Splott & Seizures

Although Splott had been doing better, the kids (and everybody) insisted I had to take him to the vet.  Friday the kids were out of school, and I figured they might actually enjoy it, so we all went.  We got to Shively Animal Clinic right at 7am when they open up.  To my dismay, there was already a crowd and they had opened and started taking people early.

 

We got in to see the vet.  I explained what I thought was the problem--the new food.  The vet told me that could not possibly be the problem.  A dog that has seizures that many times in such a short period will be a dog that is prone to them and will have to be on medication.  The did bloodwork, gave me a prescription for phenobarbital.  I had read where it is hard on their organs, and I was reluctant to put Splott on it immediately.  Plus the vet said he will be listless and sleep a lot for 4-6 weeks until his body gets used to it.  I decided to not give him the medication yet, and just observe him over the weekend.

 

I called the vet again Friday evening about 6:30pm because he said he would have the blood tests back "this afternoon".  I told him that I had not yet give Splott the medicine, and still no seizures.  He said that would be ok, but just to watch him.  They called yesterday again to check, and I explained "I have not given him the medication yet, and he's had no seizures.  I feel it must be the food."  The vet (not the one I saw but a different one--it was a woman) said that was good, but be prepared, and to let them know if he has another one.   I stopped giving him the "Purina brand Moist & Meaty on Tuesday.   Since Wednesday evening Splotty has been his normal self with no seizures or sign of seizures (loss of control of bowels, post-seizure confusion/disorientation/defensive-aggression). 

 

Upon further research, they may not have been seizures, but perhaps convulsions!

http://hubpages.com/hub/Dog_Food_Safe_To_Feed_After_The_Dog_Food_Recall

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=301046&page=1

http://www.rateitall.com/i-930743-purina-moist-meaty-dog-food.aspx

http://www.doggienews.com/2005/02/purina-recalls-pet-food.htm

 

If he can go for a month without the drug or any seizures/convulsions, I may consider just 'dealing with' the issue.