Old boy is having a good week….. it is a bit of a see saw but that is getting old for you. Hopefully Tomorrow his new found energy won’t get us all up at 4.43am to stop him serenading the neighbours…..
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Home office staff might need retraining….. also Molverine is officially overweight, too much good eating over winter. It is hard if when one is off the food and one is very much on it…..We are on the case but she can be grumpy when not getting her way….But needs to cut down (summer will help as she like to be out). I think being a rescue means she is a bit hard wired to take as much food as she can.
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Polo has been on Phenobarbital (Epiphen) since Wednesday and there haven't been any more seizures that we know of.
The downside is that he's properly zonked and is walking unsteadily round the house.
There are cushions, pillows and various beds all over the carpet for when he falls.
He's drinking a lot as per side effects but because he had a good appetite anyway his want for food isn't that noticeable.
The side effects are supposed to last 2 weeks or so and then it'll be an MRI scan and what I fear is a brain tumour.
The day he had his last seizure he was running through the house afterwards and tugging on a towel with me, he's still strong.I'd stupidly left a door open and he'd ran upstairs even though he couldn't see.
Because of his balance problems we haven't been out walking, he's restricted to the artificial grass back garden and decking as well as downstairs in the house
All of his 4 seizures have been outside for some reason ??
Just reading your latest post on your bf! Poor thing, wish him well... Hard moments as we want to give them the most.
As a old dog owner, I fully feel your stress, and sometimes the sense of feeling useless.
Outside seizures could be triggered by additional stimulus, brighter light, noises etc
Neo's best friend, had seizures 2/3 years ago, and indeed it was discovered that she has a brain tumor. She did ponctual radiotherapy, and has a daily treatment.
She has some medication for crisis management to limit the crisis time length which is what affects the tumor progression. She has her medication with her all the time as it could happen anywhere, to intervene in the first 30 seconds of the crisis.
Now, as I said, that was diagnosed 3 years ago, and despite the daily pills routine, and state of alert one needs to be around her, she is still enjoying life! She is about to be 13yo in May.
So, they are strong creatures, and I'm sure you are surrounding him with all the affection needed to give him strength!
Here are the 2 oldies playing, both 12yo now. We dog-sitted her last weekend or so, while her parents were enjoying some time alone... It does require organising as she takes pills at exact time/hour morning and evening. But Neo enjoys having her around... They're like an old couple 😀
They certainly look very pally 😀
One of his seizures was near where I was painting and I wondered if it was something he could smell ??
How Polo would cope with radiotherapy would be a worry as he gets really stressed as it is going to the vets.He didn't even like walking past the vets where we used to live.
Neo's friend looks like she's enjoying herself and must have a decent quality of life.I'd love days like that for our boy.
Until the day Polo had that first seizure he was still keen to go out for a walk, in fact he's never wanted to stay in.
The pattern of the pre walk had the same pattern as always....I come downstairs with hiking gear on, put my boots in the kitchen to change, Polo spots/hears his lead and starts whining.I then go to put his harness on him and he moves away a few times till he decides he's ready.Then he starts rubbing his harness up and down the units and making more "let's go" noises.
As regards the pills, he's currently taking 2, 12 hours apart 6am, 6 pm and I've set an alarm on my phone just in case
Thanks for your post, it's very encouraging 👍
To complement Clarke's story. She indeed need a couple of MRI to detect/size the tumor, and confirm diagnostic and potential treatment.
General vets might advise for palliative care as treatment can be expensive and time/resource constraining, and many people can't just follow. And not to have the animal suffer, vets could suggest it.
Now, Clarke went to a dog neurologist specialised in brain tumor. Due to her very good physical condition and general health, he was confident a treatment could be supported and provide her with some more quality life (3 years counting now).
Neo sends plenty of positive vibes 😀
