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Brewster had a seizure...

brewstersmom Feb 07, 2011 11:33 AM

He lost control of his whole body, but was slowly moving all over like in waves. He seemed to be able to hear me the whole time, and when I said "treat" he was making an honest effort to stop his body so he could get up and come. It seemed to help him pop out of it. It was sad, when he started to walk his legs were shaking so much. We just sat with him until he was back to normal.

Because of the late onset (after 3-years) the vets have all agreed it is most likely environmental toxins and not genetics. He has his rabies shots for the first time in several years and seemed to have a reaction, but that was a good month or two ago. It seems very delayed if that is the cause. I'm wondering if it's the salt chemicals. We have ice dams on our roof and my husband just put calcium chloride on the roof. I'm sure some got on our deck. Also, I have no idea what the plow guys use, but there is salt all over our walk and road, too.

I have put a call in to the vet to see what he thinks.
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Amanda's Pack: Greg the Husband, Kate the daughter, Liam the son, Brewster the Shiba Inu, Cassie the Torbie & Fenway the Leopard Gecko!

Replies (7)

Kiricki Feb 07, 2011 12:51 PM

I'm sorry to read this and can only imagine how upsetting it was to all of you. Please let us know what the vet says.

Sending good thoughts your way!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Shboom Feb 07, 2011 10:55 PM

Amanda that sounds like a frightening experience. I guess for now you can't rule out the calcium chloride as some could drip down onto the deck and ground. Also the road salt could be a factor. Like you mentioned the rabies shot could possibly be ruled out since he had that some time ago. Let us know what the vet tells you since we also can't rule out the seizure being a medical issue.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

brewstersmom Feb 08, 2011 06:22 AM

Our new vet is so nice. He talked to me for about 30 minutes! Basically, he said, there is no way of really knowing what is causing them, but since they are so infrequent (as far as we know) he wouldn't recommend seizure meds. He did recommend some other products and supplements (liver cleanses and things of the sort). He said if it happens again, call right when it happens tell them we need an emergency appointment, just bring Brewster right in. He said there are some tests he can run within an hour or two of it happening. For example, he mentioned sugar levels (if he was hypoglycemic I think he said); however, he thinks if that were the case it would be happening more often. He said the chemicals and salt are a possibility and wash his paws after all walks.

The other thing he warned me about is that often times dogs that have these little petit mal (sp?) seizures like Brewster will start to get them more often when they are 8 or 9 years old--Brewster's age. So, we are keeping an eye on it.
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Amanda's Pack: Greg the Husband, Kate the daughter, Liam the son, Brewster the Shiba Inu, Cassie the Torbie & Fenway the Leopard Gecko!

touvellep Feb 08, 2011 08:32 PM

We are so happy to hear you have a vet that you can trust. Please keep us informed on how Brewster is doing. Fingers and paws crossed for a speedy and painless recovery!!!

Patty, Beni, and Kari

ma Feb 21, 2011 08:02 AM

I hope Brewster is okay! How scary.

peejpm Feb 09, 2011 08:40 AM

Sorry to hear about Brewster! I know the seizures are scary to watch. Glad he got lots of cuddles after. Hopefully he will not get them anymore... or very often.

touvellep Feb 18, 2011 09:20 PM

Hi Amanda and Pack,

We are just hoping for a good update on Brewster...please let us know how everything is going!

Patty , Beni, and The Queen Kari

P.S. It is raining dogs and cats tonight, with the wind howling like a wild shiba....very natural, primal, and "cozy in the house-ish"

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