Rocky's Thyroid

debra6 · Joined: 20 Jan 2009 Posts: 25 Location: Massillon , Oh

Is LOW!!! WooHooo! This is good because the vet had said before that he didn't see a reason to test for it because Rocky was so healthy and young. But they just did the panel with his yearly blood work and it is low! Which could be the reason for the seizures and an explanition as to why he is sooo fat! He is starting on thyroid meds today! I just wanted to share.
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Deb

skrpio · Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 11:17 pm Post subject:

Be careful with the thyroid meds as they will up the metabolism rate and this in turn needs to have the other meds INCREASED.
Do not try to lower the anti-seizure meds until the thyroid is under control.
_________________
Jane
In loving memory of my special KiKi Bean
Seizure free forever now
Nov 25th 2002 - Nov 1st 2006
Dogue De Bordeaux

kbugs · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Michigan

We too, are hoping for a low thyroid, and have started levothyroxine, just in case, as it will not hurt her. It would also explain our 30# weight gain since the seizures began in Jan, with no change in diet. Our panel should be back this week or the first of next, due to the holiday. paws and fingers crossed.
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Jezzabelle GSD
My angel
First seizure 01/24/09
Last seizure 10/28/09

kbugs · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Michigan

Jezzabelle's panel came back extremely low in all levels but the overall thyroid. She is staying on the levothyroxine. We have now gone 7 days seizure-free and it is wonderful......she is Jezzy again, playing, running, and romping with the puppy. I emailed the results to Dr. Dodd and she agreed with the meds and thinks we may be on the right track at the moment anyway. She is now on 4 gr. PB/day, Gabapentin 600 mg. three times a day, and the levothyroxine twice a day. We have room with all the meds if the seizures return. The vet wants to start lowering meds if she remains seizure-free for a month, but I am skeptical of starting it so soon, but first we have to reach the one month mark. I know she will have another seizure, just relishing in the moment while we can.

Kay and Jezzabelle
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Jezzabelle GSD
My angel
First seizure 01/24/09
Last seizure 10/28/09

skrpio · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:03 pm Post subject:

Your vet needs to do some serious reading. It is VERY unwise to try and lower the meds after one month especially where low thyroid is concerned.
I know 1st hand as this is what happened to my precious girl. She went on thyroid meds - the vet started to lower her anti-seizure meds and wham - she went into status and I lost her.
BE CAREFUL
_________________
Jane
In loving memory of my special KiKi Bean
Seizure free forever now
Nov 25th 2002 - Nov 1st 2006
Dogue De Bordeaux

kbugs · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Michigan

kbugs · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Michigan

Our sweet relief is over. Jezzy started seizing this morning at 7:15 am. 7:15 am. this morning, One bad GM, followed by 3 clusters, another GM, more clusters, and a final (I think) GM. I had one Valium suppository left, used that at the onset, got out the ice for the back, and gave her 2 gr. PB when she came out of the first GM....after the second GM I gave her 2 more pb and 300 mg. Gabapentin, and called the vet. After the third GM I knew I couldn?t give her any more meds without the vet. I think she has enough drugs in her to keep her quiet for the time being. The seizing stopped at 8:20 am hopefully and right now, she is highly sedated between the Gabapentin and the PB. We are in a holding pattern right now, hoping she will sleep it off. The vet is waiting for the call. Temp has stayed pretty cool, didn?t go above 103.9. I was soooooooooooo hoping.

We actually made it 14 days seizure free and it was wonderful while it lasted. Back to the drawing board. KBr is out, Keppra is out, we are running out of options.
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Jezzabelle GSD
My angel
First seizure 01/24/09
Last seizure 10/28/09

lbk9 · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 10

kbugs -- I am new to this website and just read your post. I am so sorry to hear of the disappointment you are having with your pup. I have been through it with two of my dogs (also frustrating!) and know about the ups and downs. Just when you think you've got the right meds and think you can breathe a sigh of relief, BAM!

I lost my first seizure dog almost a year ago (age 12). They thought she had a brain tumor. Shortly before Molly died, one of my other dogs started having seizures. Now I am dealing with the side effects of the meds. I'm not sure which is worse.

Anyway, I know how devastated you must feel, especially when you think you've tried everything and you end up back at square one. Just lately my vet told me he thinks my other dog may have a brain tumor (I think it's side effects of potassium bromide) and it really hit me hard. I hope the vets are able to help your Jezzy. Keep us posted!

MK's mom · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 1129 Location: Michigan

Why can't you use KBr? I think you told us, but I can't remember. Please refresh my memory.

Vivian
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5 yo Irish Setter boy
First seizure 1/25/06
Last seizure 9/4/2009

Aug 17, 2004- Sept. 22, 2009
May the shamrocks fall softly sweetpea

kbugs · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Michigan

The Kbr caused pancreatitis that almost killed her. She was one of the lucky ones, who can't tolerate the potassium bromide.
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Jezzabelle GSD
My angel
First seizure 01/24/09
Last seizure 10/28/09