Epilepsy

[Shutityoutart]

Hi, my Cocker has had epilepsy since he was 2. He’s now almost 7. He was medicated and everything was fine until about 6 months ago when he started fitting again.
We increased his meds for 2 weeks, then reduced again but he started fitting again. So we increased for a month and as soon as we decreased again the fits started. So he’s now on a higher dose permanently, which has been fine until tonight when he had another fit.
Is epilepsy triggered by worry or stress? Most of the time he’s had a fit is when he’s been waiting at the back door to come in? Is it possible he gets anxious waiting? It’s ususlly in the evening too.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

25% of canine epileptics are not controlled long term on a single medication so this is not unusual. Yes, environmental factors can play a part.

[LandShark]

You've done very well to manage your dog's epilepsy for five years.

We had a beautiful dalmatian cross who started fitting at about nine months. His fits increased in severity and frequency despite attempts to medicate with a variety of drugs, and when he was two he went into status epilepticus, where the next fit starts before the previous fit has finished. That was the end, unfortunately.

It certainly doesn't sound like you're anywhere near that (he was fitting fortnightly, then weekly, then every other day...) but please do be vigilant. Stress could be a trigger, but then again, we also saw him fit in his sleep.

This was ten years ago, though, and the medication and treatment has probably moved on since then.

[FiveShelties]

Could it be that he fits more when tired? We had a Sheltie who started having fits from 3 years old - we could never work out the cause. He was controlled with medication for 4 years - he even managed a flight from UK to NZ and did not have a fit - we were very surprised at that, and relieved. It is really scary to watch and I feel for you.

[Shutityoutart]

It is scary! I cried the first time I saw him. He’s had one fit in his sleep but the rest by the back door.
He has done really well on his meds so far, even the vet said she was surprised that his fits stopped completely. Maybe the combination of tiredness and anxiety at not being able to get in the house sets him off?
I think when he goes out for his wee at night I will go out with him so I’m able to let him in immediately when he’s finished. Lovely boy .

[FiveShelties]

I had another thought, which may be stupid, but could he be afraid of the dark - that could make him anxious and bring on a fit. Do you have an outside light you could put on for him?

Going out with him sounds like a good idea.

I cried too (lots) - and the poor dog always had to be showered afterwards as he lost control of his bladder/bowels, which felt like a punishment for him as he did not like the shower! He also was a lovely boy.

Good Luck

[Shutityoutart]

It’s a good thought but the outside light is on already. He hasn’t lost control of his bowels etc yet fortunately! I think he’s been a bit under the weather this week too as he’s had a runny tum and been sick once so maybe his meds aren’t being absorbed correctly?

[SPARKLYSTARSHINESBRIGHT]

Hi, I wanted to share my experiences with you. My Cavapoo has had epilepsy since 18 months ( now 4.5 years). Vet said she matured at 18 months and that's when it started. We too have kept upping the meds and they would work for around 6 weeks then start again, she's on Epiphen and Levitraceum. We have visited a neurologist vets in Derby who suggested putting her on food containing medium chain trigcylerites oil. I was sceptical but willing to try anything and I have to say she is loads better (I would say 60 - 70% better). She still has the odd fit and last time I only had to give her 5mg ofrectal Diazepan instead of the usual 10mg to bring her round. She last had a fit about 10 days ago and I think it was because she hadn't eaten her food for 2/3 days because of the hot weather. She's on Purina Neurocare food, but I believe you can buy the medium chain trigcylerites oil and add it to food although I wouldn't change now. I just wanted to share this with you as the medication knocks them out. My dog too is anxious and would often fit if she was startled or if I left the room, she seems more chilled now. I even tried to research if there was some cannabis oil in there somewhere! You can order this food via the vets and claim on insurance if you are insured or alternatively online, not many places sell it, but it's not really much more expensive than normal food. Also, it took around 4-6 weeks to see a difference. I hope this helps, my dog has been on it since Feb this year. Good luck

[Shutityoutart]

Thank you for that. We are moving abroad soon so I will have a look there. I’m currently sat at the vets eating for him to have a blood test

[Shutityoutart]

Waiting not eating!!