Nero had a seizure

[Enigma]

Oh wow that videos are painful to watch, poor Nero I really hope you figure this out and find a way to stop his seizures...

[GoingPostal]

The first time he did it we thought he was chasing a bug, but he's not. But yes, it's exactly the same behavior although more erratic than if he was after a bug . My b/f thought maybe it was eye goobers too, he often has them but I made a point to check today and didn't see anything, could be like floaters or something I cannot see but why would he start/stop out of the blue? Any idea is helpful btw.

His weekly diet is 2 days chicken quarters or parts, 2 days turkey necks with organs, meat and an egg, 1 day venison, 1 day beef heart, 1 day is pork/rabbit. I throw in some beef suet sometimes, coconut oil sometimes, fish once or twice a month. I don't take the skin off anything, and the hearts are very fatty. He gets more meat than bone in, he does get some carbs in the treats I feed.

The first time and this time he was rolling around on his back when he started. He'll do the jumping for a bit, 30 minutes or so and then usually little head snaps here and there for a short while after. Nero also tested positive for lymes/anaplasmosis the spring after we adopted him (2009) and was given antibiotics.

[El_EmDubya]

1. Create a food diary that lists not only what he ate by the hour, but behavioral things you may notice throughout the day. Sleep patterns are great indicators of neurology, for example, so notice how he behaves each morning as well as what occurs during the day. Be EXTREMELY diligent with this as you and your vet can use this to test both med and food issues.

2. Cut out the carbs and no more treats. You have to attack the inflammation and sources of neuro-reactive chemicals made by molds, so stick to fresh meat products and MCT (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-chain_triglycerides or coconut oil until you figure out if there is a trigger. (You may never discover it, but having spent 20 years with undiagnosed food allergies, I know how motivating "hope" can be. Trust your instincts. I knew I felt better living outside the US, so it was just a matter of tracking down the reasons for my health issues.)

And be aware of added salts used preserve "treats". I wouldn't be feeding him anything that you don't know every ingredient. (Anything labeled "spices" in human food, for instance, is likely MSG, which I had to learn the hard way. I'm VERY sensitive to veggie proteins (wheat, corn, soy) and have reactions (IBS, insomnia, ADHD, etc.) from very slight exposures that last for days. In fact, for me the smaller the exposure, the greater the response.)

3. I'd also add one meal of oysters (~1/4c) per week for metals. And if you can get raw (frozen) whole shrimp, those are great too. Fish is great brain food...

4. And add more coconut oil (or MCT, which is a more pure) beginning with 1-2 TBS/day and increasing to at least 4 TBS in the morning. (He shouldn't have any issues with bile as he is already ketogentic, unlike the problems you hear with vegans who decide to increase their fat intake.)

5. Reduce his protein to 20% (bone stays at 10%) and increase fats to 70% of caloric intake. Yes, this is a lot of fat, but the brain is 70% fat, so it won't mind!

6. Fast him for 36 hours once a week. (The timer starts at his last meal, say 6pm, and goes to his next...6am the following day, for instance) Fasting allows the liver to rest and lowers inflammation. You'll likely see improvements on the fasting days.

I feel for you and hope my suggestions are helpful.

LMW

[pblove]

sounds like the last seizure description/paragraph on this link
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-ang ... neEpil.htm

[GoingPostal]

sounds like the last seizure description/paragraph on this link
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-ang ... neEpil.htm

Interesting, yes it does. I was really hoping it would be a one time thing, we are worried about him hurting himself in the crate if we aren't here and he starts up. He's on 97.2mg (I think, bottle is downstairs) phenobarbital,1 pill a day.

[julie64]

I couldn't watch the whole video, just breaks my heart. Lots of good and healthy thoughts coming for Nero.
to you.

[pblove]

how is Nero doing?

[GoingPostal]

No more seizures, more excessive whining for a couple days after though.

[pblove]

hope Nero will stay well

[GoingPostal]

And here we go again. Plus his allergies are horrible, he's an itchy uncomfortable mess. My poor boy.

[El_EmDubya]

You might want to try Dr J:http://dogtorj.com/

Here's his epilepsy diet: http://dogtorj.com/main-course/epilepsy-and-diet/the-epilepsy-diet-made-simple/
(I recommend printing his essays and going over them with a highlighter as he gets a little wordy.)

He is ahead of his time...so don't be too worried when your vet rolls her/his eyes.

You might also want to look at Dr Terry Wahl's diet, too. She "cured" her MS through providing a mitochondrial focused diet. (Mitochondria are the engines in each cell.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc
http://www.thewahlsfoundation.com/

And if you get really into mitochondrial health (which is where a lot of research is moving), here's a great book:
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Sex-Suicide-Mitochondria-Meaning/dp/0199205647

[julie64]

So sorry to read this Tiffany. Lots of healthy thoughts coming for Nero. to you.

[Murfins]

Sending Nero more positive thoughts. *hugs*

[El_EmDubya]

This is a really interesting video from a researcher regarding "dietary therapy" and epilepsy in humans. It is worth watching for anyone dealing with neurological issues in their dog, or human, family. Lots of good nuggets in the lecture and the question section at the end!

http://vimeo.com/channels/418298/55453574