Seizures in poodles

Question
I have just lost my wonderful toy poodle Monet on 4/14.I have had her all her life and she was 10 1/2. She was relativly healthy. For the past 2 years she had been having very mild siezures, almost like chewing gum for about 15 seconds, having them about once or twice a month. On Sunday 4/11 she had a very violent seizure, took her to emergency vet, they gave her phenobarbital. One hour later she had another violent seizure, total of three on Sunday. I got her home Monday, she was exhausted let her sleep. Teusday she acted drunk, could not stand properly, also had an episode of passing out when she got up to bark. Wednesday morning when I got up the dog was not moving, took her to the vet and they put her down. I don't understand what happened. How could I have missed the signs. My vet had told me with the mild seizures that she did not need medications. What could I have done to have prevented this. My 8 pound little baby's death has just crushed me beyond words.

Answer
Oh hon I totally know how you feel. On 7/5/1998 I lost my NIcky much the same way.  She had had seizures - mild ones, and they were treated with phenobarbital.  One night she began having one after another and I just layed on the bathroom floor and held her and cried. It was like 3 am and I didn't call the vet because she had had seizures before and been okay.  She quieted down and seemed to be breathing well, and I fell asleep with her in my arms, waking up an hour later to find she had passed away.

My vet told me then and I'll tell you now - there isn't always a way to know what to expect.  Sometimes there is an irregularity in the brain that just all of a sudden sort of (in layman's terms) short circuits. To say "let go and let God" sounds trite, but there is some truth to it.  Time has helped me with a little perspective.....I am so very lucky I had Nicky for 8 years.  SHe was loving and wonderful.  I am sure she is waiting for me as your Monet is waiting for you.  I will share a website that has brought me much comfort.  It is http://www.petloss.com

I will copy and paste the story of Rainbow Bridge here, as you may not feel up to visiting yet. It is how I believe things are. They must be in my opinion - it wouldn't be heaven without our companion animals.

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

*****

One more I love that was submitted just after 9/11:

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE


by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, thousands of loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming?

I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the FireFighters and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

******

I know this prose brings tears - it did to me too - but I hope, as with me, they are cleansing tears. Know your baby waits for you and when your time comes, you'll cross the bridge together.

You were a wonderful 'mom' to Monet and you did everything you could. KNOW that and know she is at peace and patiently waiting for you.

Please feel free to write me at kathrynks@cox.net if you want to talk more.  I am in tears as I write this as I know the pain and heartache losing a beautiful friend can be.  My prayers are with you and Monet.

Big warm furry hugs,


Kathryn