Dogster

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Epilepsy

Works for Me

Hey! Let's start this entry by knocking on wood. I haven't had a seizure since October 2007, and that one came because we were seeing how low we could go with my meds. We found out.

For anyone who's curious, this is what I'm taking, twice a day (I weigh 55lbs.):

Prescribed by Dr. Beth, my regular vet:
1ml of liquid 350 mg/ml Potassium Bromide and 30 mg of Phenobarbital in a tablet.

Prescribed by Dr. Sue, my TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) vet:
A pill called Liver C to counteract the damage caused by the Phenobarbital, a couple of vitamins called Immuplex and Catalyn and a powdered herb formula that has allowed us to lower the amount of Potassium Bromide from 2.5 ml to 1ml and put an end to the nasty side effects I was having from my meds. I also get acupuncture treatments.

My mom makes my food.

Mom and Dad are so happy with the way things are going that they're looking for a second poodle to adopt! My groomer, Becky, has a retired show poodle who might be a possibility. But we haven't met. I'll keep you posted!
Poodle kisses,
Liz

My Second Visit to the Acupuncturist

Happy Birthday, I'm Two!
That's right. I'm two today. But that's not what I want to talk about.

Yesterday, I went to the acupuncturist for the second time! So far, we have reduced my Potassium Bromide by half. It's only been a month, but no seizures yet. And I feel great! Mom says I'm acting like my old self again. My old two-year-old self, that is.

I have to tell you, there was one needle in my foot that I was uncomfortable with, and I pulled it out with my teeth. It had to go. But all the other ones, they were fine. I just had to lie down and relax. I like that place. Much better than the vet. The needles there are very big compared to these needles. They are teeny-tiny.

That's all for now, just wanted to give you an update.
I wonder what's for dinner. It's my birthday, did I tell you?

Poodle kisses,
Liz

Acupuncture!

Today I went to a new vet and started some new treatment - acupuncture!

The reason is, over the winter I developed a lot of symptoms, in addition to my seizures, and we're having a heck of a time trying to test me for all this stuff while I'm on phenobarbitol and potassium bromide and a bunch of antibiotics. Right now, I'm off the antibiotics and I don't have a temperature. Yipee! So we're going to see if some Chinese herbal medicine will allow me to slowly wean off the epilepsy meds.

It's worth a try. In a year, I've only ever had five seizures anyway.

And then, maybe we can figure out some of this other stuff. Right now we're just adding the herbs and acupuncture. In a few weeks, we'll start the weaning...

Stay tuned! I will keep you posted!
Poodle kisses,
Liz

Happy Spring Everybody!