Advice re: Seizures
by Steph Diaj
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
My sister has a 14 year old Shih Tzu (named Dinky) who has suddenly fallen ill. He was in perfect health until a couple of weeks ago when he started having severe seizures. Of course, she has taken him to several vets but has found no answers, although they did put him on medication to control the seizures (Dinky now averages about 1 a day). When the seizures started, Dinky's weight dropped--he is now just skin & bones. My sister does not want to put Dinky to sleep "just because he is old & having some medical problems," but the lack of answers is very disheartening. Does anyone out there have any suggestions of what this may be? We are grasping at straws here--anything would be helpful. He has had every test possible & there is still no indication as to why this is going on. No tumors, no abnormalities, nothing! In the past couple of days, my sister has noticed that one eye is closing...I know my information is a bit sketchy, but as I said, any clue that anyone may have is greatly appreciated.

DISCUSSION:

I am very sorry to hear about Dinky's failing health. I had a little pup who had epilepsy and had at least one seizure every day. Her seizures were so severe that they lasted for hours and she would salivate horribly the whole time. We ended up having to put her sleep having trying a medication called Primidone for about a week, but no luck.

If Dinky is suffering, you need to put him to sleep. It sounds like he has had a wonderful life and you will be putting him first if there is nothing more the vets can do. Good luck and I pray you make the right decision.
Kirsten