Expert: Delores Beck - 2/8/2009

Question
My cocker is 5 1/2 and had been having seizures since june, 2008.  Often he will have multiple seizures in a period of 6 hours. He is on both potassium bromide (just started a week ago with that) and phenobarbital. Since he started on the potassium bromide I have noticed a weekness in his back legs and somewhat in his front legs.  Yesterday, he experienced two seizures within 4 hours and i took him to the specialists.  He didn't experience any seizures overnight, and today the Dr. gave him a neurological workup.  He suggested that we draw fluid from the spinal cord first instead of doing an MRI.  The Doctor beleives that he just has epilepsy, but I am having him check further into it. My question to you is, is this the proper order to answer any questions about if indeed my dog is epilectic?  He is also running blood tests to see if he may have some infectious disease that may be causing all of the seizures.  These seizures are occuring at 3-4 week intervals.  I am distressed over the seizures and need some real answers.  Thanks, JUDI

Answer
You say you took him to a specialist yesterday.  What tests did your own vet do to determine the cause of the seizures before medicating?

From what you're telling me I think the specialist is doing all the right things and so are you by insisting on exhaustive testing.

I can't emphasize enough that you need to be your dog's advocate...so read up on Canine Epilepsy - Canine seizures and make note of questions you have.

I'd like to know if the ER has an MRI and can do this simultaneously with the spinal fluid tap?  Take ALL reports and medication from your own vet so the specialist knows exactly what's been done and reactions to it.

Obviously there's a lot here I don't know - such as any health issues he's had in the past - how well the phenobarbital worked - has he had his thyroid tested.

I know you must be horribly upset and distressed...but try and keep calm - get informed - ask questions and if you're not comfortable, get another opinion.  Always-always get copies of any tests for your own files and that makes it much more efficient if you need another opinion.

For the moment, your specialist seems to be on track.  I'm so sorry about what you and your pup are going through and wish I could be of more help.  Just remember that epileptic seizures are way more upsetting to you than to your dog.  Once a firm diagnosis is made, this is manageable.  Your own vet should have referred you to a specialist instantly so I'm hoping you get a definitive answer
quickly.

Best wishes and hopes,
Delores