Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A Woeful Woo


The Momster here tonight.  I wanted to give you all an update on Ciara.  Brief background - a week and a half ago, we had four nights in a row where she woke us up multiple times pounding on the gate that keeps her in the kitchen over night.  At first we thought she just wanted to be outside, but after the first two nights, it became apparent that she was very stressed.  This behavior is TOTALLY out of character for sweet Ciara.


I let her go out, forced her to come back in, soothed her, gave her some treats, you name it, I tried it.  During the day she was more or less OK, lots of sleeping, a little bit of anxiety. Thursday morning, she started following me everywhere. She could not have gotten any closer to my legs.  This went on for a good half hour.




So I called my vet's office, and they told me to bring her in.  Physical exam showed no obvious problems.  No temp, clear ears, teeth and mouth fine, stomach fine, back end fine.  Good mobility.  Since she started being treated for low thyroid this past spring, we decided to check her thyroid levels.  Vet also suggested a full blood panel just to be sure all was OK.  Thankfully, all test results came back good.  A few numbers were slightly off, but nothing of concern.



As you can see from the photos I have posted, Ciara is not herself.  The positioning of her ears in the above three shots show that she has not been feeling very relaxed.  The bandana she is sporting is the one step we have taken so far.  It is sprayed twice a day with a pheromone spray to try to get to relax.  I can see a difference, a little more relaxed, fewer nighttime anxiety attacks.  

THEN came tonight.  I had just placed dinner bowls for herself and Lightning on the floor.  Phantom eats in a different room.  The two of them must sit and wait for me to release them to eat.  Prior to this, Ciara had been perfectly fine.  As soon I gave the OK to eat, she cried out, fell to the floor, and had a 4-5 minute seizure.  Phantom has had them when he was younger, so I have witnessed them before.  But it doesn't make them any less scary.  She thrashed all four legs, foamed at the mouth, pupils filled the entire colored part of her eye, she was biting furiously at the air and managed to cut the inside of her gum.  

SO I guess we at least know now why she has been acting so strangely. She must have been feeling something coming on.  I don't know if this is her first, but it is the first I am aware of.  I talked to the vet for about 45 min. on the phone.  For now we are going to monitor her closely and keep track of all circumstances around this seizure and any others (hopefully none).  If they continue, we will take her to see the neurological specialist at Blue Pearl for further evaluation.  I know that typically seizure dogs are not put on medication unless the seizures become more severe and frequent.  I want to avoid medication if possible.

After losing my special boy Thunder just a few months ago, I must admit I am so not prepared for this.  I am feeling quite defeated.  I know that many of you have experience with this issue.  I am open to any and all advice/suggestions you may be able to send my way.




Meanwhile, about an hour after her attack, Ms. Ciara was ready for me to give her that dinner she had missed:)

Hugs to all, Kathie

74 comments:

  1. Oh Kathie I don't have any words of wisdom since thankfully I've never had to deal with this issue, but I'm sure you know we are all praying that this is an isolated event for Miss Ciara. Millie & Walter have their paws crossed tight that she continues to feel better.

    Cindy

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  2. Dear Kathie, I'm so sorry for Ciara's seizure. Our last dog Reggie had one, he was 13, and we immediately took him to our vet. The vet felt it was a brain tumor and that he didn't see a long life for our dog-but you know what, Reggie lived a full 8 mos more. He had a few more minor seizures but no big ones. Don't give up hope, it may be a one time thing. Praying for her as well as you all.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  3. Sorry to hear about Ciara's seizure. Maybe because of losing Thunder she is having a harder time than normal. Just a thought. I have no answers, but our prayers are with you.

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  4. How scary. I am very sorry that you and Ciara are going through this. I hope everything gets figured out.

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  5. How scary. We are so sorry to hear about Ciara's seizure. Pepper, Dublin are I are sending warm fuzzy thoughts your way. I wish we had advice we could offer, but unfortunately the warm fuzzies are the best we know to do.

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  6. Well, we can't help, but we will cross our paws for Ciara, till you get her straighten out!

    The Mad Scots

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  7. Ciara, I am crossing paws for you and sending you lots of love. I will talk to Tweedles and we will make a special batch of magic bubbles to send your way. Mommy has no experience with this,but she sends her love and comfort. We love you all and Mommy will say a prayer for Ciara.

    Loveys Sasha

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  8. Oh gosh- we know how scary for you and for Ciara.
    We are hoping it was just a one time thing,,,, hope, hope, hope,
    love
    tweedles

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  9. Could she have eaten something strange outside, mushroom, I can't even make a guess. Check with KB as it seems to my always faulty memory, R had something odd happen similarly after his big sister passed.

    In the meantime, we will be praying for our sweet girl.

    Hugs,
    Stella, Jo, and Zkhat

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  10. Oh Kathie! I will pray for Ciara and the pugs will cross their paws. We are having a health issue with Toby Moses (very lethargic) and he had a blood sample taken (wouldn't give a pee sample). I feel for you...as I too lost Gracie close to when you lost Thunder...both at very young middle ages...and to boot, both of us sick one's that are not much younger than those who have passed before. I pray for you to have strength.
    Much Love,
    Mindy & George, Toby, Lily, & Mimi

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  11. This maybe way off base, but have you thought of what is called
    "New Carpet Fumes" ?
    It can make some people very ill.


    Praying for you all tonight.
    xo Cinnamon

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  12. Oh my Kathie! That is the last thing I expected! I'm thankful you were there for her but can't even imagine how scary it was for you. Hopefully this will never happen again but if it does, hope she gives you some warning again even though you had no idea that was what was causing her to be so anxious before this incident. Give her a big smooch on that beautiful snooter for me! Hugs to you too!

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  13. Sigh...I know that feeling of " it never rains but it pours" it isn't at all fair after losing thunder to have to cope with the worry of this...but we all here to support you and hopefully what ever caused Ciara's seizure will right itself. We are sending all of our power of the paws her way.

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  14. Oh sweetheart! We don't have any seizure experience, thank god, but we'll keep all 16 paws crossed for her!

    Nola

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  15. Dear Kathie, I am so sorry to hear about Ciara. I do not personally have any experience with this...but I hope that one of the others might be able to help you. I am sending many, many hugs and prayers for you all and give Ciara a special hug from us. xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

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  16. And we are crossing all our pawns and hands- and sending postive healing and prayers to Ciara!
    love
    tweedles

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  17. Hi Kathie, it's Melon here. I am so sorry to hear you are dealing with this trouble, and that Ciara hasn't been well. You say you are feeling quite defeated - very understandable. Just wanted to remind you that you also said Phantom had seizures when he was younger, but as far as I know Phantom is doing great now! So don't lose hope. We don't know what will happen in the future, but don't lose hope. Hugs to you,
    Melon

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  18. So sorry to hear of Ciara's seizure- that must have been very scary for both of you. Our fingers and paws are crossed for her!

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  19. Oh wow, we didn't expect this. We have two inside/outside doggies at our house, too. One is a doxie. He started seizing about 5 yrs ago. You're right, they are extremely scary!!!

    He was ultimately diagnosed with epilepsy. He takes phenobarbital and potassium bromide on a daily basis. He has had no side effects and his life (and ours) has normalcy again.

    The one thing we have found is: any sort of stimulation that causes extra brain activity, triggers a seizure. Routine is key. We do often times give him the supplement we buy at Petco, Wal-mart and it is homeopathic. It is something like Stress-Free Tabs. You can only imagine what storm season, 4th of July, etc., is like for us! With these Stress Free tabs, it helps so much. When we moved, the vet had us temporarily up his phenobarb along with the homeopath tablet, too.

    Sorry to go on so, I hope and pray that your beautiful Ciara gets straightened out soon.

    Sending love and pawsitive thoughts from all of us.

    Pee Ess - keep an eye on the seismic activity in your area, too. You might not feel it, but she will.

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  20. We feel so sorry for Ciara! Bilbo went through a 2 year period where he would have seizures once or twice a week. Luckily he grew out of them without medicating and has been seizure monster free for about 5 years now!

    We will be keeping Ciara and your family in our prayers.

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  21. At least she recovered quickly. This is horrible news. We hope it is a one time event! Paws crossed.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  22. Oh no! Kathy i am so sorry to hear this! Miss Puppy Pants is much too young for such a dreadful healh issue like this. We don't haveany experience with seizures, but you have all our love for her health to return. Lots of lovefrom all of us,

    Julie, loki, juno and MWD

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  23. We are so very sorry to hear this.
    We know you have done to recent remodeling ... is there any possibility that there may be something from the projects that triggered the seizure? Perhaps she is allergic to something?
    Paws Crossed

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  24. Kathie we are so sorry. We have no such experience so there is nothing we can say but we are thinking and praying for you and we hope Clara will be OK. Our hearts go out to you. Sending healing vibes and POTP to Clara and a truck load of love and hugs.
    Best wishes Molly

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  25. I would flip out if one of my dogs had a seizure. My daughter is much better at dealing with things like that.

    I agree with Linda - look into your new carpet and any cleaning products that you may be using. Air fresheners, etc... Especially holiday sprays. Disaster.

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  26. Ciara honey, this post made us very sad. We've never had to deal with a seizure so we can't offer any help. But what we CAN do is to send you lots of "feel better with NO MORE seizures" purrs and woofs. We have all our paws crossed for you, Ciara!

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  27. Oh no:-( I'm so sorry to read this. I hope it turns out to be some kind of allergy and nothing serious. Healing hugs to you all xxxxx

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  28. Hi Woos!
    I'm so sorry to hear about Ciara's seizure, that must have been really scary and such a shock for you! It is hard to deal with, especially after losing Thunder, maybe she is having a hard time coping with the loss of Thunder, I dont have any advice but I do have lots of love and power of the paw for Ciara!
    I hope she will be ok!
    Love and Licks from your furiend Frank (your fellow adopted Woo) xxxxxxxxxxx

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  29. Kathie, I'm so sorry you're going through this with Ciara. I guess it's kind of a good news-bad news scenario. At least now you know why she was acting strange but it's not really what you wanted to know. Having been a seizure-pup Mom, I know how scary it is when that seizure hits.

    I truly hope this doesn't get bad enough to have to put her on medication. If it does, my only advice is speak to the vet about all the options. Our April (RIP) was taken from us two years after she was started on medication and the very medication that was supposed to help her (Phenobarbital)ended up destroying her liver. She was being tested every 3 months after starting the medication and all the tests came back normal. Then in less than 6 weeks at the end her liver just stopped functioning.

    My prayers to you, your family, and of course to sweet Ciara.

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  30. Oh dear gosh, NOT what we were wanting to hear! We have got our paws crossed for Ciara and for you too.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  31. So sorry to hear about sweet Ciara's seizure. Do you think it might have to do with anything new associated with the remodeling? Also, have you tried a "Thunder Shirt" on her? Sometimes, this helps when I'm anxious. Sure hope Ciara feels better soon. Mom and I are crossing fingers and paws for her!
    Stewey

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  32. Oh Kathie, I'm in tears for Ciara, you and the Woos. I hope and pray that seizure monster never returns.

    Paws, fingers and toes crossed

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  33. Kathie:
    We hope that this morning at your house is better, We haven't had to deal with seizures at our house, but I read your posts you received and there was very good ideas there. I hope you find out what is going on with your sweet Ciara. I know you have been through alot lately, and I understand about not wanting to deal with anymore. We are sending all of you our hugs and prayers!!!
    stella rose and momma

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  34. oh how scary!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  35. I'm so sorry to hear this. I really hope it will be a one off as I know they sometimes are. Must have been so scary! I hope ciara is back to her lovely self, feeling much better now. Could she possibly have eaten a plant or something to trigger it?

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  36. Aw, that's no good at all:( love and prayers and soft healing woooos furiends,

    RA

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  37. I'm sorry to hear this! We're sending calming vibes to you all - and hope that this was just a one time thing. Paws crossed here.

    -Fiona and Family

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  38. I'm sorry to hear Ciara is not feeling well. I don't have any suggestions for dealing with seizures, but I know how distressing it is to have them be sick. Hugs and prayers sent your way for you and Ciara.

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  39. Dear Momster,

    I know how scary that is, Just Harry had one once a few years ago and I was frantic. Fortunately it was a one-time event; but until I knew that, I worried continually and kept my eyes glued on him.

    I so hope Ciara will be OK. Sometimes there are no identifiable reasons for these seizures.

    Sending love and wirey zen,

    Joan and JH

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  40. I have no experience with seizures, so can offer only warm support and caring. We wish the best in identifying and solving the issue. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

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  41. Oh dear, those are so hard to witness. You can't do anything and its such a helpless feeling. Just be there and love on her and all that when she gets out of it. She may not even be aware of it happening, but if shes showing anxiety she might be aware, I'm not sure about that. Before you mentioned the seizure I was going to suggest maybe it was all the changes you had been making in the house. Maybe she wasn't having an easy time adjusting... but nope, that wasn't it! You are a very good caretaker for your furbabies, I know you will take care of Ciara the best you can. Just watch her, love her and be present, give her huggles and whatever she needs afterwards. I hope that it doesn't become a regular thing, and we will include her in our prayers!

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  42. Oh, no! I know how scary a seizure can be. Sending purrs and pawtaps.

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  43. OMD, how skeery! Poor Ciara knew something what coming and didn't know how to tell you. I hope that this was a one-off occurrence and she'll be just fine!

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  44. Oh gosh, poor Ciara. We had a dog once that had seizures and it was horrible. Pretty much nothing else more scary. We did give he medication. We sure do have our paws all crossed for you Ciara that they can do something for you and that just might be why you have been so nervous. We sure are praying for you.

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  45. Oh my goodness! My heart goes out to you! I have never had experience with a dog having seizers so I have no advice for you. But my thoughts are with you, and I truly hope you get through this alright. ((husky luv and hugz)) from your husky pals at "love is being owned by a husky"

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  46. Oh my word Kathie, what a terrible shock for you. I think you are right and she felt strange but didn't know why. Sending all our love, hope the vet has something to make her feel better.
    Lynne x

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  47. Oh my gosh how terrifying. Maybe she did feel the seizure coming on. I pray it was the one and only one. Paws crossed for you Ciara
    Lily

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  48. Ciara, I cross my paws for you and your family. I hope this seizures will never come back to you.

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  49. Kathie, it seems like I remember reading once about animals having health issues including seizures after having new carpet installed. Have you mentioned to your vet that you have recently remodeled? Just a thought.
    Sue

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  50. Oh Kathie, I cannot even begin to imagine how scary it was for you. I hope the seizure doesn't come back again. I don't know much about it so I can't help you out with anything. The only thing I can do is to give you a long distance hug and support. Hugs to Ciara as well.

    YD & June

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  51. We are so sorry to read this, we are sending tons of healing purrs to sweet Ciara and we hopes she doesn't have any more seizures. We wonders if she had one at night and it scared her and that is why she has been anxious. Hopes that bad seizure monster is gone for good or that you can figure out what triggers them. Poor Baby. Hugs to all of you.

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  52. Kathie I wish I could provide some insight relative to seizures but I can't....I'm sure it's frightening to see and more than worrisome to deal with and what a shame that such a short time ago you had to go through it with Thunder as well. Talk about stress....well, she's eating and her bloodwork looked good and that's GOOD....and let's hope and pray there are no more seizures. That would be a REAL gift. Thinking of all of you.....

    Hugs, Pam and Sammy

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  53. Our mom is in tears! We are so sorry that this has happened to sweet Ciara! Our paws are crossed that a solution will be found quickly. Hugs to you, Miss Kathie ♥

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  54. Kathie, we'll keep Ciara in our hearts and hope she has no more seizures. No worries, and love, Carol

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  55. Kathie

    I don't have any suggestions for you but please know that I am thinking of you, and crossing my fingers that this is just a weird one-off.

    Tracey and Teddy

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  56. OK, seizures we can offer some advice on...as you know Quinn had them for nearly 2 years and never went on traditional pheno or potasBromide.

    During seizure try to keep others away, their stress feeds hers. Ice down her belly, underarms, neck (we used a bag of frozen veggies). Reducing body temp shortens seizure length. After give her something cold and sweet to eat (major blood sugar drop from body activity and cold helps with body temp; we used vanilla ice cream). Talk to her the entire time gently calling her back use her name lots. And gently rub her and touch her. Again, you want to make a physical connection that forces her neurons to refocus on instinctively familiar things like your voice and touch. She may sleep LOTS after...and deeply.

    Move her diet away from fats and red meat toward more veggies and fish-base. Chicken is all right but there is some evidence that seizure dogs are more susceptible to allergies, especially food.

    Quinn was on Gabapentin to control seizures. It started out in the human realm and is good because their are not liver side effects and dosage can be moved up and down without lots of monitoring/testing. It was what Quinn was on the entire time and he was completely under control until the end. Also fish oil supplements and liquid B complex vitamins...both excellent for brain cell health. Aroma therapy worked well for Quinn...lavender in his sleeping areas, and mixed with a little oil rubbed under his muzzle and across his brows.

    I know this getting long but I really want to help. This is an area where I have done some research as it is one of the catastrophic diseases that humans and dogs share. Please feel free to email me, sehismith@aol.com or call. Also Dorothy Rafferty at 5Sibes is of course, a major advocate for epi-dogs and might have additional info as her Gibson is on pheno. This is NOT a death sentence. Ciara will be safe and you will be able to live without terror. And remember you are NOT alone. Sending our strongest White Dog healing energies, strength, and positive thoughts.

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  57. Oh Kathie... you and your family deserve some nice smooth sailing for a while.

    Poor Ciara. I had a seizure dog years ago so I know what it's like. For my dog, like Phantom, the seizures went away when he got older.

    I sure hope that Ciara feels more like herself very very soon.

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  58. I was so glad to see the White Dog Army weigh in, I knew of their experience too. Purrs, hugs and love to dear Ciara from all of us.

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  59. Oh no Kathie we are so sorry to read about Ciara...how very scary for you all and poor sweet Ciara. We do not have experience w seizures but we do have a lot of experience w prayers and we will do a lot of that for you all.
    Lots of hugs all around
    Madi and Cecilia

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  60. Kathie!
    My paws are crossed and my mom is praying for Ciara hoping this was an only one episode.
    We will be thinking on you.
    Lorenza and mom

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  61. This is so scary for you and Ciara. Yes, it's good to keep a diary so maybe you can find a pattern of what may be causing the seizures. I remember when T man had them. Sometimes they can be triggered by bright lights or smells. Hope they calm down soon.

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  62. Oh no! We're so sorry to hear this. We know how scary and awful seizures can be because our Dad has had them. We're purring and praying and wagging that Ciara will never have another.

    (((Hugs)))

    The Florida Furkids

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  63. {{{HUGS}}} to you! You've been through a lot this year, you really didn't need this too!

    I'm so sorry. I used to be friends with a guy who had seizures regularly. That was pretty scary to watch. I haven't seen an animal have a seizure, but I can only imagine it would leave much the same feeling.

    You are all in my prayers.

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  64. Oh no. How scary. Sending tonnes of doxie feel good rayz to Ciara.

    Hugs.

    Love Ruby & Penny

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  65. Dear Kathie, we are so sorry to hear that and it's so scary for you and Ciara.

    All our fingers and paws are crossed and positive vibes are coming your way.

    Take care and be strong!

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  66. Oh my word I am so sorry, How is Ciara doing now ? No matter how many times you see a dog have a seizure it is always scary because you feel so helpless.
    One of the things we have found helps Izzy is a little liquid glucose in the morning when she seems a little off and it seems to help and if she does have what we call her wobbles we put a little in her mouth and it stops the seizure being as severe.

    Sending healing vibes and much love
    Momma Tea
    &
    Da K Krew
    X X X X X X

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  67. Oh goodness...my heart goes out to you! I wish I has some wonderful advice to give you but I haven't dealt with seizures before. The only thing I can tell you is that they actually make a collar for dogs that is called a DAP collar. you don't have to spray it the pheromones are already in the collar itself. That might help? Also, for the anxiety part of things what about a Thundershirt?? You and Ciara will be in our thoughts, sending LOTS and LOTS of good thoughts your way.

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  68. Oh Dear. Poor little Ciara, and poor Mom! We hope she too will outgrow these and be her old self again soonest.

    Woofs,
    Tommy

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  69. Oh Kathie! My heart goes out to you and your girl! I do hope you can find the cause and hopefully prevent this in the future!!! (((hugs)))

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  70. I hope everything will be fine with sweet Ciara.

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  71. Oh Lord, I just logged on and am in shock...not my sweet girl. I am glad she is better. And you, you poor think, you must be on pins and needles. You know that i'll be praying for all of you.

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  72. Oh, I am so very sorry to read this...I am just catching up on some blogging. Sometimes very strange things can cause seizures, and sometimes it is a complete unknown. Something in the atmosphere, food, candles, TV...and sometimes they do just occur once and never come back. What you describe sounds almost exactly what Gibson had gone through. He is an idiopathic epileptic, meaning all his tests came back okay (no neurological disorder or tumor), so it basically means "unknown cause." They did not start him on meds until after his second/third/fourth/fifth one - it was a Grand Mal and cluster seizures. I pray this was just one of those instances where it will be just once. Please know if you need anyone to talk to, I'm here. So sorry I'm only seeing this now. Thinking of you and keeping you and Ciara in my thoughts and prayers.

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  73. Oh my goshies... sending lotsa prayers your way! I hope Ciara feels better and has no more seizures. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers!

    Sending you lotsa woofs & huggies for a wonderful holiday and happy New Year! <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

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  74. I came back and see that my comment was eaten up...so sorry...hope woo are feeling better Ciara. Warmest paw hugs, Savvy and Mom Linda

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