19 months seizure free and counting

[MK's mom]

Has anyone experienced a long stretch with no seizures then reduced medication without adverse results?

My boy has been seizure free since March 2014, but the phenobarbital is being blamed for his gingival hyperplasia. He's had two surgeries this summer because the gums are enlarging too quickly after surgery and the canine dentist thinks I should omit the Pb and increase the zonisamide. I am on board with this, but very afraid because there's no way of knowing if he stopped seizing due to the perfect dosages or if he was seizing due to some other issue. (He really only seized for 5 months when he abruptly stopped). This is such scarey stuff...I've dealt with epilepsy before my current boy, so I know what can happen.

[Gentle Jacob's mom]

Hi Vivian,
I wish I had a crystal ball... I know you've thought through every scenario. I don't know anything about gingival hyperplasia personally, just what what I looked up because of your post. Did the surgeries resolve the problem or is there a continued risk of more surgeries? If there isn't and it was me, I probably would continue the meds. There are times when we wonder how much good all the meds and supplements are really doing, especially when you read about someone who has opted out of using drugs and the dogs don't seem to seize anymore than your dog.
Because you don't know for sure if the seizures were idiopathic, I don't think I'd personally risk it. As long as there aren't any long term issues. But if the tooth issue would still be a problem I'd have to at least try slowly taking out the Pb (maybe not all together?) and increasing the Zonisamide. We've reduced Jake's meds and increased them a few times and it is nerve wracking.
I know this is a really hard decision to make. Especially since you know all too well what this disease can do.
I wish I could be more help.
Lynne

[Gentle Jacob's mom]

I forgot to mention... Congratulations on the long run! I hope whatever you decide it continues.
We'll be pulling for you here

Lynne

[MK's mom]

Thanks Lynne,

My boy had his first gum reduction in May and by October 1 he had to have a little bit more cut away because it was growing back again. Aside from being a painful procedure, it's expensive. If the Pb is the cause, I'd like to increase the zonisamide and cut back on the Pb, but I'm terrified. I'm like you; if it weren't for the gums I'd leave him on his current dosage, but now he's having issues allegedly caused by the Pb.

This is when we need a crystal ball!!

[Shruti]

Owow its really great news for you still go ahead and enjoy your day with your boy,
Congratulation from my side

[Gentle Jacob's mom]

Hi Vivian,
I thought I'd check and see what you decided to do and things are going.

Lynne

[MK's mom]

I have an appointment at our primary vet to discuss this with her. I'm sure in turn she will put a call in to the neurologist to get his take on the matter and then I'll nervously decide where to go with this. I wish his gums weren't affected because I'd keep him on the meds until he hit the 2 (or 3) year mark. It's such a tough call to make and I'm afraid of causing him big-time repercussions if I change his medications.

[ShilohsMom]

So happy that you've been able to enjoy a nice long seizure free stretch and pray that it continues for you. Let us know what the vets say.