Foster Dog

cesullivan · Post by **cesullivan** » Sun May 25, 2014 10:49 pm

Hi everyone, it's Cali's mom...she's getting close to the one year mark.

So, I decided to celebrate I would foster a 3YO lab with epilepsy...I MUST BE CRAZY. Here's to hoping that the meds they put him on work. His family dumped him at the shelter to be put to sleep. They shelter called a rescue and they took him to the ER. His foster family bailed on him and they needed help, so a sucker for a Black Lab with epilepsy, Jim is on my couch with me...day 3.

Thanks for listening...
Chris&Cali&Bandit and foster Jim

beaglemum · Post by **beaglemum** » Mon May 26, 2014 12:32 am

Congratulations, firstly on Cali going so long since seizures - that is fantastic. Secondly, on being brave enough to knowingly take in a foster dog with the same problem. I hope Cali's success is contagious, or at the very least your prior experience helps in dealing with Jim's episodes.

Hats off to you. Let us know how it goes.

SpencerBhumi · Post by **SpencerBhumi** » Mon May 26, 2014 5:55 am

Hi Chris,

Greatest compliments to you and admiration for you in taking on another epi-dog.
I do hope Cali remains stable, and that Jim does become so well stabilised also.

Wishing you and both dogs well.

Trevor & Spencer
Grateful for the good days, weeks (months)

Gentle Jacob's mom · Post by **Gentle Jacob's mom** » Mon May 26, 2014 11:50 am

Hi Chris,
I'm so glad you were in the right place at the right time so that you could rescue Jim. He is very lucky to have found you. We rescued Jake and I really do believe they know when someone saves them. They never miss a chance to thank you. Congratulations to Cali and you for making it so long without a problem!
So thankful there are people like you that take that leap to save a special dog.
Hugs to all of you.
Lynne

ShilohsMom · Post by **ShilohsMom** » Tue May 27, 2014 12:41 pm

Hats off to you for taking such an unselfish step in adopting a dog with challenges. It's one thing to adopt a dog and have them develop it later on, it's another thing completely when you know what you're in for.

I wish you all the very best and every success!

cesullivan · Post by **cesullivan** » Thu May 29, 2014 8:04 am

So Jim, the foster dog is a big lug 99% of the time, which is great. I'm trying to figure out if his two episodes of not being a great dog may be seizure related. First time, I thought maybe he just didn't have much training. I left for 90 minutes and upon my return, he was very happy. So happy that I became a chew toy, he was going after my ankles and arms, chewing away, not breaking skin, but not wanting to give my arm back.

Last night, I tried him in the pool, he didn't like it much. Then we went to the side doggie yard where he lugged around and then a switch and he ran in circles several times and then I was his chew toy again. Ankles bruised, forearms bruised. I took him to the ground after a few minutes and held him there, knee in shoulder and a hold of scruff and held head down with other arm...when he slightly calmed, I rubbed his chest until he completely relaxed. Then he was back to normal and a big lug.

Has anyone heard of or had a dog with seizures that exhibited with irrational behavior? I google'd and came up with "complex focal seizure" which involves the areas of the brain that control emotions and behaviors, causing the dog to run in circles or fly into a rage.

Thanks
Chris

cesullivan · Post by **cesullivan** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 4:21 pm

So Foster Dog Jim had 4 grand mal seizures last night...gave him rectal valium, never done that before...he is in the ER, I should be able to pick him up tonight if all goes ok.

Gentle Jacob's mom · Post by **Gentle Jacob's mom** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 6:45 pm

Hi Chris,
I hope you're home with Jim by now and you have a quiet night.

Lynne

ShilohsMom · Post by **ShilohsMom** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 9:19 am

Chris, hoping this finds you and Jim well. Please let us know how he's doing.

cesullivan · Post by **cesullivan** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 7:16 pm

Just picked Jim up at the vet. The rescue wanted him to stay an extra night so they can do bloodwork etc...his phenoB levels were in line and his potassium bromide levels were very low so they upped his dose. The vet wants to talk to the rescue about adding Keppra as well. Hopefully they decide on the extended release so I don't have to many extra druggings.

Thanks
Chris & Cali & Jim and can't forget my 12 1/2 year old lady lab Bandit

ShilohsMom · Post by **ShilohsMom** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 8:48 am

Hope the Keppra works for Cali. Keep us posted on how she's doing.

Esmo · Post by **Esmo** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 9:34 am

Here's fingers crossed for the Keppra to work. The extended release seems to be working for Maggie - 4 weeks yesterday without a seizure....

Kathy

Eley's Mom · Post by **Eley's Mom** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:19 pm

4 weeks, that's great!!!

CEN

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