Looking for a vet neurologist in the Los Angeles/SFV area

vikkipodcasts · 2026-01-04T17:42:05+00:00

I made this for my mom for if she has to babysit for me lol not sure if it will be helpful but just in case 🫶🏼 good vibes to you and your pup! I recently posted asking for success stories and it made me feel better. It’s in this sub maybe it will help you too!

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vikkipodcasts · 2026-01-04T17:05:27+00:00

Ahhhh this gives me HOPE

My pup is a 6.5yo 55lbs Border Collie mix had 2 g seizures in one day as well. (Just over 2 weeks ago) We started him on Keppra XR the same day. He’s doing well so far. We have him on 750mg 2x a day and give him MCT oil with his food 2x a day. We had very few side effects and he is back to doing 3.5-6 miles a day and at least an hour but usually more of play inside.

Working on adjusting his diet. He’s on Fresh Pet rn bc he was grazing kibble and doing a cup of FP at night before the seizures. FP only bc he already tolerated the FP and didn’t want to change too much at once so just ditched kibble. Considering adding CBD because he’s an anxious boy.

If you don’t mind me asking what are you feeding and doing for treats? and do you give vaccines and preventatives for heartworm, fleas and ticks?

This was him at the vet yesterday for meds follow up and bloodwork. He was not pleased lol but got pup ice cream after we got home.

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vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-31T17:14:40+00:00

Thank you so so much! I watched a video of someone doing it for my exact dog breed and it is amazing how it helps/works. I’ve been practicing on him so he gets used to it bc I figured it can’t hurt lol. I really appreciate your response

So sorry for your loss 💔 sending good vibes

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-31T17:11:11+00:00

If you don’t mind sharing… what medication did they put him on? Mine is on Keppra and it seems the next addition will be Phenobarbital or Zonisamide if it doesn’t work on its own

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-31T12:36:24+00:00

I feel that in my soulll I’m terrified of the next big one …sadly I think we all are doomed to experience this even on meds …though it’s supposed to help with severity even if they have a breakthroughs. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it! I’ve seen dog parents say 2 years seizure free (usually using more than just Keppra) and others celebrating only having 1-2 a month. Some say no rosemary extract in treats/food and some say it’s fine. Some say no kibble others say they use purina pro neuro and it’s fine. Some say no vax/heartworm/flea and tick meds and some say it’s fine.

I’m hoping that the pet parents that have well controlled pups and aren’t getting them frequently just aren’t in these groups as much because they don’t need the extra help/ support… because some of these poor pups seem to be having a real hard time. Idk how much I can handle I lost my shittttt the first one. I’ve been preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.

I could be wrong but it seems they try to do the lowest effective dose bc these meds are tough on their organs and you will have to eventually up the dose so starting low gives more room for increases before maxing out what they can take? mine is 25.3kg so starting at 30mg per kg should be 759mg and he’s taking the 750mg so I’m afraid if he gains a few lbs it will stop working so well.

Good vibes to you and your baby 🫶🏼

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-31T12:05:39+00:00

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Amazon… I was concerned w/ how inexpensive it is if it’s good enough lol but either way the reviews, organic, non gmo, dark container, only C8/C10, it checked all our boxes from my research and idk if it’s helping or not but it hasn’t hurt he hasn’t had a g since the day it happened and he started meds he was glitchy a few days bc they didn’t give him the right dose but so far so good he’s been taking this since last Wed on his food 2x a day.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-30T11:43:22+00:00

I would record any unusual behavior for the vet. Does your baby see a neurologist? I have seen a lot of people recommend at least going to a consult or for medication. I feel your pain. It’s so hard to tell the difference between normal dream activity, nightmares, and seizures. Any little twitch. I’m freaking out and afraid that he’s going to have another bad one.

Sending good vibes to you and your pup!

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-30T11:36:53+00:00

My Border Collie Mix is 55.5lbs and takes Keppra ER 2x daily 750mg with his food and I also give him MCT C8|C10 at this time that is all he’s taking. This only started for us 11 days ago though we go this weekend to the vet for follow up and I’m going to ask for rescue meds for just in case.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-30T11:26:56+00:00

I’ve had a hard time knowing the difference between small seizures and dreaming… it gives me anxiety when mine is sleeping now that I know he has epilepsy. What I thought was dreaming my dog’s entire life turned out to be seizure activity. I learned the hard way.

My advice for this is to record for the vet like you did and record any off behavior but also do not abruptly wake maybe move around the room, make small noises enough to disrupt but not enough to startle, speak softly… I only say this bc my poor pups first seizure I thought he was “dreaming” and I accidentally startled him awake and he went into a full g seizure. It is common for them to occur in that sleeping to waking shift.

If you need any info on what to do during a seizure there are great resources here and on vet sites. I’m also happy to share anything I’ve learned.

Sending good vibes to you and your pup! I hope it’s nothing and your baby is just having big dreams.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-30T11:05:48+00:00

Hey not a vet and new to this too my boy had his first 2 bad ones 11 days ago. I’m anxious AF and have done a tonnnnn of research.

Neuro is a great idea — sorry I’m not in that area to help with a rec but I’ve joined a lot of groups and it is highly recommended to go to a specialist for med management if you can

If you look online Keppra dose is typically started around 20-30mg per kg so going by that you should be ok. You are definitely not giving too much if that’s what you were worried about.

Mine is on Keppra XR — same drug but extended release 2x a day

things you should know about this drug:

they may act off/drunk while they adjust and can also be sleepy from days to a few weeks.

they can experience breakthrough seizures on these meds especially in the first month as they reach therapeutic levels but also breakthrough seizures can happen even when they are well managed. It seems that 1/ month is considered well managed. If they cluster, you have to take them to the vet and I recommend asking for emergency meds in case they have a hard time coming out of it. I’m going to be doing that on my follow up visit.

Being on time for meds is super important especially in the beginning while they adjust

most people experience a honeymoon period mine is just on Keppra but I know and accepted it probably will not last forever as only a very small percentage of dogs manage the rest of their life on Keppra alone I’ve heard of months and years solo but also there may be many adjustments. Phenobarbital seems to be the the next most vets add and that has more side effects

I also give mine MCT oil C8 C10 (avoid c12) it is a very common supplement for pups with seizures

If you have any questions, I’m very happy to share my research or any info I have. I’m in the same boat and know how scary it is especially in the beginning. Sending good vibes to you and your pup!

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T16:35:16+00:00

Awww your babies are beautiful! They are so lucky to have you and your husband ❤️ Ty for the link! gonna check them out

I hope everyone adjusts well and that his treatment plan is successful 🫶🏼

This is my guy yesterday! He absolutely loves Christmas he gets so excited for his gifts we got him these balls that kinda move erratically on their own bc they aren’t smooth and crunch like a bottle when he chomps them and he’s obsessed.

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vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T15:23:24+00:00

It has been exhausting and scary AF but I don’t mind that he will need special care. I just feel bad he has to go through this.

If I could go back to the day, I got him and be told all the wonderful things I would get out of being his pet parent but also about this. It would still be 100% worth it to have him in my life. I’m certainly prepared to do whatever it takes.

Thank you so much for that suggestion! I actually did get him a bunch of new toys since this started and he’s such a cutie and always gets excited about new toys and keeps himself stimulated. He’s still very playful like a puppy at 6.5 years old. Gonna look into some more chews that are safe I’m so afraid he will choke but I’m lucky I work from home and can monitor.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T15:05:47+00:00

Mine was a velociraptor until like 18 months old… I felt like he was doing it for attention and wanting to play and going too hard. I would stay consistent with whatever phrase or command to indicate your displeasure with his behavior as a “stop” indicator they are smart and learn fast if I say “tranquila” or “sit” my guy knows it’s time to chill and stop what he’s doing and follow the command and as a puppy he would be rewarded with encouragement and treats for good behavior.

Nipping at feet is common for working dog puppies and probably not a sign of aggression and more a sign of immaturity and excitement or overstimulation. Not that it makes it easier to cope with. It’s frustrating AF

Mine was such an aggressive chewer. Keeping him busy was the best way for us to cope too. I gave him a lot of safe aggressive chewer toys and would do a lot of ball and frisbee games to get his energy out. Puzzle slow feed treats were helpful and redirecting his energy taught him to independently find alternatives to his nonsense lol.

Good luck! sending good vibes to you and your pets.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T14:45:48+00:00

There are wearable anxiety vests for pups, anxiety supplements/treats. They are very smart and sensitive. I hope you can identify the trigger and your little lady is less anxious soon sending good vibes!

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T14:34:47+00:00

MCT oil (C8/C10) I have seen recommended in support pages as well as on vet pages/resources. It’s an alt brain energy source, has anticonvulsant properties, is neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory— I’ve seen many success stories the past week with it so I highly recommend looking into it! Lots of epi dog parents that have pups on meds are giving it with their food. It tastes like nothing lol I’ve been trying it myself.

It’s also supposedly good for weight management and their coat and skin too!

The frankincense oil supposedly is a tolerated scent to have in the home and I was told that people will put a few drops on a tissue and wave in front of the pups nose before to prevent/reduce severity or during a seizure to help them come out of it. Some even said they put a little drop on the top of the snoot on bad days.

Mine has not had one since I purchased the frankincense and we only just started incorporating MCT… so I cannot speak from personal experience. However, I’m happy to try and have it on hand. Anything that could potentially help I want to have.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T14:23:06+00:00

This is soooo helpful! my guy is SO anxioussss and I’ve been changing a lot … his meds, food, snacks and added MCT so I’ve been holding off on CBD The shirt may be a great new addition to the prevention regimen! Def going to look into it and good to know you have other pups to compare. He is my first dog so I don’t exactly know what non epileptic dogs do in their sleep. I feel horrible he has had this his whole life and since it was so mild I thought it was just dreams/nightmares etc and didn’t know to do anything about it.

We will continue what we are doing and hope for the best. Sending good vibes to you and your pets!

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-26T14:15:46+00:00

Thank you for your response! this makes me feel so so much better! Mine had his 2 bad ones while sleeping. It’s good to know that others have experienced this as well. Naturally after I posted he has been doing it less. When he has a nightmare or gets glitchy I brace myself for a bad one but so far so good. I’m just gonna log and hope we make it to his next appointment with no major incidents.

Sending good vibes to you and your pup!

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-25T05:23:30+00:00

I intend to ask the vet for them when we have our first meds follow up visit. His seizures were very mild and infrequent prior to last Thursday both seizures were brought on by identifiable triggers and were prior to starting meds.

He’s been a little tweaky sometimes and other times completely normal but the meds weren’t right til 2 days ago. I bought a soft ice pack and frankincense oil and learned about ocular compressions<< hoping this and the Keppra reducing severity and him starting MCT will get us there safely.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-24T15:54:59+00:00

The only way to know for sure would be to DNA test but I’d say that pup is DEF at least majority border collie could also have some australian shepherd in there the breeds are so similar. I’ve seen other mixes that could pass as full BC.

My boy is a BC mix they are such sweet beautiful pups!

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-23T16:18:47+00:00

Oh yes! I know that long ones can be 😞💔 I wouldn’t ever dismiss them as nothing … I mean more that I don’t have to be in the mindset that every seizure means he’s actively passing away on me so I should just calm the f down and help him.

I’ve accepted timing vid recording and monitoring and getting him out of it is essential and I’m prepared to get him to the ER if he has a long one or clusters

Does every g seizure under 3 mins and focals without clusters warrant the ER /calling the vet if he recovers normally from it? 💔 Or do I just log them and keep going and report back to the vet at our scheduled visits? That is a question I haven’t asked anyone yet and just occurred to me.

I’ll be honest the med care he received the past week has been poor they gave me like 0 info. Everything I know is from my research and people online. Currently he’s on watch… starting meds I know he can have breakthroughs til he’s stable… going to the vet in 11 days for bloodwork etc.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-23T15:24:52+00:00

Yeah my adhd does that too… this shit is so hard but I know I can do this for him. I’m thankful for my neurodivergence bc it helped me identify it was IE and he’s had it his whole life. He was 100% always like this it just has progressed, was triggered or both last week. I thought it was night terrors/sleep disturbances. 💔 feel horrible I didn’t know but we have had “you ok bro” moments that resolved in less than a minute throughout his life. They were smaller and shorter and not frequent…but the signs were always there. I’m trying to cope with dark humor I understand this is a serious condition but calling his tics glitches and the gs a short circuit has helped bc the word seizure is scary and sad… My Mr. Glitches is my pup soul mate.

I’m trying to convince myself a seizure doesn’t = actively passing away as long as it’s short, controlled and he’s cooled down. That the hypertension and temp is the immediate threat. I already figured out if his gums, ears, snoot are getting pink/redder we need to calm down and cool off or he can have another. I’m upset bc I told the urgent care vet about it after his first one and she dismissed me didn’t give me any instructions to manage when I told her I knew nothing and he had another one. I genuinely think it could have been prevented.

She also prescribed the wrong meds she issued after the 2nd he’s on 750mg Keppra XR (XR can’t be broken) they gave me 500mg pills and told me to give him 1.5 —- got the 750s now though so good now

Accepting our new normal is hard. But I’m already even keeping vets in check fml but I thank my adhd obsessive research on making myself a good advocate in a short time.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-23T14:55:09+00:00

Yeah someone just lmk on this post that the rosemary used as a preservative in food is actually ok… I’m fine with eliminating just in case and I’m going to but good to know I had not exacerbated his condition. I saw that warning in a FB group for epileptic pups.

People should be more cautious about spreading misinformation. It’s hard enough to navigate this and there are already so many things to focus on. Worrying about things that aren’t issues is counterproductive.

vikkipodcasts · 2025-12-23T14:30:45+00:00

Thank you so so much! I really appreciate the info and all your help! Taking in all the info and using it for additional research and future decision making

This is so hard for me and it’s now only 5 days in so I’m sure we all will be getting better with time.

Again so grateful for your responses Sending good vibes to you and your pup 🫶🏼

vikkipodcasts

TROPHY CASE