I’ve noticed that a couple of days before my dog has a seizure, I start feeling really anxious and worried that one is coming. Has anyone else experienced this with their dog? I’m wondering if I’m subconsciously picking up on signs before the seizure happens, or if it’s just a coincidence.
Hi everyone — I’m hoping to connect with others who have gone through something similar and might have advice.
Our 2-year-old corgi was diagnosed with epilepsy earlier this year, and it’s been a really overwhelming journey. He was initially started on Keppra XR (500 mg twice daily) and did well for about a month before having a breakthrough seizure. A few weeks later, he had a cluster of three seizures, so our vet added zonisamide (50 mg twice daily). Unfortunately, the clusters continued, leading to an emergency vet visit, where his zonisamide was increased to 100 mg twice daily and we were sent home with midazolam for emergencies.
After another seizure-free month, he had a much more severe cluster (nine seizures). We followed our emergency protocol with midazolam and extra Keppra, but he ultimately needed hospitalization. At the specialty hospital, he continued seizing every few hours and was placed on a Valium drip overnight. They started him on phenobarbital (32.4 mg twice daily), and thankfully he’s been stable since coming home. Today he’s getting his levels checked to make sure everything is in the therapeutic range and that his liver is handling the medication well.
Emotionally, this has been really hard. My anxiety has been through the roof since his diagnosis. I’m struggling to sleep, and I’m constantly afraid to leave him alone. It feels like our whole routine — and honestly our social life — has been turned upside down. I keep worrying that something could happen suddenly and we won’t be there.
We do have a cluster protocol in place, which helps a little, but I’m still having a hard time adjusting to this new normal.
If anyone has experience managing epilepsy in their dog, I would really appreciate hearing how you cope — especially with the anxiety side of things.
Also, if you have any recommendations for:
• Liver-support supplements while on phenobarbital
• Affordable, high-quality food that may help support seizure control
. Advice for traveling
He’s currently eating Pure Balance Salmon, but we’re open to better options that won’t completely break the bank.
Thank you so much for reading — it really means a lot.