Willy hospitalized

Dachsmack · January 23, 2006, 12:40:59 PM

Hi everyone,

I am sorry I am not posting much anymore, so I feel kind of guilty asking ... but, Willy could use some good wishes and rays. He is staying overnight at my vets as he is monitored for seizure activity.

He seizures became much more frequent after October, and he is now on medication (potassium bromide). Well, this afternoon he had a seizure that lasted for more than an hour. After about 15 minutes, I called the vet, who told me to come right in. His other seizures lasted for maybe 5-7 minutes, which seemed like an eternity to me. But this episode today was just numbing. He wasn't shaking, just sort of limp and unresponsive.

It continued at the vet's office, who found nothing wrong with anything else other than the obvious. After one hour and five minutes, he finally perked up a bit, though he couldn't stand, and started wagging his tail and giving licky kisses to the vet tech. He's going to get a bromide level test today to determine whether we should up the dosage or perhaps a loading dose to help him more quickly.

So, think about my boy Willy, that we get him leveled off medically.

April · January 23, 2006, 01:09:37 PM

Of course Mack! Poor boy! I hope Willy gets straightened out with regards to his siezures. They are scary for everyone - especially dad! Please keep us updated OK? Rays and all going out for you all!

How are Hannah and Ivan doing with Willy gone?

ETA: My grandmother had a dachsie who'd have seizures, it was guaranteed if she was taken outside since she NEVER went outside except to go to the vet. Anyway, she had to be put on Phenobarbitol (spelling?). That was several years ago, so there may be better options now, but it worked to prevent the everyday occurances. Amy just got very stressed outside and I don't think anything could've kept her from having one then.

Jen · January 23, 2006, 01:22:10 PM

Sending lots of rays for you and Willy!!

Jen & the Crew

Barb · January 23, 2006, 02:14:34 PM

Oh Mack - how scary. Rays and prayers on the way in full force for our Willy. Please keep us updated and will think good thoughts they can figure how to best help him. Smoochies Willy

Rich · January 23, 2006, 02:44:31 PM

A seizure lasting over an hour! I had a couple of boys who would have infrequent seizures lasting under a minute and it seemed like a LONG time to me. You must have been beside yourself! Lots of rays coming for control of this and in short order.

Leslie · January 23, 2006, 02:51:03 PM

Super colossal ginourmous rayz goin' south!!!!!!!!!! Hang in there. Give Willy a big hug and kiss from me.

BridgetLouise · January 23, 2006, 03:02:16 PM

Growing up we had a mini-schnauzer/poodle (schnoodle) mix that had epilepsy, so I'm no stranger to the seizures. It is so scary to see them feeling helpless, and knowing that you are helpless too. Lots of rays on the way for Willy, and for you too.

Mike · January 23, 2006, 03:12:46 PM

Don't feel bad, I only post when I have something to say. Rays coming south from northern IL.

Ruth in MT · January 24, 2006, 10:26:06 AM

Jen · January 24, 2006, 01:10:16 PM

Mack when you have time we need a Willy update!!

Jen & the Crew

Dachsmack · January 24, 2006, 02:41:39 PM

Willy is back home and seems normal again. I had called the vet yesterday from work, about 6 p.m., and was told then he was doing very well and had eaten a big dinner. Doc did a bromide level test and discovered the numbers were too low, way too low, so Willy's dosage has been doubled for the next five days, then brought down to a 50 percent increase thereafter.

I guess the trick is to get the right dosage. Thanks for all the well wishes and rayzzzz.

Barb · January 24, 2006, 04:01:08 PM

Go Willy !!!! Smoochies sweet boy - feel better !

Dee Dee and Hallie · January 24, 2006, 05:12:10 PM

I'm glad there was good news at the end, before I saw the beginning! How scary that had to be for you Mack. Willy is one tough doxie. I rarely think to check any sections here other than general, keep us posted on Willy, he seems like family to us!

Dachsmack · January 24, 2006, 06:33:16 PM

Quote from: Dee Dee and Hallie on January 24, 2006, 05:12:10 PM
keep us posted on Willy, he seems like family to us!

That's sweet to say. Thank you Dee Dee!

David C. · January 24, 2006, 07:50:23 PM

Sending rays Willy's way. We're very glad that we got to know Silly Willy in person. I'm sure once the medication gets stabilized, he'll be fine. Even though the circumstances were less severe, it took a few months to get Rudy's thyroxine level dialed in properly, so it is kind of a trial and error process.

How's old man Ivan doing? Max sends his regards to his fellow senior.

DeeanDave · January 24, 2006, 09:05:04 PM

I am just getting caught up on reading the posts -- so rays are still coming for Willy and you! Keep up posted! Dee, Dave, Sargey & Looie

Jen · January 25, 2006, 06:28:29 AM

Mack,

Thanks for the update ... glad to hear Mr. Willy is feeling better

Jen & the Crew

Beth · January 25, 2006, 06:35:58 AM

Hi Mack,

So glad to hear that Willy is doing better. That must have been a very scary ordeal to go through with your pupper. Rays are continuing to come for Willy! We're all like a big family here, so when rays are needed, they come in full force no matter how much or how little we post here. :)

Merion · January 25, 2006, 03:24:48 PM

Mack,
So sorry to hear his seizures are getting more frequent. That is how it went with Zeke. After we had one that kept up for 45 min. they finally checked his meds levels and then we upped it quit a lot. After that he stabilized for a while and later we had to increase it again. Seemed like towards the end I don't remember him having any seizures, He usually had 1 every 2-3 months or so even on the meds but they were small ones. Our first male had them when he was young but not bad enough to medicate and after he turned 10 he never had any moreand he made it to over 18 before we sent him to the bridge. Sending Willy lots of HHHH's & PPPP's to feel better. I think I posted to this the otherday but it doesn't show on the board so not sure what happened to it.
Merion & Zack

TerriL · February 06, 2006, 08:47:22 AM

Hey Mack,
So glad to hear that Willy is doing better. Like DeeDee, I sometimes forget to check anything other than the general posts. I just read about this today.
Keep us informed! :)

SNKSMOMSUE · February 06, 2006, 05:53:57 PM

Mack, just catching up...so sorry to hear about Willy, but glad to hear he's on the mend. Solomon had 3 seizures the first 4 years of his life, and they are coming more frequent. He had one about 3 months ago that he had to be medicated at the vets to get it to stop. They said as long as they aren't too often he is okay for now.

Will keep you in our prayers, love to Ivan and Hannah too.

PattyInAK · February 06, 2006, 09:58:28 PM

Poor Willy! I am just catching up, I don't think to read the Rays Needed area. I hope Willy is going to be okay. My Harry had seizures and they were scary. Please let us know how he is doing.

Roberta · February 07, 2006, 04:56:34 AM

major rays and hugs. please keep us up to date

love roberta