Labrador Retriever Seizures; gold beads canine seizures; ear massage canine seizures;

Question
Hi-Our Yellow lab experienced seizures on 11/2007, 2/2008 and 3/2008. We noticed that every seizure occurred just a few days after his heartworm meds had been administered. Once we changed heartworm meds, the problem went away and he was seizure free for almost 14 months. He had another seizure on 5/4/09, another one on 5/5/09 and again today, 5/6/09. These seizures last about 30 seconds-he remains conscious and alert and has minimal trembling-there is no loss of bodily functions etc... He comes out of seizure immediately and is back to normal-running, jumping, eating etc... He is 10 years old and since he has had 3 seizures over the last 3 days, our Vet has recommended phenolbarbitol (our dog's blood work came back with no issues). Are there herbs, diets changes, Acupuncture etc... I could try 1st? I obviously do not want to wait and cause unrepairable damage but am concerned about giving him such strong meds. Is there something else we may be missing that might be causing this sudden on-set after so long. He is not on any medication.

Answer
Did you try the Melatonin for the seizure activity?  Besides what your vet is also giving your pal?  Did you try any of the alternative therapy?  I have seen the Gold beads work on some dogs.
Let me know if you need more help?
Marie Peppers LPN MA

--------just added *****************  For canine seizures I forgot to mention melatonin- it is very safe and natural... Let your vet know about the Melatonin and NuVET if you decide to start supplements.
here is the recommended dosage :

WHERE CAN I BUY MELATONIN?
You can purchase Melatonin anywhere vitamins and supplements are sold. **The brand I buy is by "Natrol" and it comes in 1mg and 3mg tablets. You will want to get the natural made, vegetarian and not time-released (Natrol is vegetarian). Generally a dose of 3mg is appropriate for a 35-100 lb dog. Smaller dogs get 1.5mg, and larger dogs may get 6mg.
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Hi KJ -
I see what you are saying and I don't think that I would rush to place him on seizure meds as of yet.
Yes, you can try acupuncture and also Gold beads in the front of the skull.  Both of the optional holistic proceedures have worked for many of my past and current clients.  ( massage helps, too)
Gold Bead inplants : see here:
http://www.himmlisch.com/prstgold.htm

Also, I would suggest a grain free food and some supplements for this boy.  
See if you can slowly change him over to Innova EVO or Wellness Core - grain-free dog food.
Also, give him 1 meal per day of SoJo home cooking - Grain free - the GREEN bag - see here:  **( 1 meal of dry and 1 meal of the SoJO)
http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse
He will love MOM cooking home-made natural food - YOU add your own lightly cooked meats.
I would do your old food and mix with the new food for 1 month - AFTER that, you should be able to change over to all the NEW - grain free foods.

Supplements:  NuVET Plus - Excellent for dogs with seizure disorders... All natural and will not interfer with anything the VET gives you.  Call the NuVET folks now - they will get some NuVET plus right out to you ....I would give him 2 per day for 10 days and then drop him down to 1 1/2 per day... The NuVET wafers break in 1/2 very easy and he will love this healthy treat.
1-800-474-7044  Tell  them Pet Nurse Marie sent you from the ASK the Pet Nurse site...  Give order code 81098 and ask about the 15% off.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

YOUR pal's seizures are very minor so they may not want to do the Gold Beads right yet.... They may just try some massage or acupuncture.  See if you have any canine massage folks around or even take a class or buy a good book on the subject.  Many pet parents do learn massage from a video or book.


Keep in touch and BEST wishes...
Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse