My dog has had 2 serious seizures in 3 weeks

[Cs97]

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Hi, im just wanting to get other peoples opinions on whether it would be unfair to put my dog to sleep its breaking my heart so much
To start with he is a 7 year old mix breed quite a big mix breed too, he has had pretty much perfect health the past 7 years and then a few months ago he had a seizure not too serious he came round really quickly and was fine, then 3 weeks ago he had a serious seizure he was on his side legs paddling but he had no control he peed all over himself and when he came out of it he wouldnt let me in the kitchen he would growl as if he didn't know who I was and it took him about 6 hours to come out of that and then just a few days ago he had another really bad seizure he peed on himself again and had no control of his body he came out of that and it took him from 3 in the afternoon until the next morning to stop growling at just the sound of my voice and the vets think at his age it will most likely be a brain tumor and my heart hurts so much but we can't afford the mri scan as this alone can cost around £1200 and then any treatment after, would it be really horrible of me to put him to sleep before he gets any worse because id hate to leave him to suffer or risk a worse seizure and him not surviving it im just so torn as I love him so much thank you if you read this as it is long sorry for that

 

[JoanneF]

Better to go peacefully than to suffer a life with seizures. But better still if you could get him medication to prevent them.

Has your vet said he definitely needs an MRI?

 

[Cs97]

Better to go peacefully than to suffer a life with seizures. But better still if you could get him medication to prevent them.

Has your vet said he definitely needs an MRI?

They said the medication could make them worse and more often so I wasnt to keen on this but the vet I went through was the pdsa and they dont have an mri scanner but said he would need one as this is the most likely cause for a dog over a certain age to have seizures ive looked at the prices with private vets and its expensive if he needed an operation who knows how much that would be but my friends dog last night had to go to the vets and needs a bladder operation which will cost around £3000 so the cost for treating a brain tumor would likely be alot more, i feel so horrible he doesnt deserve this hes such a good boy

 

[Whippylove]

Hi I went through the same with my dog suzie she would have a seizure then not know where she was or recognise any of my family and she could be in this state all day, then in a couple of days she would have another seizure and we would go through the pain again watching her. Our vet's recommended not to use meds on her, we had tests run on her but never found out why. In the end after a long talk we decided we had to do the right thing for her and she was put to sleep hardest decision of my life.
Speak to the vet discuss how you feel, remember a vet will be honest with you but it's a decision you have to make I understand how you feel you'll know when the time is right.

 

[Ari_RR]

I would defer to the vet. I know 2 families whose dogs had seizures, and both are fine and happy now, after finding the right medication. There are different kinds of neurological problems, of course, not all seizures are the same. All I am saying is that some of them are quite treatable.

 

[Cs97]

Thank you for the advice im going to ring a different vet see what their advice would be maybe they will think it is something different who knows, its hard because I have 2 young kids and him growling after a seizure for hours is heartbreaking and the other vet said they can be aggressive and with the growling and him taking longer each time to be himself again Im scared this may happen but I will get a different opinion thank you

 

[Hemlock]

Many vets will offer payment schemes if you ask. Good luck with your appointment. We will all be thinking of you.

 

[Cs97]

I have spoken to a different vets they said if the first vet said it would most likely be a brain tumor it most probably is, the risk of him being aggressive after a seizure with 2 young kids in the house is scary, he already growls just at the sound of my voice after hes had one and then we cant get into our kitchen for over 10 hours because we've had to leave him in there because that's where his bed is, its so hard but I think the best choice would be to let him go peacefully before he ends up seriously ill or worse

 

[JudyN]

From what you've said, I think that's absolutely the right decision, however hard it is. My thoughts are with you.

 

[Cs97]

I'm just devastated at the thought of it but I can not see my best friend suffer with what will only get worse, ive had him 7 years hes been there every time I've cried, when my daughter needed heart surgery he protected her when she came home, all these things in life hes been there and my heart is absolutely broken

 

[afcajax73]

I don't really have anything to add to what's already been said but I didn't want to "read and run". Just wanted to wish you all the best and say my thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[RGC]

I echo the best wishes and support from the Forum. He’s not happy, he’s given you everything and this is the deal. Thoughts with you - it’s an absolute bugger.

 

[CoCo2014]

Is your vet a neurologist or is the second vet one ? Late onset seizures are not always caused by brain tumours.
Brain tumours can be seen on CT as well as MRIs.
Sadly if it is brain tumour life expectancy is only a couple months by the time it is diagnosed

 

[runningrod]

Hi,it is a difficult decision,i am in a similar position.let your heart rule your head and decide what is best for your dog,you know him better than anyone and you will come to the right decision as hard as it will be.if my lovely lad has another seizure he will go to sleep with me beside him,but thats my decision and i hope i am strong for him. Either way,no recriminations,you will do whatis best for him because you love him,if its meds you decide on i hope that his life is improved and you have more years together,if its pts then that is also the best thing for him and either decision will be the right one because you made it.best wishes.

 

[Chloe2039]

I made this post the beginning of 2021, different username as I forgot the login details to my last account, but thankyou for posting such kind words runningrod, we got an opinion from a vet that visits us at home and we just gave anti seizure medication a try, we got another precious year and a few months with my amazing boy and he had seizures and medication dose put up around 2 or 3 times until he was on the highest dose which was upped about a month or 2 ago, and although I thought he was doing great the past few weeks and had been seizure free and full of life he unexpectedly passed away at home a few days ago, although I am absolutely heart broken I will be forever thankful for our last year together and I miss him so much and just hoping this pain eases

 

[runningrod]

I made this post the beginning of 2021, different username as I forgot the login details to my last account, but thankyou for posting such kind words runningrod, we got an opinion from a vet that visits us at home and we just gave anti seizure medication a try, we got another precious year and a few months with my amazing boy and he had seizures and medication dose put up around 2 or 3 times until he was on the highest dose which was upped about a month or 2 ago, and although I thought he was doing great the past few weeks and had been seizure free and full of life he unexpectedly passed away at home a few days ago, although I am absolutely heart broken I will be forever thankful for our last year together and I miss him so much and just hoping this pain eases

Chloe,i am so sorry,you did all that you could and now have cherished memories knowing that your lad had a wonderful home,well done ! Rod

 

[Chloe2039]

It is a comfort to know we gave him that time as I do not think he was ready last year, thank you

 

[JudyN]

I'm so sorry he is no longer with you. But knowing you have done the very best for your dog, and said goodbye at the right time, is such a comfort, and will help the pain ease in time xx

 

[Flobo]

So sorry for your loss, the extra time you had together was a blessing, though we all know it is never long enough...
Give yourself time... sending kind wishes xx

 

[Hemlock]

You did what was necessary on each count. I am so sorry for your loss.