Update on seizures - cash has epilepsy!

[Cash_Dolly]

We went to the vets last night where they took bloods to rule out there being anything underlying that could cause the seizures. There was nothing to worry about in the bloods so vet has diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy. She doesn't feel he needs to be on medication just now but if they become more frequent then he can be put on it. His heart rate has also slowed down since his last visit (now at 74) so she told me to keep an eye on that. no immediate concern if it stays steady but to check...she did mention possible pacemaker in time if necessary but that it is rare and complicated......I am trying not to worry myself with that just now!!!!

 

[dogmatize]

Sorry about the diagnosis. I only have experience of older dogs having seizures. I did have an Italian greyhound who had one seizure when she was about 6 years old and she never had another. She lived to be 16 1/2.

I suppose idiopathic epilepsy is a better diagnosis than it could have been, and at least it can be medicated if needed in the future.

I have heard people say that a dog prone to seizures shouldn't be left alone with other dogs for fear of attack. You may want to look in to this further.

 

[Cash_Dolly]

Thank you Dogmatize

When he had his first the vet did say he may never have another! She (and I) are hopeful that they will remain just being every couple of months and he will live as normal. Right now it has no effect on his general life. After a seizure he has a good sleep then is back to normal. He is just the happiest little dog I have ever known!

That does make sense that they shouldn't be alone with other dogs. They aren't left much at all tbh as BF has them all at his work every day (self employed) however if we are ever out without them the whippets are kept separate from the Akita (just in case she accidently hurts them, she is mega friendly but only 1 and can be a bit boisterious so size is a problem) However this does mean he is sometimes left with Dolly. I may need to look into/rethink this. the problem is that he is a nervous dog and cannot be left on his own without the company of another dog. I am sure he could be trained to be separated by a baby gate only though so that he is still away from little Dolly but still has the company? I'll have a look into this thank you

 

[dogmatize]

I know that cash and dolly are whippets and i have to say that i have never had any issues with whippets when another is having a seizure. Indeed my mum came down in the morning to find one of her old bitches having a seizure in the basket with all the others simply lying beside her.

I am totally biased when it comes to whippets and consider them to be head and shoulders above all other breeds in nearly every respect, so i wouldn't expect them to attack one of their " kennel mates " but yet i am not silly enough to think that they can override normal doggy nature and i certainly wouldn't trust another breed quite so readily.

If you have observed the way that Dolly reacts when Cash has a seizure, then you would be the best judge of whether he might be at any risk, after all no one knows your dogs as well as you do :thumbsup:

 

[Cash_Dolly]

Thanks Dogmatize

I don't believe there to be a risk from Dolly, the first seizure Cash had Dolly slept through it! And the last 2 she just stood beside me while I tried to comfort Cash then immediately afterwards she cuddled into him as he lay sleeping!

Hope (Akita) as I mentioned is kept separate when we are not around anyway. She is honestly the most loving friendly big girl and I absolutely trust her as she adores the whippets but its just too much of a risk that she could hurt them (unintentionally) when we are not there to supervise.

like you I believe whippets to be perfection and I am forever telling everyone how wonderful they are as a breed and my BF teases me that I see them through rose tinted glasses and believe they never put a paw wrong!!

 

[Raven oaktree]

I am sort about the diagnosis and I'm pleased she doesn't need meds yet , long may it continue.

I will also agree in Tha beautiful loving dogs can attack when another is having a fit ..my friend spaniel fatally attacked her best mate when he had a fit when the owner wasn't around ..not a horrible dog by any means but dogs react from gut and fear so its just something to be mindful of ..they may or may not act differently when u are not there..

Whippets ..beautiful little critters ..but GSDs are my breed of choice I have a young gsd x sight hound ..cracking girl ..but I really do love all dogs ..