matter how long their time with me is. Good luck!

She is much better this am! No seizures all night. wahooo! Feeling so grateful.

Thanks again for the support. and Yes we photographed everything. I have detailed notes from my vet and the other vet in the practice. Yes, Avril is home with me now. I had the option of her staying at the ER over night but I wanted her to be home since the valium drip got her seizures under control and she seemed stable in that part. She is sleeping right now right beside me. I just have never seen anything like this in my life. it was so vicious without warning. That dog was in for the kill. Honestly, I don't think anything would have stopped this. I could actually carry a legal hand gun but I would have probably shot my dog, my DH or who knows. It was that quick. I know it's hard to understand but it really happened that fast. DH went to the Dr to get a shot and antibiotics bc he was so roughed up and wrestled the dog. I can't even describe the ordeal... Avril's just been through so much. And we will deal with this. I am so grateful despite what happened.

Thanks for the nice, supportive responses. I was really afraid to post. I don't want flames about walking a dog or on Pitbulls. I'm just so dang sick over what my precious dog has endured. and yet, she gives me a kiss. I don't know how to block that attack out. horrible....

Avril was attacked this am on our walk. A pitbull came out of no where and attacked her. The dog was loose with no owner around. I have never seen a pit in my area and have never seen this dog. Some may remember my post about Avril this summer and her seizures, encephalitits and the ordeal we've been through. She is finally doing well. Seizures under control in the past 6 weeks. She will be on seizure meds and doxy forever per her vets (many). She has stitches all down her throat and her leg is bad. She has drains and was bitten all over her front elbow area. She really can't walk but probably from pain, soreness, etc. She seemed ok but began having seizures. We think it is from shock, pain etc. She had her regular seizure meds plus valium, and a muscle relaxer. So thankfully, she is resting comfortably at present. I'm still in shock. We pulled the pit off of her by the collar. I think actually we choked the pit and it let go. We came home with a collar but the pitbull ran away. Of course no tags. We did report with the county but basically were told they may drive around. Since we don't where the dog lives or even if it lives in our community (stray?) are unable to do anything. I don't know if it's bc I'm over emotional bc of everything we've been through with her or what but I'm so worried this dog will attack again. It was completely unprovoked. My two greys didn't growl or anything and never do. I don't know if the dog sensed she was weak or what. I don't care. I am just upset. It's sad to think We have to worry about walking in a safe community. and no flames please on me walking a dog or on pitbulls. I know there are some nice ones. I'm just upset Avril has to come through another ordeal. Enough. and this was a vicious attack. If that dog didn't have a collar on Avril would be dead I have no doubt.