General Chat

As you all must know Minx is my soon to 10 yr old mixed border terrier with epilepsy. She went on full medication on Dec 2nd and came off the valium. Now I was happy about this new medication because it wasn´t destructive to their internal organs. Also didn´t need the constant monitoring that the old style meds did. Trust me it isn´t (just) the money factor in this that pleased me about no monitoring but the lack of vet tables for Minx as she hates them. Poor little mite spent a few months early in life being pulled and poked about and stabbed with needles by vets because of her hip dysplasia it would be enough to put any body off vets. :-(

So Pexion here we came.
Her next fit was the 22nd Dec a 29 day gap ..that was okay because we had only had her on the medication for 3 wks. She came out of the fit fairly alert which is hardly surprising as we hadn´t pumped a load of valium in her.
On the 12th Jan 21 days later she had 2 major fit 1 in the morning 1 in the evening, So it was back to the vets and an increase by 1/2 tablet dosage.
30th Jan 18 days another fit although not as violent was still 5 mins long and believe me whilst these fits are happening every minute seems twice as long. Still I decided okay we have only just increased the meds lets see.
17th Jan (18days) another fit shorter at only 3mins an not as severe.
Still it was a trip to the vet.
Vet is not happy as pexion should hold fits to about 1 every 2 months. So although the drug isn´t addictive she has said cut the dosage on the tablet we have left and stop them as it isn´t working on her.
We asked what next, she shrugged and said there is always phenobaritone. but blah de blah NO WAY said I. I am not putting her through that.
So we discussed the everything against pheno and then I asked what damage am I doing to her letting her have the fits. What an interesting question and answer. Our vet admitted that she doesn´t know what damage the fits are causing Minx because they don´t know what causes them BUT they (the fits) could cause a swelling on the brain which I guess although the vet didn´t say will kill her. :-( The other problem is a fit can trigger the brain so it sets off a reaction and causes another fit.

So we are back where we started ....The medication which could, but not guaranteed, hold her fits at bay is on offer but the medication could kill her quicker than the fits plus it is addictive. Or doing nothing but be with her, love her and clean her up after.
I´ve washed duvets at 4.30 am and not blamed her. I´ve missed nights out because she is clingy and not blamed her. I have sat in warm baths at 5am with her to clean her up ..and not blamed her.
Guess we will take our chances and NOT DO DRUGS
:-D :-D

I am so sorry that the new meds didn't do as well as expected, it is heartbreaking when we find we can do nothing to stop the fits. One of our dogs had fits but nowhere near as often as your Minx.

I hope that she goes on ok without meds.

<3

Well we know our pets and sometimes less is more and medication isn't always the answer .

If medication is counter productive then it may be better to let nature take its course .

The quality of life even if it is shorter without medication may be the best option .

Woweeeeeee

Sorry I didn´t really expect answers I am used to nattering about Minx and no replies. so I am always grateful when I get them.

Just Ginnie fingers crossed for your friend

Shirley ...I so agree with you, well obviously I do as I have refused to put Minx pheno.

I once had a lab she was 13 and had a heart attack so the vet put her on heart pills, they made her sluggish and she refused to take them after awhile, She had a full life after and died at 16

I agree with Shirley - the quality of life is better than the quantity - and to be honest, I don't think animals view death the way humans do <3
Of course, it may mean less time with your beloved Minx - but she'll probably enjoy life better being drug free. xx

Such a worry for you Uzzi, and sad that Minx didn't respond as hoped. I know you will do what is best for Minx whatever the financial and emotional cost to yourselves. Our pets mean so much and can't talk to us to discuss options so we have to make hard decisions at times.

Thinking about you


Lizxx

A shame that the 'good' meds didn't help Minx but you know her and have seen her in a fit. If she is not distressed afterwards, you can cope with the aftermath of the fits and the meds do more harm than good then you are doing the right thing.
Incidentally we know how much your dogs mean to you so of course you are doing the right thing. <3 <3

Maggie, Liz and Ann thank you for answering as I said earlier I know I witter on about my girls. :-D

A neighbour from the campsite has just had to put her 8/9mth old pup down due to epilepsy. To be honest I am surprised she waited this long as the poor mite was having cluster fits and up to 18 fits a day. ( Makes me glad that Minx ´s are far apart. ) She tried her best but the dog stopped breathing, they resuscitated got the dog to the vets where it fitted again and the vet said be kind. So they were.
but she had some other tablets, which bless her she sent to me saying they did seem to help her little one.
I have checked them up on the internet and I will take to my vet and see what she says. They are not phenobarbital but they do have side effects that I am trying to find out about before I even think about it.,

Every day is fun when you have animals.
That reminds me I must check on the dry cleaners for my duvets back !!! One of them being a 4am fit on the bed ! :-D :-D :-D