hikinghounds

Yes, they can scream/cry out during a seizure. My Zephyr did in every one he had. Especially right when it would start he would let out a very loud cry. I think you are right and Spud is having seizures. The legs sticking out and shaking sound just like it. Zephyr also walked funny with his legs and head turned during partial seizures that he had. And being shaken up, nervous, pacing, etc. is very common after seizures. Has he eaten since the last episode? Zephyr was usually hungry after a seizure and I heard, and found, that eating helped him feel a little better while recovering from the seizure. I'm so sorry you're Spud is going through this, it's very scary. Glad you're able to get him to the vet.

The first thing I thought when reading your post that this kind of sounds like a seizure/partial seizure too. It sounds similar to some my greyhound has had. I'm sure it's scary for you all. I hope Otis feels better soon.

Cute!

Great news! He looks very comfy.

I'm so sorry. It's just doesn't seem fair.

You could try to explain, but if they aren't willing I would look for another vet. I've had two vets tell me they also use modified vaccine schedules on their own pets, one uses longer than three years.

Glad he is okay. He is super cute with his bunny.

Yes, when Zephyr started phenobarbital and later when he switched to Keppra he was very hyper for at least 3 days, maybe a week, after starting each. He was about 4.5 years old then. He settled down though and now he just has his normal hyper moments. :-)

There's also something called Tuff n Up, http://www.handhills.com/pad_healer.html I've used it on my boys who do lots of hiking and running in the forest.

I'm sorry Merlin is having seizures. They are scary, even if they aren't grand mal. My Zephyr has had grand mal and partial seizures. Everything you describe sounds like things I've seen in his partial seizures. He's never had a partial that leads into a grand mal, they were always separate. I've wondered too about what goes on when I'm not home. He does take a seizure medicine, generic form of Keppra, and has only had two (that I know of) very very mild partial seizures since. Zephyr's seizures were caused by damage from encephalitis that he got about 1.5 years ago, so not true epilepsy. The encphalitis is gone but he still takes his seizure medicine. The depression you describe does seem odd. I've never really noticed anything like that in Zephyr, he would be tired after a grand mal but I wouldn't say depressed. But you never know it could be related and I'm sure dogs react different. Best wished to you and Merlin.

Poor boy, sending good thoughts for them getting the seizures under control.

She is beautiful! I hope you can get her seizures controlled. My boy developed encephalitis a year and a half ago, which then caused seizures. He's had two MRI's and a spinal tap. All were needed and did lead to diagnoses and continued modification of his treatment. He was in an emergency life threatening state when he went to the neurologist and had the 1st MRI, they couldn't do a spinal tap then because he had too much inflamation in his brain. The 2nd MRI and spinal top were done 4 months later and did provide information that led to important changes in our treatment plan. It was hugely expensive, but it saved his life and was totally worth it for me. This is how he is today.

What an amazing story! I'm sure he's as you are to be here with you.

It does sound like he is feeling uncomfortable, in some pain. I wonder if he's actually getting too much therapy and it's aggrevating the surgery area? Did the surgeon suggest the amount of therapy? I don't think change in food would cause this. Could you get him in for a recheck with the surgeon to see if they can tell you he's healing alright? I'm sorry you and DaVid are going through this and I'm sure it's really hard for you to see him uncomfortable and to not know what's causing it. I hope you get some answers and things improve soon.

It sounds like it went much much better with you there with him. No whining right? I don't understand why they wouldn't want you, or any other owner, there when it helps the dog. Owners who are willing to have these kind of surgeries and get their dog therapy are usually very involved. I would think they would understand and incourage that. Very strange that they aren't. When we went to therapy (not water, but treadmill and other exercises on wobble boards, etc.) they wanted me to give him treats to distract and reward him, help move or stabilize him, etc. while the vet and tech were doing the exercises. Just to give you an idea of what it was like for us. That's what I've seen and heard from others who went to different places too. I don't know about his condition, but it does seem like a lot to go every day. We only went once a week and had results, but I was able to walk my boy so he got other exercise too. I would definitely let your surgeon know everything. One thing I learned when Zephyr got sick (encephalitis) was to trust my insticts, speak up, and ask questions, and it really paid off. Your doing the right thing to advocate for your boy. I'm glad he was happy having you with him and I hope he continues to feel better.

Sorry you are dealing with this and that DaVid is not feeling well and happy. When Zephyr went for physical therapy not only did I go with him but I helped and they were happy about it. From others I know or have read about that have done physical therapy that seems to be normal. No way would I go to a place that wouldn't even let me watch. You need to know what they're doing. I don't think it's right that they called him a turd and said he was spoiled either. It doesn't sound like they respect him. It sounds like he's very attached to you and it's probably stressful for him to be away from you. Zephyr is the same and when he was very sick over a year ago not only did the Drs./neurologist and techs let me visit him for hours they encouraged me to bring my other dog to help him and motivate him. I can see taking him to the back for a blood draw, something quick, but not therapy. They should be showing you and even showing you things you can do at home to help. Sorry to go on. I know you already said your going to go back with him or not at all, that's great. I hope he starts feeling better soon.

Zephyr gets this this a lot in his left rear leg. That is his weaker leg and he has an old injury in his left lower back that might contribute to that leg being a little weaker. I think the shaking is just from exertion and it shows in that leg because it's weaker. If he has run and played really really hard, occasionally I see it in his right leg too.

I'm sorry Ava is having seizures, they are very scary. One of my boys had them and takes generic Keppra to control them. His neurologist switched him from phenobarbital to generic Keppra to help prevent liver damage. I know sometimes it takes trying different medicines and/or more than one medicine to get them under control. And, I've heard some dogs only have them rarely so they don't take medications. But, the neurologist would probably give more detailed information if you can do it. Either way, try to get some of the liquid valium, diazepam, that you can give rectally to stop a seizure and maybe prevent cluster seizures from occurring. I had to use it several times on my boy. All the behaviors you describe Ava doing sound typical for big and small seizures from what I've experienced. She might not have actually been growling, the muscle contractions effect the mouth and lips too. My boy's teeth often showed, but it was just the seizure. I know it's hard but try to stay calm and comforting for her. Zephyr was usually really hungry after and feeding seemed to help him settle. I hope you're able to get them under control fast. Hang in there and sending positive thoughts to Ava.

Excellent news!

The new symptoms could be neurological too, the head-tilt, walking sideways, and out of sync. I'd have him looked at as soon as possible. Did your vet give him a new pain medicine? Maybe it's a reaction to medicines? I hope it's nothing serious and he gets better fast.

Awesome! So glad to here the great news. What a strong boy!

Yay, that's so nice that they let you bring his buddy.

Excellent! I hope he's home soon.

So glad to hear he's doing better. Still sending good thoughts.

Sending lots of prayers to Kato.