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Seizures in our 16 year old

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • My second Basenji had seizures once in a while when she was younger, the vet said the brain's neurons would miss fire. No drugs or anything were prescribed and she stopped having them after a few years. She had one later in life. I think a vet visit and another blood work would be good.

  • Lauren, i am so sorry to hear about Cinnamon's seizures. It's hopeful that her last vets visit was so good. Our first Basenji developed seizures at the age of 13 1/2, it turned out they where caused by a liver problem.
    MacPack's advice about keeping a diary is great, we did this and noticed a pattern, Benji's seizures were initialy very frequent but with medication we managed to reduce them. Benji's fits were triggered by certain noises such as the gate opening.
    With treatment he had a good quality of life between seizures. We tried to make the house as safe as possible and as much as we could we tried to have someone with him.
    I kept his medication, sponge,towel all together and made sure everyone in the house knew what to do. The vet gave us rectal valium to give as he was coming out of the fit.
    In Benji's case the fit involved several days, ie he would be off a couple of days before, then have a fit, then be off for a couple more days. Each case is different.
    I wish you all the best with Cinnamon, she's a grand old age.

  • Thanks for all your thoughts and suggestions. She is due for another appointment today, so I myself am waiting for an up date. Thanks again.

  • I'm so sorry to hear about Cinnamon. I hope your vet can help with the problem. You have already had good advice with which I agree but I had to reply as it hurts me to see a beloved oldie suffering.

  • Small update: The vet explained that Cinnamon has a brain tumor. He has given my parents medication but says that over time the condition will over take the medication. Not the diagnosis we wanted for our girl, but at 16 she has had a very full life and I'm told she is receiving obscene amounts of pampering… Just wish I could be there.

  • Oh dear, too bad it isn't just "old dog seizures". Hopefully she will respond to the medication and have more good time with your parents.

  • I'm so sorry to hear this :( I hope Cinnamon will respond well to the medication!

  • Thanks for the update Lauren, i'm sorry about the diagnosis.
    Is the tumour caused by cushings syndrome, my cousins dog was diagnosed a few years ago and he's still going.
    I'm glad to hear Cinnamon is being spoiled, at her age she's earned it ;)

  • It is never easy…. but when we can keep them comfortable with quality of life and then let them go when there is none, there is no greater gift.

  • I'm very sorry to hear of this Lauren. Very well said Pat!

  • I totally agree with the previous comments. What a shame that Cinnamon has a tumour to trouble her in her old age. My old boy had a tumour for two years and had no pain or bad symptoms with it , he died later but for another reason.

    Cinnamon is a good age but hopefully she'll have quality for the rest of it. I'm praying for her.

  • What difficult news to hear. But it sounds like you are all prepared to spoil Cinnamon and make her feel special. She will be very thankful.

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