I'm curious what it's like when having a seizure
- Thread starter Maxx
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2ndchances
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Aww 
I read somewhere recently that dogs have seizures more frequently than humans; that surprised me a little! While we have a voice, I can imagine how difficult it is for you as a 'parent' to witness, and also for your 'child' being unable to express himself.
I mostly had complex partials, which started with an aura (simple partial). The aura began with a sense of fear, then what almost felt like 'butterflies' rising from about my sternum to my head. From that moment on, I didn't remember anything as I lost consciousness (some do not, and are aware). Mine would last about 45 seconds to 2-3 minutes sometimes, and I'd come back to "me" slowly; dazed and confused. Sometimes a little silly in my innocence of confusion I'm told. I've only had one tonic-clonic (previously referred to as grand-mal) which are what most people tend to associate with epilepsy.
I ask this out of my own ignorance, but do they try medications to control seizures for a dog?
I hope this helps, and hope Maxx gets better!
I read somewhere recently that dogs have seizures more frequently than humans; that surprised me a little! While we have a voice, I can imagine how difficult it is for you as a 'parent' to witness, and also for your 'child' being unable to express himself.I mostly had complex partials, which started with an aura (simple partial). The aura began with a sense of fear, then what almost felt like 'butterflies' rising from about my sternum to my head. From that moment on, I didn't remember anything as I lost consciousness (some do not, and are aware). Mine would last about 45 seconds to 2-3 minutes sometimes, and I'd come back to "me" slowly; dazed and confused. Sometimes a little silly in my innocence of confusion I'm told. I've only had one tonic-clonic (previously referred to as grand-mal) which are what most people tend to associate with epilepsy.
I ask this out of my own ignorance, but do they try medications to control seizures for a dog?
I hope this helps, and hope Maxx gets better!
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Thank you for taking the time to reply.
It is very difficult to witness and yet not be able to talk afterwards about what he is experiencing.
He takes phenobarbital, valium, and keppra and has for 2 years...but recently the seizures have gotten more intense and come almost without fail every 30-45 days.
The meds are expensive because he is not insured and an animal....There is a very very close bond with this boy.
He is a rescue, but in all honesty, it was he who saved my life.
I can't give up on him...If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here to even ask for help.
I am very scared, and feel so helpless with all of this...i am not trying to burden anyone....but I am pleading for any help\advice\ information that I can find ...so that I can just help my boy. He had seizures at 5 am and 9 am today...i am with very heavy heart today.
It is very difficult to witness and yet not be able to talk afterwards about what he is experiencing.
He takes phenobarbital, valium, and keppra and has for 2 years...but recently the seizures have gotten more intense and come almost without fail every 30-45 days.
The meds are expensive because he is not insured and an animal....There is a very very close bond with this boy.
He is a rescue, but in all honesty, it was he who saved my life.
I can't give up on him...If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here to even ask for help.
I am very scared, and feel so helpless with all of this...i am not trying to burden anyone....but I am pleading for any help\advice\ information that I can find ...so that I can just help my boy. He had seizures at 5 am and 9 am today...i am with very heavy heart today.
Sparkles
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Hi Maxx's dad,
I also have complex partial seizures. I can't really tell you 100% what it is like during a seizure because I lose much my memory surrounding the seizure - a little before, throughout, and even after. From what I remember, before I knew they were seizures I would be confused. Then I would get up an fall and not be able to get up again. And I couldn't talk and feel frustrated and confused. But I didn't feel scared. Although, that is just my memory now, so perhaps during them I really did.
I also have a dog who has had seizures and he is also the dog who comes by my side and stays there until I am able to get up if I fall. He means a lot to me, I feel like he saved my life, too. I have another dog who watches me during, but she is skittish generally and the seizures frighten her so she watches from afar. My dog, Buster, hasn't had a seizure in awhile and was never on medication. He had them when he was under 2 years old. He would stiffen up, fall to the side, and his paws would - sort of shake, sort of "run" - and a little foam/vomit would come out of his mouth. Right before this would happen it would sound like he would yelp. It lasted a matter of less than 30 seconds, and then up he would pop, he would come near me, and fall deep asleep for hours. Scared the heck out of me. The vet said if it happened more frequently they would run tests and put him on meds, but it happened maybe 3 times in 8 months, then 2 more times in a year. Then it just stopped. Maybe that's why he comes to me when it happens to me.
I'm sorry about Maxx. I hope he will be ok.
I also have complex partial seizures. I can't really tell you 100% what it is like during a seizure because I lose much my memory surrounding the seizure - a little before, throughout, and even after. From what I remember, before I knew they were seizures I would be confused. Then I would get up an fall and not be able to get up again. And I couldn't talk and feel frustrated and confused. But I didn't feel scared. Although, that is just my memory now, so perhaps during them I really did.
I also have a dog who has had seizures and he is also the dog who comes by my side and stays there until I am able to get up if I fall. He means a lot to me, I feel like he saved my life, too. I have another dog who watches me during, but she is skittish generally and the seizures frighten her so she watches from afar. My dog, Buster, hasn't had a seizure in awhile and was never on medication. He had them when he was under 2 years old. He would stiffen up, fall to the side, and his paws would - sort of shake, sort of "run" - and a little foam/vomit would come out of his mouth. Right before this would happen it would sound like he would yelp. It lasted a matter of less than 30 seconds, and then up he would pop, he would come near me, and fall deep asleep for hours. Scared the heck out of me. The vet said if it happened more frequently they would run tests and put him on meds, but it happened maybe 3 times in 8 months, then 2 more times in a year. Then it just stopped. Maybe that's why he comes to me when it happens to me.
I'm sorry about Maxx. I hope he will be ok.
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2ndchances
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Big hugs to you both. :hugs: Fur-babies are family, so I can completely understand. Stick around.. this is a very active, and helpful group. Perhaps someone else can provide more insight; it's never a burden!
giveasmile
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I don't know if it's different for dogs, but if the seizure is very visible to you then there is a good chance he is not concious during them. Afterwards he may feel extremely confused, tired, sore or even aggitated. He may have the urge to urinate or may be incontinent during the seizure. He can have a bad headache that can last quite some time. I tend to crawl into bed or under a blanket or go someplace dark/quiet after mine. I hate anything bright, loud or dramatic afterwards if I can avoid it.
Maxx has seizures [tonic\clonic] each month...they last about 30-60 seconds each with an additional 1-2 min of confusion and disorientation. A typical cycle is approx 30-45 days apart consistently...With as many as 10-12 seizures over the seizure period....This last week he had clusters that consisted of partial seizures [ no true convulsions] that last approx 30-60 seconds but happened at 5 min intervals for as long as an hour at a time. My female rottie keyleigh [kee-lee] is also a rescue from a fight ring....she either can smell or sense the seizures in advance...i get no more than a minute or 2 notice...but she is right almost ALL of the time....she lays next to maxx and myself during and after....the meds are very expensive...and have now become my single largest expense...and out 45$ us per day. I have sold off and depleted what savings i had to keep the meds available for him...but the seizures just won't stop....at 43 yrs old...i am broken and feel totally failed at protecting my boy. I am lost and very distressed over this and just didn't know where to turn for support or strength. Part of me is taken away each time I hold him and witness what this does. Other than the seizures, he is very healthy and happy....but when the seizures visit, everything stops in my world and I am at his side 24/7....Thank you so very, very much for your patience, understanding, and kindness.
As a veteran from the Iraq war i have ptsd....my kids have been the most therapeutic thing I ever could have been blessed with...it just breaks my heart to not have more answers or help to offer him....in my gut i feel like he is slipping away from me and I just cannot stop it....i don't ask for help often...rarely ever...but my pride takes backseat to my boys health...so again thank you anyone for talking and sharing your knowledge....from the bottom of my heart. ...maxx ' dad
As a veteran from the Iraq war i have ptsd....my kids have been the most therapeutic thing I ever could have been blessed with...it just breaks my heart to not have more answers or help to offer him....in my gut i feel like he is slipping away from me and I just cannot stop it....i don't ask for help often...rarely ever...but my pride takes backseat to my boys health...so again thank you anyone for talking and sharing your knowledge....from the bottom of my heart. ...maxx ' dad
N Sperlo
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I believe it has been said that almost all dogs will at one point have a seizure. I don't know how true that is, but with so many types of seizures, I guess it is possible.
A friend of mine had his dog come running up to him whining before falling down and having a T/C seizure. This leads me to believe that like humans, dogs can have an aura/simple partial which can be uncomfortable. Simple partials may be different for anyone.
During and/or after a seizure, I'm sure your dog has no recollection of the events. He probably lives happily and is a little worn out afterwards. I've only had one, two, or three T/C seizures. I was a little confused after two (I think) and extremely soar after a longer one, but not too confused or worried because I was just so soar and tired.
It may be hard for you to watch, but I'm sure he is doing better than you expect.
Thanks for fighting for all the countries effected by the war.
A friend of mine had his dog come running up to him whining before falling down and having a T/C seizure. This leads me to believe that like humans, dogs can have an aura/simple partial which can be uncomfortable. Simple partials may be different for anyone.
During and/or after a seizure, I'm sure your dog has no recollection of the events. He probably lives happily and is a little worn out afterwards. I've only had one, two, or three T/C seizures. I was a little confused after two (I think) and extremely soar after a longer one, but not too confused or worried because I was just so soar and tired.
It may be hard for you to watch, but I'm sure he is doing better than you expect.
Thanks for fighting for all the countries effected by the war.
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I once witnessed a dog experiencing a seizure at a ball game. He fell and suddenly went into the clonic phase (jerking movements). It lasted for maybe a minute and his master was there, watching over him.
Here is a website that explains seizures in dogs and treatment(s):
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-seizure-disorders
Here is a website that explains seizures in dogs and treatment(s):
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-seizure-disorders
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I am also merely a human who has experienced many seizures over the years.
Was just trying to add my :twocents: to help.
motorbill66
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Maxx,
I had a pup who passed away at 15. I loved that little dog so much that I couldn't even look a pictures of her for more than a year afterward. She had been with me at home and at work, 24/7 with only about a month's worth of days apart the whole time.It's obvious that you have a similar relationship with your dogger. She saved my life as well by coming into it when I was at a very low ebb, but that's another story. It absolutely devastated me. I know how you feel, as Teddy had seized a couple of times at about a year old. Then it stopped and never returned. The vet said that it is prevalent among young puppies. It hurt to watch. Teddy developed Diabetes when she was about twelve, and it was two injections per day and urine testing as well. She went slowly blind, but accepted it all with grace. Dogs can teach us a lot about dignity.
Maxx, both you and your dog have been tested mightily and you're both still here. You are both heroes. All it seems to me that you can do is love and comfort your constant companion. He deserves no less
I had a pup who passed away at 15. I loved that little dog so much that I couldn't even look a pictures of her for more than a year afterward. She had been with me at home and at work, 24/7 with only about a month's worth of days apart the whole time.It's obvious that you have a similar relationship with your dogger. She saved my life as well by coming into it when I was at a very low ebb, but that's another story. It absolutely devastated me. I know how you feel, as Teddy had seized a couple of times at about a year old. Then it stopped and never returned. The vet said that it is prevalent among young puppies. It hurt to watch. Teddy developed Diabetes when she was about twelve, and it was two injections per day and urine testing as well. She went slowly blind, but accepted it all with grace. Dogs can teach us a lot about dignity.
Maxx, both you and your dog have been tested mightily and you're both still here. You are both heroes. All it seems to me that you can do is love and comfort your constant companion. He deserves no less
Motor bill,
Your post hits so close to home.
After a 15 yr marriage, she up and left one day out of the blue...found another man on a dating site...smh
It was a terrible terrible divorce...i lost everything...literally everything...she came from a very very wealthy family. I fought tirelessly to keep the house and personal property that was mine...but big money won the battle...i just couldn't afford to keep it up...i left with a truck and my 2 rots. The 3 of us lived in a friend's garage for almost a year just looking for a place that would allow my kids....very dark days back then. Maxx never wavered...never got snappy or testy...just solid like a rock.... i cannot count how many times thru those weeks and months i was ready to give up and just go away. Both of these incredible companions kept me strong and focused on what I needed to do to be there for them.....hero?....I'm so far from that it makes me laugh....no offense intended. My hero is and always will be my boy....gentle...well mannered...loyal beyond words...in a time where it would seem the world is intent on destroying itself, on a very small piece of ground in the middle of nowhere, me and mine found shelter from the storm.
I learned about science and history in school, how to fight and kill in The Corps, and how to never give up no matter what the challenge. But the most valuable thing I learned was taught on my knees with my kids in my arms....they taught me how to love without condition...how to take it day by day and they have taught me how to be humble. Yes my kids are my hero's.
God bless and Semper Fi
Your post hits so close to home.
After a 15 yr marriage, she up and left one day out of the blue...found another man on a dating site...smh
It was a terrible terrible divorce...i lost everything...literally everything...she came from a very very wealthy family. I fought tirelessly to keep the house and personal property that was mine...but big money won the battle...i just couldn't afford to keep it up...i left with a truck and my 2 rots. The 3 of us lived in a friend's garage for almost a year just looking for a place that would allow my kids....very dark days back then. Maxx never wavered...never got snappy or testy...just solid like a rock.... i cannot count how many times thru those weeks and months i was ready to give up and just go away. Both of these incredible companions kept me strong and focused on what I needed to do to be there for them.....hero?....I'm so far from that it makes me laugh....no offense intended. My hero is and always will be my boy....gentle...well mannered...loyal beyond words...in a time where it would seem the world is intent on destroying itself, on a very small piece of ground in the middle of nowhere, me and mine found shelter from the storm.
I learned about science and history in school, how to fight and kill in The Corps, and how to never give up no matter what the challenge. But the most valuable thing I learned was taught on my knees with my kids in my arms....they taught me how to love without condition...how to take it day by day and they have taught me how to be humble. Yes my kids are my hero's.
God bless and Semper Fi