LBass Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 What a wild and frightening ride you and your girl are having. http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/ http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ These are 2 websites that I found helpful when learning about seizures for Piper. I do think that you need to take some of the owner-provided anecdotal suggestions with a grain of salt. People are willing to try almost anything to help their dogs and are grasping for answers and a "fix". On the other hand, I tried a lot of approaches for Piper, held on to what worked for him, and dropped the rest. One thing I would recommend is to get and keep an veterinary neurologist involved. My own wonderful vet reached out to a veterinary neurologist for a phone consult about Piper's cluster seizures. He then followed the consultant's medication recommendations and we had great success limiting Piper to single seizures rather than the horrible clusters. So, either keep that neuro you took your girl to involved or make sure you've got a GP vet who will reach out for neuro help. Remember, she's had a boatload of anesthesia, medications, and bacteria/infection coursing through her body for the last several weeks on top of those seizures. I bet she doesn't feel anywhere near 100% right now so she's going to be fretful, restless, whiney, "off". It's hard to know what thing or things are at the root of that. It is very encouraging that the vets seeing her are reassuring you that she's not in a catastrophic health crisis. I think I understood that she's on something for the tooth/tooth root infection? Treating that HAS to be a good thing. Lucy Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 @LBass Thank you so much for the links! We have been in frequent communication with our vet and I definitely wouldn’t start/stop any medication or do anything drastic without the vet’s go ahead. There are things though like the ice cream , ice pack, dark room that I know won’t hurt. So ugh the stinkin’ tooth root! First vet was worried he left root tip behind cause she was acting in pain 2 weeks after her extractions. Second vet with X-ray said there was no tooth root, just another infected tooth so he removed it. Still acted like she was in pain.. then had her seizures. Got her to a specialist and there was a tooth root and CUPS. He got the tooth root removed + two additional teeth.. he said that would help with the CUPS. Her eye that was swelled up/having third eyelid show because of the root tip was back to normal and we could put our hand on that side of her face without her flinching. She would eat chicken and rice. Then another seizure!! Fix one problem just to get even more problems. Her last seizure was the shortest. But like I mentioned earlier we’re having the hardest time recovering. Whether it’s the seizure, the UTI, a possible stroke, stress, anesthesia is all up for debate. You’re so right, my poor girl has been put through the ringer. I just hope we start to see little improvements over the week. I know it won’t be night & day. I am so incredibly disappointed the lab results didn’t come in so we could at least get her on the right antibiotics for her UTI. It seems like it’s a touch better, but still having to take her out for sure at least every 2 hours. She’ll sometimes have an accident just laying down or while carrying her down the stairs. Then the antibiotics she’s on now make her nauseous. She’s tried to throw up the past couple mornings about an hour after taking them. We are syringe feeding her before we give them to her. I just think it makes her feel crummy. After she gags and gags, she’ll lay down as if she got some ease. Gosh it’s soooo hard to watch. Disorientation is still similar today. Any change in the ground throws her off balance. She’s very wobbly. She’ll run into furniture. But she is able to turn around on her own. First couple days she would walk into a wall and just stand there until we helped turn her around. She’s still drinking, not eating (hence the syringe). Really hoping we can help her get a little appetite where she’ll eat some on her own terms over the next week. Just keep prayers coming our way! We need them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 I have to mention this because it’s in my background. I’ve worked in an MRI advanced imaging center and sadly I’ve seen these symptoms caused by a nasal tumor invading the brain. I’m kind of surprised the neurologist did not wanna do an MRI, was that mentioned to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 @tbhounds The neurologist told us we could do a CT scan and that would possibly give us more information about the seizures, but it was having to put her under anesthesia again and we just feel like we cannot risk that right now. The last two times after she went under anesthesia we’ve had, obviously, bad experiences. The board certified dental specialist that did her last visit was aware I was concerned about a brain tumor possibly causing her previous seizures and the sneezing. He did xrays of her head from the very front to very back. I know that wouldn’t pick up all the details that a CT scan would though & I am aware we could be dealing with a much bigger issue. The positives since her last dental where they removed the root tip and got rid of the teeth that were aggravating CUPS are: she has had no sneezing, eye swelling gone, no third eyelid constantly visible, & before she would flinch and turn away if we’d even put a hand next to the side of her face, now she just blinks normally. Overall, today our little improvements are: she is laying down by herself (she was relying on help before), she did her big stretch on the floor where she pushes out, we have the water bowl on the floor & she’s drinking from it without it raised up at all, she’s panting much less, she’s acting like she wants to be more active (still very wobbly though). Do you think we’d be seeing any improvements if it were a tumor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 So glad it sounds like she’s feeling better. Symptoms can wax and wane..nsaids can reduce swelling and antibiotics can help as often there’s an infection associated with a mass, however they can only help symptoms temporarily. I completely understand your reluctance to sedate your baby again. Honestly, if she was my girl I would continue to monitor for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 Just want to keep the updates coming... only woke up twice last night too pee. But then it would take an hour+ for her to get settled. Today her ears are moving around which makes her seem more alert. They were pinned back non stop unless she would see a bird or track a frisbee. Her eyes feel like they are starting to focus more. I explained them before as it looked like the lights were on, but nobody’s home. I feel like I’m seeing a very, very dim light come on. This morning she was going in circles. My husband thinks it’s the worst when she’s been laying down for awhile. Really scared me. Still does. Later in the morning and this afternoon no circles.. thank goodness. Still wobbly - similar to yesterday. She licked her wet food a couple times. We didn’t push it so still syringe feeding. Still drinking lots of water. And lastly, still very much in need of prayers. I’ll do a daily update just in case anyone in the future finds themselves in this position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryJane Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 Not being able to settle is part of post stage of seizures. Same with the "being out of it". When was the last seizure? You might want to get some canned tripe - it really smells but, dogs love it and it might entice her to eat more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 @MaryJane Okay that’s good to know. One week ago today. I am trying to stay positive and remind myself this takes time, but my heart is always feeling heavy regarding the “what ifs” and my mind just cannot quit running! Now that’s one thing I haven’t tried! I will pick some up tomorrow. I’m desperate and willing to try whatever! Besides having a toddler and Indy sick I’m used to some pretty raunchy smells haha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 Just in case anyone is curious. Today’s update: Got lab results in. Bactrim was not the right antibiotic to be on for the UTI. Back on a longer round of Baytril. So that’s good news in the sense that she’s still been needing to pee very frequently, crazy amount of thirst, etc... We were scared if it was the right antibiotic, that her other issues were causing this unfortunate bout of incontinence. Bad in the sense that we wasted 5 days on the wrong one. Vet is hoping to see improvements between Wednesday - Friday in those areas. He said very much of her lack of appetite could be due to nausea / discomfort from UTI. Bactrim also is known to cause nausea. My vet said he & his wife were going over Indy’s symptoms, history, and records all weekend and researching. Out of all the vets I have been to, he seems the most sincere about caring. He feels confident she had a stroke following her seizure since it was such a quick onset of issues. He said he has seen plenty of patients get totally back to themselves within 4 months. It’s just a time will tell situation. He is believing these seizures & stroke were either due to the anesthesia she was under on surgery #2 & #3 (same kind used & she hasn’t been under that type before), or just the stress of it. As for Indy.. last night she peed 3 times and didn’t even try to get up. Just peed. And then she also kept walking around and pooped. Then walked around about another hour. I’m glad she pooped, but in the house at 3am wasn’t ideal. Luckily my husband quickly recognized the stance (he originally thought she was just pacing) and he caught it with a towel.. the vows for better or for worse apply with fur babies too haha! She’s been peeing outside this morning / afternoon (thank goodness). Her ears are definitely perkier today. Her eyes seem ever so slightly more focused and alert. Her legs aren’t shaking as bad when she’s squatting to pee. She’s still walking - wobbly & unsteady, but walking. Seems a little more intentional in where she’s going to rather than wandering aimlessly when she’s outside. Inside I really can’t make any rhyme or reason to where she’s going... other than when she goes to her water bowl. I think she’d drink non stop if we’d let her. Still totally, totally uninterested in food & syringe feeding. I sooooo hope we see some improvements in that area after this new antibiotic kicks in. Yall keep praying if you think of us!! Welp just had another accident.. we’ll be calling a carpet/rug/hardwood cleaner after all this is over with FOR SURE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryJane Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 The anesthesia could cause seizures, the infection could also have caused it, and, if they didn't monitor temperature and it went high - that could have also caused the seizures. It does sound like she is slowly getting better - it will just take time. You might want to get some bed mats and place them where she is sleeping as it will make cleanup easier. Take her outside at fixed intervals - maybe every 3 hours and see if that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBass Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 I used something like this for Piper at times--heavy enough to stay in place on a dog bed, washable. Washable bed pads I'm glad she's on the correct antibiotic now and seems to be gradually improving. Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 Thank yall @LBass @MaryJane. We had an accident free night. Still had to go out twice in the middle of the night, but huge progress in that area. One step forward, about 5 steps backs.. ugh. My poor Indy girl. Her CUPS disease showed up with a vengeance this morning. Her little muzzle is all swelled up and it looks like a bee bit her. We can touch it, and she doesn’t act like it’s painful. I know this is making her uncomfortable. I hope it doesn’t turn into a huge ulcer. Can she catch a break? It’s sooo incredibly hard to watch her struggle. As soon as she starts to get over one hurdle, there’s another. I feel like my eyes are constantly filled with tears. She looks so defeated. The vet had us pick up some prednisone today to help with the inflammation. Still on Baytril. Going to pick up some Pepcid cause I know pred can do a number on the tummy. Poor baby still isn’t eating. Syringe feeding, but she’s losing a lot of weight. I’m so hoping the pred will help her have a little appetite. Still walking disoriented. But we have been taking her up and down our driveway 2-3 times a day. She does better on a leash with us walking beside her. After she first wakes up she is doing circles, but after she’s up and going she’ll walk in a fairly straight line.. just unsteady. So that’s my update for today. Side note - We are aware if what’s caused the seizures, stroke, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, lack of coordination etc. is a tumor, the pred will make it worse. We also know if it were a tumor that invaded the brain, what our option would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 You have gone over and above for your girlie. I hope you see some improvement soon.... Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 The prednisone will be a double edge sword. It will make her drink more and will make her urinate more however if there is a tumor it should help shrink the tumor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLouWho Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 We’re helping Indy cross the rainbow bridge today as she took a turn for the worse. Our hearts are absolutely broken. I didn’t think I would say those words for years. She’s been the absolute best dog and I’m having such a hard time. Please pray everything goes peaceful and smooth. Please pray our hearts are comforted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 you have done everything you possibly could for her. I am so sorry that this was just her time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 (edited) On 4/25/2020 at 9:23 AM, LBass said: What a wild and frightening ride you and your girl are having. http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/ http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ These are 2 websites that I found helpful when learning about seizures for Piper. I do think that you need to take some of the owner-provided anecdotal suggestions with a grain of salt. People are willing to try almost anything to help their dogs and are grasping for answers and a "fix". On the other hand, I tried a lot of approaches for Piper, held on to what worked for him, and dropped the rest. One thing I would recommend is to get and keep an veterinary neurologist involved. My own wonderful vet reached out to a veterinary neurologist for a phone consult about Piper's cluster seizures. He then followed the consultant's medication recommendations and we had great success limiting Piper to single seizures rather than the horrible clusters. So, either keep that neuro you took your girl to involved or make sure you've got a GP vet who will reach out for neuro help. Remember, she's had a boatload of anesthesia, medications, and bacteria/infection coursing through her body for the last several weeks on top of those seizures. I bet she doesn't feel anywhere near 100% right now so she's going to be fretful, restless, whiney, "off". It's hard to know what thing or things are at the root of that. It is very encouraging that the vets seeing her are reassuring you that she's not in a catastrophic health crisis. I think I understood that she's on something for the tooth/tooth root infection? Treating that HAS to be a good thing. Lucy Our nearly 10 year old Rainey began having seizures (THEY SUCK) back in 2010, most likely due to a brain tumor (MRI on 10/4/2010 showed nothing, we let her got on 3/8/2011, the day before we were going to do another MRI -- she had been through so much we just decided it was time to set her free ). One thing from the links Lucy put (great website, BTW) is using an ice pack during the seizure. I SWEAR they helped our Rainey. Rainey had about 35 seizures in total from August of 2010 until she left in March 2011 and every single one of them happened while she was eating (food or treat, didn't matter) or within 60 seconds of eating something, so I would always have the ice pack pulled out of the freezer at the ready whenever she was going to be eating something. I don't know how old your pup is -- a lot of her actions sounds like what Rainey was doing sending tons of hugs -- I know how very hard this all is. ETA: I see she is 7 which means her epilepsy is most likely NOT the "regular" kind but usually is due to some issue in the brain (like Rainey) but sounds like all the stress and things she went through may have just caused it and hopefully it's not something worse. For the peeing, our Rainey had urinary incontinence her whole life and was on DES (NOT Proin! Greyhounds have had very bad reactions to that stuff) and it worked wonders. However, after the seizures started she began peeing and pooping in the house EVERY DAY when we'd go to work -- one time I was only gone 45 minutes and even though she had just been out before I left she did both in that short of time. I think it too was related to whatever was wrong in her sweet little brain. Edited April 30, 2020 by RaineysMom Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 You fought so hard for Indy. I will add Indy's name to the list of Bridge Angels here on Greytalk. She will be in good company. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 I'm so sorry. 7 is too young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 I have been cheering for you. I am so very sorry. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M, Ebbie, HollyBeeBop (Betty Crocker). Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 I'm so sorry. You did everything you could for your girl, and now you have made the hardest, kindest decision for her. Rest well, Indy, and please send your people a sign. Quote Rachel with Doolin Doodle Dooooo, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our gorgeous, gutsy girlhounds Sweep and Willa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBass Posted May 1, 2020 Share Posted May 1, 2020 Quote We’re helping Indy cross the rainbow bridge today as she took a turn for the worse. Our hearts are absolutely broken. I didn’t think I would say those words for years. She’s been the absolute best dog and I’m having such a hard time. Please pray everything goes peaceful and smooth. Please pray our hearts are comforted. Oh, I'm so sorry your beloved Indy can't stay with you. Your love for her and dedication to her are clear in each and every post and I know your hearts are breaking for her and for your loss. May her passing be peaceful and gentle, surrounded by your love. True love can never be broken. The love you shared with Indy endures and will continue to enrich your lifes. Warm, caring thoughts for all of you. Lucy Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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