Frustrated!

[Libra926]

5 days after the phenobarb increase..Vegas is doing poorly. He's not having seizures..but he's very clumsy. He tries to lay down, he falls. He tries to get on the couch, it takes him 3 to 4 tries. He comes running in from outside..he trips on the step and smashes into the glass door. (I thought he might of broken something, but he seems to be walking fine)
His spirits are high...he seems to have a mean streak with Orion this morning. Vegas also has started doing this. Do you think this might be a facial seizure? Or just mouth spasms?

 

[Bella'sMom]

Oh [MENTION=572]Libra926[/MENTION], my heart breaks for you and Vegas. I hope that maybe he is just adjusting to the increase and will be better soon. I personally know I got dizzy and un-focused when I first started some of my meds for the first time.

My prayers are with him.

 

[bullmama]

Sure looks like a twitch, I think I would call the vet at this point. Poor mommie and Vegas, I know you are going crazy right now.

 

[KMARINO]

Oh I feel so bad for the both of you, I would most certainly take him back to your vet, maybe it was to much of an increase? just like food..... doing it slowly?? I him and I worry abut him.

 

[Libra926]

Well...we've done this once before. He was on 1/2 tab of the 64.8mg every morning and 1 tab at night. Most of the time he was either below theraputic level or right inside the theraputic level but towards the bottom. The last time we increased it, he did the same thing. He is like a feisty drunk bulldog. The Dr asked us to increase the dose to 1 tablet twice daily, which we did. I now have to give him a step to get on the couch, otherwise it takes him a few tries to get up. He's very off balanced. I've left a message for the Dr and I even loaded this video to youtube so he can see it. We have the camera ready to catch some of his clumsiness. This is why we backed off the dose increase last time. What's worse? A bulldog who has a seizure once a month or a bulldog who acts like he's drunk and can't walk without dragging his feet or use the steps or do anything without it taking effort on a daily basis?

 

[Alice Kable]

Hopefully his system will adjust to the higher dose, if not there has got to be some other medication to treat him with. You are in WA, have you considered taking him to WSU SCHOOL OF vet. Medicine Hospital? They are excellent with Bulldogs. Also, have you considered some alternative medicine vets? There is an excellent one at McKenzie Animal Hospital in Springfield, OR. I feel really bad for you and Vegas.

 

[2bulliefamily]

Oh...poor baby. I just hate that you and Vegas are having to go thru this. I know it must be hard for you to see him like that. maybe the increase was too much? I would at least call and let the vet know what is going on or take him in there. Send him the video and let him see for himself. You are such a good mommy to him...he is lucky to have you. I am sure you will keep everyone updated so i am looking forward to Vegas updates. Take care.

 

[kazzy220]

Yes I would call and get to speak to the vet as soon as you can tomorrow. It could either be a case of Vegas having to get used to the new dose, or the dose is not at the right amount!! Although I would have thought that after 5 days that he would have started to adjust to it by now. Maybe instead of 1 tablet twice a day, he could have 3/4 in morning and his usual 1 at night. Also, I wouldn't have thought your video showed a seizure because his eyes look focused and aware of his surroundings.

 

[Gertie's Mom]

Oh, poor Vegas! I'm so sorry you and Vegas are going thru all this. I wonder if there's a different medication that could do the same thing, only without the side effects? I think you're doing the exact right things, taping his reaction and getting ahold of your vet. I will remember you both in my prayers.

 

[sheshistory]

This is difficult and I'm so sorry you are going through this. Is there anything worse than knowing our babies are not feeling good and not knowing how to make it better?

I think if I were in your place, I would reduce the dosage of the medication now to eliminate the undesirable side effects and get in touch with your vet.

One seizure per month doesn't seem too bad given Vegas' condition but is there a danger with the seizures, in terms of long term problems and/or damage? I ask because I do not know much about epilepsy and I think that would weigh heavily in my future decisions with medication and the possible MRI discussed in an earlier thread.

 

[Luvin My Bullie]

poor mommy and Vegas ! He is lucky to have such a wonderful mommy! will keep you in my prayers

 

[mom2bullies]

Sis, can he be backed down to 3/4 instead of one full pill? WSU SCHOOL OF VET may be a great option to think about a second opinion. Give kisses to my babies for me, it has to help. I love you.

 

[bfletch13]

This is awful. I have no advice , but will keep Vegas in our thoughts and prayers.
Hope to hear some good news soon.

 

[Libra926]

SVS (Seattle Vet Specialists) has the most sought after neurologist in the PNW, Dr Sanders. Atleast that's what I've been told by 3 different vets. WSU may be a school....but I want someone who already knows about this stuff. There is NO WAY I am leaving my baby in the hands of learning students. I know they need to learn....but not on my guy. I left a message with Dr Uhler for Tuesday. We will give him a few more days to adjust.
I gave Vegas some pnut butter earlier during the facial twitches..just to see. He hasn't had one since. But, he's been such a pickle today.

 

[gatorfan85]

Oh poor Vegas!!! I hate seeing that , i pray for u guys and hope their can be a happy medium with less seizures without the side effects.