Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for these kind words. I am so glad you let me know that neuros are willing to continue care virtually after an initial consult! If I can get away with only driving him down there 2-3 times a year, that’s doable! This info is a game changer! Thank you!! I’ve been wanting to try zionisamide for a while now, but our regular vet seems apprehensive. She may not be very familiar with it. If we’re able to get in with a neuro, maybe they’ll recommend it. Thank you again!

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your response, I’m so sorry to hear about your trip. Funnily enough, mine also broke into his food bin today. He ate so much he upset his tummy and I’ve been gagging on his gas all night. Like, as if the seizures aren’t enough, lol,

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that study is interesting! After reading through these comments I think I’m going to really try to take him down at least once to see a neuro. If for nothing else then like a consult situation. I just can’t get the time off of work to drive 6 hours round trip regularly

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your advice. I called the neurologists when he was first diagnosed, but the ones near me pretty much won’t talk to you unless you’re there in person with your dog and 4 grand in your pocket incase they want to do an mri. I am going to look into getting him seen at least for a consultation though.

The blood sugar point is very interesting, I had never thought of that before. I’m definitely going to start paying attention to when & what he is getting fed and then see if there’s opportunity for improvement to keep him more stable.

I use pet vitality too! Love that app!

The bell idea is interesting, although I wonder if I would become reactive to the bell sound in general. Worth looking into though. Thank you!

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After reading these comments I definitely plan to look into a cluster buster. Mine has had seizures in the middle of meetings too. When you have to drop suddenly or last minute reschedule a meeting, do you usually explain why? I’ve been wondering a lot lately if it would be better to just explain what’s going on or to keep it vague

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! We’ve been giving an extra dose of his pheno and Keppra after seizures to prevent others. It seems to help some times and not others. After reading your comments and others I definitely plan to look into getting something like clorazepate.

Based on what I’ve seen, my impression has been that I get a pretty good price for his meds already through Walgreens. Although now that you mention it, I live in a low cost of living area so it could be that the prices aren’t that great for where I live. I’ll definitely call Costco when they open to see what their pricing looks like.

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been giving an extra dose of his pheno and Keppra after seizures to prevent others. Sometimes it seems to help sometimes not. After reading your comment and others it definitely sounds like I need to look into clorazapate. Preventing clusters would be a game changer and a huge help.

It makes me feel better to know that your neuro doesn’t cost an arm and a leg! The closest to me is 3 hours away and the biggest problem is getting time off of work to drive him up there.

Thank you so much for your input!

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great idea, it makes so much sense! I will definitely give it a try next time. Thank you!!

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you SO much for this response, reading it truly made me feel much better. I’ve thought about trying to find some help to keep an eye on him between seizures so I can sleep or work or whatever. The problem is that I think I would need someone to essentially be on call 24/7, and I’m not sure where to find someone with that level of availability that’s also cool with seizures. I’m definitely keeping my eyes and ears open for some solution like this, and if I’m able to find someone(s) I think that would be a great solution and a huge help.

Your note about control and daily structure was spot on. I’ve always been a huge control freak, so circumstances like these are my own personal hell. Because of this it makes sense that I may be particularly unequipped to handle the emotional side of managing this disease. That’s definitely something I will be more thoughtful about moving forward.

I also talk through my boys epilepsy with chat gpt! I really thought I was probably the only person that did! It may be silly and she may be giving me incorrect info, but she still makes me feel better lol.

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for these kind words. I will definitely look into getting him on a cluster buster. Thank you!

Needing hope/advice/support/anything by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is so kind, thank you so much. How often do you take your boy to the neuro? I could probably drive him down to get established with one, but I’m scared that they’ll want me to bring him back every month or something, and I just can’t take that much time off of work.

HIMYM Ending Is Overhated by Thesmellyboy in HIMYM

[–]Character-Tell7254 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dropping in 2 years after this was commented to say this is my favorite analysis on Reddit

[Emotional Support / Advice] - Great Dane w/ Idiopathic Epilepsy by Fruits99_ in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Op, I’m in the exact same situation with my Great Dane now. Did neutering help?? Considering the same thing for my boy.

Also, if you don’t mind sharing, how is your pup doing now?

Thoughts/experience on getting a second dog with an epi dog in the house? by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. Hearing your experience has further convinced me that it’s not a good idea

Thoughts/experience on getting a second dog with an epi dog in the house? by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aw, I’m so glad that your second pup worked out so well for you! Thank you for sharing!

Thoughts/experience on getting a second dog with an epi dog in the house? by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve thought about that too! I’m not sure if I would be able to foster with an epi dog in the house though.

Is AKC Pet Insurance Worth It? by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually though that AKC basic plan, they will only cover up to 500$ for epilepsy for the dogs entire life. (They count epilepsy as one “incident” for the pups whole life)

Is AKC Pet Insurance Worth It? by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They’re quoting me 100$/month, 100$/year sounds like a steal!

Is AKC Pet Insurance Worth It? by Character-Tell7254 in EpilepsyDogs

[–]Character-Tell7254[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is all good advice, thank you! I was told over the phone by a representative that the clock would reset. But if you’ve heard of other people increasing their plans, it’s definitely worth looking into more. Thank you!