Idiopathic epilepsy

[Kaylie]

I am posting this on behalf of my techno-phobe parents! Monty their GSD (also Mags best friend and my 'brother') had a seizure a month ago and after going to a specialist and having MRI scan, lumber testing, neuro tests, kidney liver etc etc he was diagnosed as having idiopathic epilepsy. He is now on meds and so far not had another seizure but my mum would love any info or experiences people have had with their dogs with the same condition. Vets & specialists have of course given her all the info, but hearing it from someone who's dealing with the same thing is in some way a comfort I think. So if anyone does have anything to say on the matter please post & I will relay any messages. Thank you! X

Hello and Welcome, sorry I have no experience of this but I am sure someone on here will be able to help you! It is late at the moment and not many on . Keep an eye on here tomorrow and I am sure someone will have some answers for you!

Catriona xx

[Mazz]

I also have no info on this, sorry
I wish you well and hope you get some answers.
Mazz

[Poly]

Firstly im extremely sorry to hear that and hope very much the seizures will not continue...

One thing that I do not understand however is a vet puting any dog on medication after only one seizure The reason I say that is that I thought it was the 'norm' to monitor the situation first of all and only if seizures are happening more frequently (ie 4-6 weeks apart) do vets then decide to medicate.

How long after the seizure did Monty have his tests - did he first have blood tests before the different scans? Often seizures can be caused by a number of different things - even over heating & dehydration can be a cause.

My gsd had a seizure (grand mal) last May and another 5.5 months later - 8months since the second so far and going well - but is he not on any medication as the vet was happy with the gap's inbetween - obviously if they became more frequent then that would change. The medication I believe (if it is phonbarbatol) can have effects in itself (not to worry you saying this) such as long term liver damage - hence why vets keep a check on the seizure pattern first - they can decide the best form of treatment, amount of medication etc in order to control the seizures and to best suit the dog.

I personally would want to know abit more about why monty has been medicated so soon with no monitoring. Idopathic epilepsy is a term given for epilepsy when there is no known cause found is more then likely a gentic problem in a dogs lines. A single seizuring dog and an epileptic dog are two very different things in my humble opinion.

I wish Monty all the best...and hope he stays seizure free xx

[mackico]

I don't know anything about seizures in dogs, sorry. Archie is epilepsy-free. Me, on the other hand...

Hope everything turns out okay for Monty.

[sami]

I also found it a bit strange to be on medication so quickly.

My Leo has epilepsy and has a fit probably once or twice a year and my vet said that at that regularity no meds were necessary.

[super D]

Kaylie, maybe you could ask your parents about the vets decision to medicate early, But I hope Monty is ok hun, all my best wishes sweet xxx

[Kaylie]

Yes Monty had blood tests before all the others first, he is going back to the specialists monthly at the moment to have check ups. I thought also it was quite soon to have given medication and I'm not sure entirely why, However it's not the most common medication which can cause liver problems, (mum just has to be careful of the salt he intakes) although I can't remember off the top of my head what it's called. He hasn't had many side affects which is good so fingers crossed if we can reach another month or more without a seizure he may even be taken off the meds? It's a very good clinic in Newmarket so hopefully they no what they're talking about. Thank u for all your replies :-) x

[Kaylie]

Originally Posted by Poly

Firstly im extremely sorry to hear that and hope very much the seizures will not continue...

One thing that I do not understand however is a vet puting any dog on medication after only one seizure The reason I say that is that I thought it was the 'norm' to monitor the situation first of all and only if seizures are happening more frequently (ie 4-6 weeks apart) do vets then decide to medicate.

How long after the seizure did Monty have his tests - did he first have blood tests before the different scans? Often seizures can be caused by a number of different things - even over heating & dehydration can be a cause.

My gsd had a seizure (grand mal) last May and another 5.5 months later - 8months since the second so far and going well - but is he not on any medication as the vet was happy with the gap's inbetween - obviously if they became more frequent then that would change. The medication I believe (if it is phonbarbatol) can have effects in itself (not to worry you saying this) such as long term liver damage - hence why vets keep a check on the seizure pattern first - they can decide the best form of treatment, amount of medication etc in order to control the seizures and to best suit the dog.

I personally would want to know abit more about why monty has been medicated so soon with no monitoring. Idopathic epilepsy is a term given for epilepsy when there is no known cause found is more then likely a gentic problem in a dogs lines. A single seizuring dog and an epileptic dog are two very different things in my humble opinion.

I wish Monty all the best...and hope he stays seizure free xx

Thanks for your message and im sorry to hear of your dogs seizures it must be the most horrible and scary thing to have to see your animal go through I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. I will mention your story to my mum, as it does seem a bit odd that Monty is on medication so soon, mum doesn't have the internet so all she knows about seizures is what the vets have told her. I certainly think if he could be without meds it would be better for everyone! I believe the meds he is on take 2-3 months to start working so this could b the reason for starting so soon I shall certainly prompt my mum to question the specialist on this when he goes back in 2 weeks. Thanks again and I hope your dogs seizures remain very few and far Between.xxx

[Angie]

Originally Posted by Poly

Firstly im extremely sorry to hear that and hope very much the seizures will not continue...

One thing that I do not understand however is a vet puting any dog on medication after only one seizure The reason I say that is that I thought it was the 'norm' to monitor the situation first of all and only if seizures are happening more frequently (ie 4-6 weeks apart) do vets then decide to medicate.

How long after the seizure did Monty have his tests - did he first have blood tests before the different scans? Often seizures can be caused by a number of different things - even over heating & dehydration can be a cause.

My gsd had a seizure (grand mal) last May and another 5.5 months later - 8months since the second so far and going well - but is he not on any medication as the vet was happy with the gap's inbetween - obviously if they became more frequent then that would change. The medication I believe (if it is phonbarbatol) can have effects in itself (not to worry you saying this) such as long term liver damage - hence why vets keep a check on the seizure pattern first - they can decide the best form of treatment, amount of medication etc in order to control the seizures and to best suit the dog.

I personally would want to know abit more about why monty has been medicated so soon with no monitoring. Idopathic epilepsy is a term given for epilepsy when there is no known cause found is more then likely a gentic problem in a dogs lines. A single seizuring dog and an epileptic dog are two very different things in my humble opinion.

I wish Monty all the best...and hope he stays seizure free xx

I absolutely agree. My Irish Setter had infrequent fits throughout his life (2-3 an year), we agreed with our vet that meds would only be required should the fits become more regular. They actually became less frequent in the last 2 years of his life.