Feeling lost lately
Hello, long time lurker who finally created an account so I could post here.
I have a 7 year old dog who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 4 months old, just two weeks after I adopted her. We had a couple years seizure-free, but they started again eventually. At first it was about once a month, and now it’s closer to every two weeks and usually a cluster of 2-3 seizures. We’ve tried different medications/doses, and at this point our neurologist doesn’t recommend adding more medications.
We also now have a 15 month old daughter, and lately I just feel completely worn down. It’s hard managing a toddler alongside an unpredictable dog. For days after seizures she’s extra hungry, has accidents in the house, and can be anxious/agitated. Recently she growled at my daughter when she seemed postictal/off, which scared me.
I feel more overwhelmed and exhausted than sad. I love my dog so much, but I’m struggling with the constant stress and unpredictability of it all.
For those of you who have managed epilepsy in a dog while raising young kids, how did you handle it emotionally and practically? And how did you know when it was time to say goodbye?