My first ultramarathon

[GLC1968]

I've witnessed two human seizures in my life, and ditto. I don't know if it would be easier or harder with a dog.

Funny, but until you posted I'd forgotten that I have also witnessed two human seizures as well! For some reason, they were less scary - probably because I barely knew the two people so I wasn't emotionally invested in it. The dog, on the other hand, was my 11 year companion...

[emily_in_nc]

Our first Boston Terrier had her first seizure at age 4 and continued intermittently for the rest of her life. Idiopathic (meaning they don't know what caused it) epilepsy. None in her bloodline, according to the breeder. It is scary to witness. She was well-controlled on phenobarb for over 10 years (no more than 1-2 brief seizures a year) until she finally started clustering and we had to put her down 3 months before her 15th birthday. She had other medical issues by that point at well that may or may not have been exacerbated by the years of being on phenobarb.

I don't know if seizures from heartworms are a much different ballgame, but many, many dogs have epilepsy and live long and healthy lives, but they do need to be on daily medication, and it needs to be adjusted for the lowest dosage that will keep seizures to a bare minimum because of the effects the meds can have on the liver. They also need to have regular blood tests to monitor liver enzymes and blood levels of the meds.

Will be thinking of you and Kona -- hope she'll be ok!

[Tri Girl]

Thanks for all the love for my Kona (you guys are the best!)
We've only had her a week, but I love her so much already. We talked to the vet again today (another seizure last night lasted 6 min). After Thanksgiving we'll decide what to do if the seizures continue. The vet is pretty certain they are HW related. Gotta get those buggers out of the heart first. She's just so sweet. I love her so much.

[Catrin]

Wow, you did great! I can't even run 1 mile, but 40 Thanks for letting us know how it went - and hope your new pup gets to feeling better.

[Aggie_Ama]

Wow! I thought you were talking about a mountain bike 24 hour, I am not sure that is as hard as a foot race. Great job and good luck with your new sweetheart, she is so beautiful.

[colby]

WOW, that's awesome!! Too bad about the blister situation. I hate feeling like you're held back by something like that, rather than your actual ability.

Fingers and toes crossed for your doggie friend, too.

[abejita]

My dog has idiopathic seizures too. He had about two very mild ones a year. My vet and I decided that the side effects of the medication were worse than the sided effects of the seizures, so he is not medicated at all.

mary