Bear - I don't know what to do

I'm sorry you and your dog are going through this.My sister had a Chow a few years back that had seizures.She lives alone and it became too much for her.After trying all the drug therapies that were available she too was starting to resent her dog.In the end this was the main reason she chose to euthanise him.She didn't want him to feel that resentment every day.Quality of life is very important and only you can decide that for Bear.Again,I'm really sorry.

Tena 

OMG! What a nightmare you are going thru.  My Lab who had seizures started on the pheno but we switched her to potassium bromide.  She never had the kind of side effects you are describing, she was just so drugged acting.  I am wondering if some valium would help him calm down.  I hope someone with a lot more knowledge can help you with some suggestions. Did the Vet say that his behavior is a side effect of the pheno? 

I have no advice Tina, but I know you are one strong lady and after venting here you probably will find some more strength and clarity to make the decisions that have to be made.

You know we're all here for you but none of us can really DO much besides listen and support...you are the one Bear trusts and he will continue to love and trust you no matter what you decide to do.

We're all pulling for you both ((hug))

Yes, both vets told me that Bear's agitation and aggression are side effects of the phenobarb.  Potassium bromide is usually used in conjunction with phenobarb, but has to be made at a compounding pharmacy.  And it takes 12 weeks to take effect, whereas the phenobarb should stop the seizures w/in 14 days.  And it's iffy, because his last two episodes have been 5 or 6 in a day.  Valium actually only lasts 15 minutes in the dog's body, so he'd have to take an awful lot - what's the point?  That's no life for him either.

Cost of an MRI at Mich. State, even being a vet teaching hosp, is extremely expensive.  And that might not clue us in any better.

I wish I had a million dollars...

Tina - I'm so sorry that you're going thru this and I can absolutely understand your frustration, sadness, feeling overwhelmed and helpless, worried about money...all of it. I wish there were some way I could help, but all I can offer is my support and empathy. Trust your heart to do the right thing. No one can say what they'd do in the same situation unless they'd been there. Hugs to you and Bear.

I am so sorry Tina, we will pray for your strength to get through this and for Bear's healing.

Tina, I have no advice, but I did want you to know that I understand how frustrating it is not to know what's wrong with your dog.  I hope that the phenobarbitol side effects subside, & Bear's seizures are controlled very soon.

(((Hugs)))

 I don't have any medical advice either, but I'm keeping Bear in my thoughts, and I hope he gets better.

I'm sorry I'm at work and I'm only NOW just seeing this.

I know getting seizures regulated is very difficult -- were you ever able to get hold of the TCVM vet?  What herbs does she have him on?  I know Pirate and Kee both take Gastrodia, and Kee takes another two beyond that (Dian Tang, I think is the name, and Tian Ma). 

He may have to take some pheno with the herbs -- and particularly if you have to use the pheno to get him regulated right now. 

The valerian is simply similar to the valium and it does last longer in the body -- usually about 6 hours.  Typically they use the valium shot to break a cluster pattern.

Feel free to call me tonight -- I'll be home by six.  Not sure how much help I can be but I will surely try.  Maybe we can do a 3 way call with Rita -- she's my bud who does the epi dog rescue and she has more experience than I do.  I know there are a couple of massage techniques she does that typically can help.  (ocular compression and some other things she does).

Gosh I'm sorry you're having such a time -- don't let it all pile on top of you.  Try to take it one step at a time.  I know that sounds like me talking 'easy' but I've been there ... it's SO hard.

 I don't know if it will help, but there's lots of info on this site:

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/epilepsy.html

Interesting that they talk about adding potassium bromide to the pheno, and that dogs that received acupuncture in the ear did better.  

Anyway, we will keep all our fingers and paws crossed that Bear gets better soon.

Infiniti

 I don't have any medical advice either, but I'm keeping Bear in my thoughts, and I hope he gets better.

Me either, but I am sending you good prayers/vibes and well wishes.  I know you will take good care of bear, but don't forget to take care of ourself too.

 I'm so sorry - best wishes to both of you.

My childhood dog went on phenobarbitol for seizures - she staggered around like drunk for the first 2 weeks, but was back to normal after then with no more seizures at all. We were only given the barbituates. I hope your results will be similar, if not expedited, and that Bear will be back to his old self soon. 

Tina,  I have no medical advice either just tons of good thoughts for you & Bear.