Many of my our readers live with or have lived with seizure dogs. Me? I had grown complacent as Mango's first seizure was some months ago, but last night he had another one.
First, I want to tell you that as of now, he is perfectly fine and resting comfortably after enjoying his breakfast. Last night (or I suppose this morning) I was awakened around 3AM by little Dexter running into the bedroom (usually a sign that Dex is having a potty emergency). As I staggered to the back door I could hear Mango moving and initially thought he was just dreaming, but something sounded different. I turned on the lights to see him in a full blown seizure, foaming, thrusting his legs, and having emptied his bladder. Dexter wanted OUT and I was happy to oblige.
Focusing on Mango, I realized that I had forgotten just about everything I learned about seizures when he had his first one. Everything except to stay away from him and talk to him. It couldn't have gone on for more than 30 seconds after I got up but it seemed like forever.
He eventually stopped and lay there, quiet, then brought his head up. He responded to the sound of my voice and after a minute or two got up and started staggering around. He was very disoriented and frightened and did not want me to approach. I turned on all the lights in the house. He was pacing from room to room and even going into rooms like the bathroom and bedroom which are off limits. This made him even more frightened as he found himself trapped behind the bed or falling down on the slippery bathroom floor. I would find him and call to him. He responded by approaching, but wanted me to walk away so he could follow and he stayed several feet away from me. I just kept talking to him and turned away which seemed to calm him a bit.
This went on for about 20 minutes during which time he drank a ton of water. Dexter came back in and was very growly. He did not want Mango anywhere near him. For the next 40 minutes Mango continued to pace. Eventually he would come over to me, but when I reached to pat him he shied away. Finally he seemed to be coming to. He went to sniff Dexter and Mango's tail, which had been firmly between his legs, was wagging, and Dex held still but did not growl.
Around 4 AM Mango finally settled on his bed and I settled on the couch. Two hours later, we all woke up and everything was as if nothing had ever happened. Now he is resting and his bed cover is in the laundry and the Clean and Green is doing it's work on the carpet.
I tried to write down the details of yesterday, but nothing out of the ordinary. In fact it was a really good day. He had an excellent walk, did some training, enjoyed a bone, played tennis ball, got cuddles, and took some naps.
I will note that Dex has been growly with Mango for the past several days. Could it have been something he sensed? And last night, Dexter would not settle down for bed. Mango was in his usual spot in front of Dexter's couch, Dexter would get into bed, then jump down and come to me, but not really want to be patted, he just couldn't settle. Did Dexter know what was coming? It certainly would not be unheard of.
Of course this has negated the sweet smelling guy I brought home from the beauty parlor on Friday. Mango is pretty stinky having peed himself. I still need to figure out how to fix that problem since the outside water is turned off and all we have in the bathroom is a tiny shower stall and if Mango is in the bathroom there isn't room for anybody else anyway.
My plan is to take my cue from Mango and continue as normal. He seems fine, so I have to be as well. Go to work, come home. Little Dex has developed a hot spot on his face. I will need to take him to the vet to get that clipped since it is all oozy and nasty and needs to air out and I can't get him still enough to do it myself. Might need some antibiotics as well. Hopefully not a cone since loyal readers will recall that Mango is terrified of Dexter in a cone and thinks he is a monster that must be driven from the estate. Sigh.
I do remember that the emergency room vets, regular vet, online forums, and readers all said that until seizures become regular occurrences, there isn't anything that can be done medically. His last seizure was on a Thursday night around 10 PM, this one on a Monday morning around 3 AM. Nothing comes to mind that would have triggered either one. I had thought the original one could have been brought on by eating plum pits from the yard, but that is unlikely to be the case this time. The plums and their pits are long gone.
Don't be worried if we don't post for a couple of days. It won't mean anything bad is happening, just that we are busy getting ready for Thanksgiving. Since Mango is already scheduled to go back to the special vet tomorrow night, I will likely get more advice there. He will be seeing his good friend (and mine), Dr. Rogers who transferred to that practice from our regular vet and I know that I can talk to her (unlike odd other vet who was a very good doctor to Mango but not such a good listener or communicator for me).
Hug your puppies and spare a good thought for Mango. Here is a happy making photo of him I took on yesterday's walk.
Mango Momma
