Calm Returns

Thanks to everyone for sending Clyde good thoughts. He's had 2 good days now, so we're hoping the meds increase has stopped the seizures. He's groggy and a little unsure on his feet, but that comes with an increase in medication. I'm disappointed that we had to increase his meds back up to 120 mgs after getting him down to 90 mgs for almost a year, but the neurologist assures me that he'll adjust to the increase and that it doesn't mean he'll have to stay at this dose indefinitely.

I continue to worry about the long term effects of the meds and the seizures. Clyde's been with us for 8 years, so he's close to 9 or 10 years old and has been having seizures off and on again for the last 7 and a half years. Given his history and the fact that the average life span for a German Shepherd is 10-13 yrs and 10-14 yrs for a lab, I have to be realistic about his future--something that's much easier to type than it is to deal with. Husband is always telling me not to worry about what might happen and to live in the moment, but that's not how I deal. I know I can't do anything more for Clyde than what I'm doing now, but I am determined to keep his quality of life in mind as I make decisions about how to best treat his seizures and how to keep him happy and comfortable.

We slowly brought him down to 90 mgs of pheno because it got to the point where he was doing little more than eating and sleeping, and if increasing his meds again brings him back to that point, we'll need to determine whether or not the cost of keeping his seizures under control is too high.

I will not drug him so much that he can't live fully. I just won't do it.

But, enough worrying about what's to come. Right now he's doing well, and Bonnie seem to be back to normal around him. Unfortunately, our various vets took today off for President's day, so I'm still waiting to hear what they think about Bonnie's previous behavior. In the meantime,  we're keeping them apart while we're gone and that seems to be working OK.

Above is a picture of Clyde taken the day we brought him home from the Humane Society. He weighed about 60 pounds and was a little shy, but he quickly began to feel at home with us. They told us he was a year old, but since he doubled in size within 5 months, we think he was more like 6 or 7 months old. Who knows? But what a sweet face, eh?

And here's a picture I took today:

He's bigger and older and his eyes show he's stoned, but he's still my "big guy." Keep sending good thoughts his way (I've told him he's big in the doggie blogosphere), and I'll keep you all up on how he's doing.

Comments

[joanna]

I looked like that after surgery. ; - )

Seriously, I'm glad that the cycle is over for now. It must be rattling to deal with for all of you.

[Seeking Solace]

I am glad he is feeling better. what a mush!

[Bill]

Beautiful photos. The good thoughts you requested are on their way!

[Cheeky Prof]

Any updates on Clyde? Is he doing better? I hope no news is good news. Hugs to Clyde. :)