Sheltie Experiencing Seizures

There's a wealth of written information on the Internet about canine
seizures, but to actually witness one (or see a video of one) is not so
readily available. I hope this video will help change that.
Our dog Chaz is a 2-1/2 year old large (48 lbs) Sheltie. He began
having seizures a little over a year ago. In March 2010, we were given
Diazepam (10mg tabs) and told to give him 1/2-tab after he seized. The
frequency of seizure activity increased so our vet added Phenobarbital
(15 mg, 2x daily). Over the past few months that dosage was gradually
increased because his seizures became more frequent (multiple times per
week; last week 2 times w/in a 24-hr period). As of yesterday Chaz is
getting 2 tabs (60 mg) 2x daily. If he's still experiencing seizures in
2 weeks, our vet plans to add Potassium Bromide to his regimen.
Please respect the value of this video by not posting nasty or funny
comments. The purpose of this video is strictly to inform & educate not
only Chaz's veterinarian, but also the general public. I remember how I
reacted the first time Chaz had a seizure (I freaked out thinking he
ingested poison) & I don't want anyone else going through what I did
with their beloved pet! The bottom line here is that Chaz is a
cherished member of our family & we're doing everything we can to help
Chaz live a happy, normal life.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Grand
• Mal
• Petit
• Sheltie
• Canine
• Premiere_Elements_8
• Epileptic
• Epilepsy
• Veterinary
• Seizure
• Dog
• Vet

[Nuts4pi]

Unfortunately, we had to put Chaz down after he started cluster seizing and vomiting. I cried for days and we miss him terribly. However, I know he is now somewhere over the rainbow, pain & seizure free. R.I.P. Chaz (28-Jul-2008 - 13-Oct-2011).

[Nuts4pi]

FINAL UPDATE:

I should have posted this 4 months ago. After a wonderful, happy, and nearly seizure-free summer, out of the blue he just started throwing up. He couldn't keep food or water down, let alone his medication. As a result, his seizures returned more frequently than before. Each day he got worse and I had him to the vet almost daily for IV treatments. It became apparent that his liver was failing (most likely due to the Phenobarbital)...continued...

[Nuts4pi]

UPDATE2: Well, Chaz is still experiencing seizures, but not to the length or severity as shown in the video. His current medication has been adjusted to 125mg Phenobarb + 500mg Potassium Bromide, both twice daily. Serium levels were taken and there's still "wiggle room" to adjust both meds, but Chaz is now getting "loopy" and stumbles when he walks. We still are unsure what will happen, or if we'll have to put an end to his suffering (though we hope it won't come to that). Keep hoping!

[Nuts4pi]

UPDATE: Chaz's Phenobarbital dosage is now at 2 tabs (60 mg) twice daily. No additional seizure activity has been noticed since this video was posted. His vet has been great following up with phone calls and "action plans" in case Chaz has more seizures. Wish us luck!

[Argovia2011]

I sent you a private message to your inbox. My sheltie Lucy has the exact same seizures. She is also groggy from the epi meds but there's no other choice. It is either that or the seizures. All the best for you and Chaz.

[solaroxide]

oh wow.. I have a sheltie as well who is about to turn 2. my heart breaks for little chaz... I have you both in my thoughts and I hope he gets much better with the medication you are giving him.

[jerrigoff]

Hi, I was on here just because my love, Sable/Sheltie, just past way. He was 15yrs old.  He had seizures like this, most of his life. When he was younger, I only saw them maybe, once a year. As he aged, they were more often. We learned, that his seizures were due to diabetes. Sable was put on Diazepam and Phenobarb also, to control the seizures. We later learned that when his sugar got high, it caused seizures. Please have a curve done and let me know if I can help you.