Guest onlymrsp Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Kaias Coaster is my first greyhound that adopted me and he is now 7 years old. About 10 days ago, I was awakened at 2 am by what I now know was a seizure. Again at 5:30 there was another. We were at the emergency vet at 6:15am. His blood workup showed normal. He was put on 1.5 gr phenobarbital and the vet told us to watch for his behavior along with any additional seizures. Well, 10 days later and no siezures, but weakness on his back hind legs and chewing on the corner of the coffee table and constant whining for attention. He fell over while trying to go to the bathroom today and had trouble going down the stairs. The vet now has him on 20mg of prednisone for 24 hours. She seems to think it's a brain tumor. If he reacts positive to the predisone, then it could be something causing his brain to swell. Has anyone experienced this? The vet mentioned an MRI, what are the benefits, cost..............I hate to put Coaster to sleep without doing everything possible. I'm at my sickest point of the year. And I thought the divorce, relocation and separation from my son, working 3 part time jobs, the house on the market and a bummm knee wasn't bad enough. I guess I could use all the help I can get, thanx............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest meakah Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 (edited) Gosh, I am so sorry you are going through so much all at once. :grouphug I don't have much advice...it sounds like you are doing everything that you can at the moment. An MRI would be a huge expense and may or may not reveal anything. I think if it were me, I would not bother since if it does show a brain tumor...there isn't much you could do. I would see what the Prednisone does and maybe consider getting some acupuncture. However, if I recall...Pred shouldn't be given at the same time as acupuncture so maybe check into that. I could be wrong but something is triggering my brain about that. Again, I am sorry you are having to go through all of this. It sounds like it has been a rough year for you. Positive healing thoughts for you and your hound. Edited December 16, 2008 by meakah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I am sorry we have no experience but we are sending lots of prayers... Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KyGrey Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I have no advice but just want to send . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hockeygoonie Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Not Coaster! Oh, I hope you can find out what is going on! Can the group help with the expense? Let me know what's going on! Praying for peace and wisdom during this tough time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Are some of his unsteadiness symptoms due to the phenobarbitol? It can take pup time to get used to that med. Somebody like Judy (JillysFullHouse) or EmilyAnne could probably shed light on that. Sending prayers. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I can't remember Buster having problems with balance but I do remember he was rather spaced out when he started on pheno. I'm thinking Boss was on pred (or we were weaning him off) when we started acupuncture for his backend problems. Sending lots of prayers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SusanP Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I don't know what to do but send healing thoughts. Is there a vet specialist or university vet teaching hospital near you where he could get a firm diagnosis? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hollys2hounds Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 No advice, I am sorry, but sending good thoughts and hugs from NJ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scullysmum Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Seven does seem a little bit old for the onset of idiopathic epilepsy....the usual window is 2 to 5 years.... there are of course always exceptions, so it does tend to suggest that there may be something more sinister (like a tumour) going on. As Batmon said, Pheno can cause some dogs to be quite "wobbly" to begin with and the table chewing behaviour sounds odd to me, could be post seizure activity, dogs often do strange things immediately after a seizure like eating anything in sight, or like my boy Scully drinking loads of water. I am not sure that an MRI would really show you anything definitive and it would be a huge expense for possibly no answers, but of course the final decision on that kind of thing can only be made by you. Sending prayers and good wishes. Quote <p>"One day I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am"Sadi's Pet Pages Sadi's Greyhound Data PageMulder1/9/95-21/3/04 Scully1/9/95-16/2/05Sadi 7/4/99 - 23/6/13 CroftviewRGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 No advice here, just loads of prayers for Coaster and you. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozgirl2 Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Cody's MRI was about $1,700 I think, and that was 6 years ago... Can someone post Dr. Cuoto's info? Maybe your vet can consult with him - he may have some insight... Quote Jeannine with Merlin, the crazed tabby cat and his sister, Jasmine, the brat-cat With Angel Cody(Roving Gemini), and Weenie the tortie waiting at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfish Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I'm so sorry to read of Coaster's troubles ... First have you had a thyroid test done? Apparently low levels can result in seizures. Second, looking back on my own experiences, I personally would go for the MRI, if the thyroid test proves normal. I lost a dog to undiagnosed kidney cancer because the vet dragged his heels with x-rays and other diagnostic procedures, and will always regret not pushing for a referral sooner. We had an MRI done on our beloved old Jim, when he was experiencing wobbles. It didn't show anything, but at least we knew there was nothing to show. At least we ruled out the brain tumour option. Yes, they are very expensive - I think Jim's total bill came to nearly £2,000 - but sometimes ruling things out can be a very valuable part of the process of diagnosis. And without wishing to give anyone false hope, the specialist centre where he had this done, has been making great strides in the treatment of brain tumours. Good luck! Quote The plural of anecdote is not dataBrambleberry Greyhounds My Etsy Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyscot Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Hi, I'm sorry about all your troubles. My first greyhound Charlie had really bad seizures and was put on Phenobarbital. This drug made him crazy and I mean crazy. Constant whining, constant pacing the floor, hyperactive etc. We changed to another drug (I can't remember the name) and his behaviour went back to normal. I hope things get better for you and Coaster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 No advice here, just lots of prayers for you & Coaster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 No experience with seizures here, but Misty has a brain tumor(Cushings) I chose not to do an MRI because it would have no bearing on her treatment.But every case is different. As someone already mentioned, I would ask Judy(Jillysfullhouse) who has plenty of experience with seizures and seizure meds. Lots of prayers here for your boy Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I,too, have no advice, except to see if a different medication might work better. I am so sorry that life is kicking you right now. I hope the new year will be better for you. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Sendings lots and lots of prayers for beautiful Coaster and for you. I hate, more than I can say, to say this but you might ask your vet if this could be inherited. I say this only because I lost my beautiful Morgaine 2 years ago this week to a status seizure. He explained that it could have been an aneurysm or a brain tumor but I didn't do an autopsy. I did look at her background and her grand-sire HB's Commander died of an aneurysm. I don't honestly know if that is something that is passed down but it might be good for your vet to be aware of. Please know that I'm not trying to scare you, I just think that the more informed you are, the better the vet can help you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlymrsp Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Thanx for your reply posts. It's now 10:30 and I'm still saying prayers. He made it threw the night and went outside at 5 with no problems. When he went out later this am, he was running around as usual. Dexter's eye is looking better. I had some meds from the last time he scratched it and used them. I slept on the floor with Coaster's paw in my hand face to face all night. At 5 , I finally got on the couch till around 7 then finally went upstairs to my own bedfor 3 hours to sleep . I've got to call the vet and to contact Judy for some insights too................ Give hugs and lovings to all your 2 and 4 legged kids for me. Again, thank you all for the support and know that each of you are appreciated today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbotaina Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Are some of his unsteadiness symptoms due to the phenobarbitol? It can take pup time to get used to that med. Somebody like Judy (JillysFullHouse) or EmilyAnne could probably shed light on that. Sending prayers. My thoughts as well. My friend's GSD was put on phenobarb and he had many of the same symptoms until they could get the dosage worked out for him. Sending you many, many good thoughts, Jennie. I'm sorry you're having such a tough time right now. Quote Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SkinnyLegDogLover Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Adding my prayers for you and Coaster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlymrsp Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Good to hear from you. And thank you for your words. . How are things with you? Take care...... Are some of his unsteadiness symptoms due to the phenobarbitol? It can take pup time to get used to that med. Somebody like Judy (JillysFullHouse) or EmilyAnne could probably shed light on that. Sending prayers. My thoughts as well. My friend's GSD was put on phenobarb and he had many of the same symptoms until they could get the dosage worked out for him. Sending you many, many good thoughts, Jennie. I'm sorry you're having such a tough time right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I answered your PM. Please feel free to contact me any time. I'm always happy to help if I can. I will keep Coaster in my prayers. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlymrsp Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Coaster has HB Commander as a great grandfather. Maybe there is something to this after all??? Sendings lots and lots of prayers for beautiful Coaster and for you. I hate, more than I can say, to say this but you might ask your vet if this could be inherited. I say this only because I lost my beautiful Morgaine 2 years ago this week to a status seizure. He explained that it could have been an aneurysm or a brain tumor but I didn't do an autopsy. I did look at her background and her grand-sire HB's Commander died of an aneurysm. I don't honestly know if that is something that is passed down but it might be good for your vet to be aware of. Please know that I'm not trying to scare you, I just think that the more informed you are, the better the vet can help you. Thank you so much. I haven't received it yet, so I'll look for it............ Jennie P. I answered your PM. Please feel free to contact me any time. I'm always happy to help if I can. I will keep Coaster in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VaGreymom Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Sending postive thoughts and hugs for you and prayers for Coaster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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