Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  3. Blaze had a seizure

Blaze had a seizure

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • thunderbird8588T

    So sorry to hear of Blazes seizure, it's a horrible thing to witness.
    Our old basenji had a problem with his liver, something was destroying it but the vet couldn't find out what. It caused him to have grand mal seizures where he would firstly run and bark then drop to the floor stiff as a board and then his legs would paddle with his lips drawn back and eyes open. He always lost control of his bladder and bowels. we dealt with his fits by just making sure he was safe, maybe with a towel under his head and we also learned to put a towel between his legs to soak up the urine.
    Benji was on treatment for his liver problem and initialy the vets treated his fits with valium. His fits followed a pattern of every 3 weeks untill we put him on epilease, this gave us longer fit free periods. Benjis fits were triggered by certain noises and extreme cold like frost.
    We were given rectal valium to administer straight after the fit, this helped reduce the effects of the fit,but he was still over active after having one and could feel off for days afterwards.
    Because a fit uses a lot of energy some people suggest giving the dog ice cream once it wants to eat but i cant say i tried this.
    Sorry if i have given you too much info, but there might be something useful here.
    One other thing i will say is that Blaze will no nothing about the fit, he wont be concious of it and it is worse for you to watch.
    Hope you get him sorted

    Shelley

    Basenji Malaika

    Basenji Malaika
    Basenji Kwame

    0
  • Rita JeanR

    I am also am very sorry about Blazes seizure, I wish I knew more and could help you. I do know one thing for sure after reading about Blaze he sure is loved bless you. I wish you and Blaze the best.

    Rita Jean

    0
  • BasenjimammaB

    Bless your heart to have to see your dog go through that..so sad. I don't know about seizures, but want you to know that I am thinking of Blaze and the two of you…
    Did you contact your vet?

    Petra and Pippin

    with Otis in my heart…

    0
  • barklessk9B

    My Zuki had a seizure a few weeks ago - very similar to yours in that it was first thing in the morning when I was getting up. She was also 15 years old but was experiencing a lot of problems, including liver issues, at the time. I'm sorry I have no advice. I can only sympathize and know how awful you felt to see your Blaze go through that. It's horrible to feel so helpless when it's happening. Hugs to you both.

    0
  • renaultf1R

    So sorry to hear about the seizure. They are truly scary to witness and you feel so helpless. :(

    I used to pet sit a chocolate lab that had epilepsy. The only thing I could do when she was having a seizure was pet her and put blankets or pillows under her head to try to make her a little more comfortable. Bailey was always exhausted afterward and usually drank a ton of water.

    I really feel for you - it is horrible to see. :(

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    you may want to try a holistic vet.

    0
  • K

    I have an appointment for tomorrow. We are checking all of his levels again. He's fine right now, all he really did after it was sleep, but by supper, he was himself. He got a whole bunch of treats today, and I bought him Haagen dazs vanilla ice cream… that's a new low. He gets the good stuff, I get the store brand ice milk... He's pretty spoiled. Hopefully this will be figured out, but I doubt there is much that we can really do.

    0
  • thunderbird8588T

    Hope everything goes ok for Blaze. When i went on a dog epilepsy site, they recomended Haagen Dazs ice cream for after a seizure, i think it perhaps settles them down, maybe raises blood sugar, not sure. But either way i'm sure Blaze enjoys it.
    Maybe as you say there is nothing else to be done, ie cure him. The most important thing is to keep him comfy and spoil him rotten as you are doing :)

    Shelley

    Basenji Malaika

    Basenji Malaika
    Basenji Kwame

    0
  • K

    Had the vet appointment, will hear back on the tests either tomorrow or on Monday. He's been completely normal since, and of course he's getting spoiled! He's getting lots of treats, snuggles, and lovings.

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    spoil him every day. The old dogs are so dear.

    0
  • K

    Vet called back. All of his levels are within the normal range for a dog of his age. So it could have been a fluke. We will wait to see if he has another one in the next three months. I'm iffy on an MRI to check for tumors and such. If he has them, I can't do anything for him anyway. He's not in any pain, and he's still very much himself. He actually got into the garbage while I was on the phone with the vet. So we will keep and eye on him and snuggle him senseless.

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    I'm happy to hear that.

    0
  • tanzaT

    @Knipper:

    Vet called back. All of his levels are within the normal range for a dog of his age. So it could have been a fluke. We will wait to see if he has another one in the next three months. I'm iffy on an MRI to check for tumors and such. If he has them, I can't do anything for him anyway. He's not in any pain, and he's still very much himself. He actually got into the garbage while I was on the phone with the vet. So we will keep and eye on him and snuggle him senseless.

    I think you are taking the exact right approach… IMO.... When they are elders, you have to weigh the "quality" of life to possible and I do mean "possible" "life" saving interventions... our main concern is to keep them safe and happy... and when that times comes to help them over the Rainbow bridge, we can help with that one act of kindness

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • AJs HumanA

    Got into the garbage???:eek:

    No, I'm kidding…that's actually good news.

    I'm glad he's feeling better and that he has a family so caring. He's a lucky boy.

    AJ's Ride:

    0
  • thunderbird8588T

    Good news about Blaze, thanks for the update

    Shelley

    Basenji Malaika

    Basenji Malaika
    Basenji Kwame

    0
  • k.rassK

    Sorry to hear that Blaze is having siezures. My Max (13yrs) is having focalized siezures and we were also at the point of MRI to determine if he has a tumor since every other test was normal. We opted to forgo it since we would not put him through a potentially painful brain surgery or chemo if they did find anything. Besides, as the Neurologist told me they don't always see anything on the MRI anyway. So we're just making his life as comfortable, fun and normal as we can. If the siezures get worse there is a medication that the neurologist suggested that does not harm the liver which we will try if they get bad enough. Apparently damage occurs everytime there is a siezure so I'm considering it now.

    Max is also having problems with his liver. What happened with Blaze's liver, if I can ask?

    0
  • K

    Blaze lost his liver, as in it's no longer there… The vet said it could have been from either the battery he ate or from overdosing on the treat with the chemical that stops the pee from turning grass yellow. He gets pancrease powder with his food at every meal, mixed and sitting for twenty minutes before he can eat it, and a half a tablet to help with the acidity of his poo. Since he's been on the medication, he has returned to a good quality of life, and we've adapted to ensure he gets everything that he needs. Our condo board is happy, he certainly can't yellow the grass anymore...

    0
  • thunderbird8588T

    I am so glad that Blaze is doing well on his medication.

    Shelley

    Basenji Malaika

    Basenji Malaika
    Basenji Kwame

    0

Suggested Topics

  • J

    Strong tremors after seizure in my 15yr B

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    2k Views
    J
    Just shared a chicken nugget snack with both boys. Meds for the B- we split a 20mg tablet of Predinisone, for a morning/night dose,he's about 32 # now, gaining weight, eating and drinking lots. The other dog has been on regular meds- potassium bromide, gabapentin, and phenobarbitol. That regimen has yielded good results, but predictable- he'll still have 1 or 2 episodes a month. I've already worked out tentative plans for an endgame. Known a mobile vet doc and friend for years, I'll call on her when the time comes- she's helped in the past with a GF's kitteh. Planning a nice fish/bacon whatever dinner, and a heavy dose of probably gabapentin to sedate him. Then the euthanasia procedure. Then a large rock for me to crawl under. Allow me to share a quote. "And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. And you may not be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm is all about." Haruki Hurakami
  • Tayda_LennyT

    Unexplained seizure leading to Kidney disease diagnosis - advice for feeding

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    R
    Hi Michelle, Did you get in touch with Kelli to let her know about Lenny? Sorry to hear you're having issues. Rocky is doing great now, no more cancer. Lenny as you know is Rocky's older brother. Kathryn
  • D

    Seizures-Older Basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    9
    1 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    AlexA
    Thanks for posting this update @Derek-Groves , our Chance is 16 and he has had seizures most of his life. It just started out of nowhere when he was a few years old and for a number of years, we tried all kinds of natural and non-natural medications. We tried Chinese herbs, CBD, diet changes then the typical meds like phenobarbitol, all somewhat helped, but he would still have recurring seizures several times a month, or sometimes a week. All in all, he probably had 100 seizures in his lifetime, but luckily no major damage other than he is a bit wobbly and has head tremors once in a while. It does not seem to bother him though and he is otherwise healthy and active for a 16 yr old. Once I found Keppra through trial and error we stuck with it and that seemed to have been the best way to curb the seizures. We went from monthly to maybe once in a few years, during major events like a house move. Today he is on 250mg of Keppra + Zonisomide every 12 hours and that does the trick, if he does have a sezure (we also have concentrated CBD tincture, which we keep bedside, injecting it into his mouth gets him out of it pretty quickly and speeds up recover. We ended up sticking a particular manufacturer for Keppra (Lupin labs), just to make sure no formula variation is introduced.
  • M

    Chattering teeth seizures.

    Moved Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    5k Views
    ZandeZ
    YES !!! there are loads of Basenjis in Melbourne ! I judged there a few years ago and met scads. Email me privately and I will put you in touch with some people who will be able to advise you. But your breeder should be able to help too. Let me know the registered name of your dog and I will know who bred him.
  • nobarkusN

    Cluster seizures

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    9k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Okay not to alarm you, but please make sure that what you are seeing is in fact cluster seizures (where there is a definite recovery between seizures) and status seizures, where there is no recovery but continues seizures. Status are the most dangerous… they can and do die from them. So getting this under control fast is critical. A side note, I worked in the UTnK Brain Research and Neuropsychology Lab with Dr Joel Lubar on his epilepsy program. QUOTE:>> The massive muscle activity of the seizures leads to hyperthermia with temperatures as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit or more, which if sustained, causes irreversible damage to neurons. Hypoxia from inadequate pulmonary ventilation also causes brain damage. Severe lactic acidosis from shock and tissue hypoxia, amplified by excessive muscle activity, probably contributes to neuron deterioration. Death is usually not from brain dysfunction directly, but from overtaxation of cardiopulmonary reserve by the combination of massive continuous exercise, hypoxia, lactic acidosis, shock, and possibly also hyperthermia.<< Below are notes from Feb with a vet friend regarding another friend's chow. He was having seizures and they could not get control. (he mostly likely, however, had a brain tumor, and due to age and advancing loss of quality of life was put down.) NOTES: Hey, yell when you see this: OK, friends - I guess I posted too soon that xxx was doing so well. He had another seizure this morning about 4:00am. ...talked to the vet again and I think I would at least like to TRY some antiseizure medication. The vet talked about phenobarbitol and something called Zonisamide. She said that usually Zonisamide is given if the phenobarbitol isn't working - but that they have started giving it as the first drug some. It does not have the side effects of phenobarbitol because it isn't metabolized in the liver. But she also said it is a fairly new drug and hasn't been widely used. I also read online about Potassium Bromide. BR response:::: KBr is a good option and we have been using Kepra with good results too. I have no experience with Zonisamide Seizures do need to be controlled we have had 3 dogs in the practice in the last year that went into status and cooked themselves.... body temperature skyrockets during the seizure and causes brain damage Zonisamide is in the same class of drugs as Kepra.....we have used it as a first option but most often along with pheno when the pheno isn't working by itself Debra Levey So would you say start with pheno and add kepra if necessary? BR: Depends on liver function.... if ALT is normal then that's what we usually do, mostly because it works quickly (KBR & kepra take a little longer to build a "blood level") If ALT is elevated or borderline then start with kepra or KBR. Milk thistle is a good idea to support liver also<<< That's all I can give you as I have never had a dog with seizures. But if you don't get things under control in a couple of weeks, you might consider a specialist at a university since there could be other issues causing it. I am assuming your vet already did blood work and ruled out any toxins or medication issues.
  • AoibheannA

    Cairo had a seizure this morning

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    39
    0 Votes
    39 Posts
    16k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Nope, any dog any age can be trained and desensitized. In fact it hit me, Kathy Diamond Davis has had dogs with seizures. You can email her, tell her I sent you, if you need help. Kathy is great with sensitive dogs. KDiamondD@aol.com Noise Phobia (web page makes half the script black unless you highlight), can use same method for all loud noises including the motor cycle. I'd actually go out and TAPE it, start playing really low. http://companionanimalsolutions.com/blogs/tips-for-dog-owners-noise-phobia/ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1551&aid=2545 http://dogbuilders.com/articles/2009/01/noise-phobias.html Counterconditioning: Using counterconditioning, the animal is taught to display an acceptable behavior rather than an unacceptable one as a response to a certain stimulus. In this way, a negative stimulus can become associated with a positive event. For instance, the only time the pet gets his most favorite treat, game, or toy, is just prior to and during a thunderstorm. Dogs who enjoy traveling may be taken for a car ride, or cats who love catnip, may be given their favorite catnip mouse. (Dogs who enjoy swimming will need to wait inside until the storm is over!) After a time, the pet will start associating an oncoming storm with getting to have his favorite thing. Desensitization: Using desensitization, the animal's response is decreased while he is exposed to increasing levels of the fear-producing stimulus. For noise phobias, the animal is taught to be calm when the noise level is low, and then the noise level is gradually increased. This process is generally more successful in dogs than cats. To desensitize a pet to thunderstorms: 1. Obtain a commercial tape or CD of a storm, or tape record one yourself (commercial products generally work better). Play the recording at normal volume to determine if it will induce the fear response. If it does, continue with the desensitization; if not, you will need to obtain a different recording. For some animals, a recording alone may not work, since there may be a combination of occurrences that provokes fear, e.g.; thunder plus lightning or changes in barometric pressure. For these animals, darkening the room and adding strobe lights may more closely mimic the storm, and may need to be included in the desensitization process. 2. Play the recording at a volume low enough that the pet is aware of the sound, but it does not induce a fear response. For instance, the ears may be ****ed towards the source of the sound, but you still have the pet's attention. In some instances, that may mean the pet needs to be in a different room from where the recording is playing. While the recording is playing at the low level, engage the pet in an activity in which you give the commands, such as obedience training or performing tricks. Give food or other rewards during the activity when the pet accomplishes what he is supposed to. If the animal shows signs of fear, stop and try again the next day, playing the recording at an even lower level. It is important that the pet not be rewarded while he is fearful or anxious. Sessions should last about 20 minutes. 3. If the animal does not respond fearfully, during the next session, increase the volume slightly. Again, involve the pet in an activity and reward it for obeying commands. Continue increasing the volume gradually for each session. If the pet starts to show fear, decrease the volume. Repeat the sessions in various rooms of the house and with various family members present. 4. When the pet does not show fear when the recording is played at a loud volume, you may want to try playing the recording for a short time while you are absent. Gradually increase the time you are gone while the recording is playing. 5. When the pet appears to have lost his fear, the sessions can be reduced to one per week. In most instances, these sessions will need to be repeated weekly for the life of the pet. 6. During an actual storm, use the same activities and rewards you used in the training sessions. To increase the chances of successful desensitization, the training process should take place during a time of the year when the actual noise will not be encountered: if the pet is afraid of thunder or fireworks, try desensitization during the winter; if afraid of gunshots, the training should take place outside of the hunting season. In most instances, it is best to discontinue any behavior-modifying medications during the desensitization process. Consult with your veterinarian before discontinuing any medications.