New to the forum but had some questions for my senior lab and sudden seizures...long reading

[ronmcq]

I'm so sorry that I can't add anything that hasn't already been discussed other than to wish you and Ruger many more happy times together. I was there just a couple weeks ago with my Murphy and made my hardest decision thinking of his quality of life. Lots of love for you both.

[Doreen Davis]

Hi, we went through seizures with Zoe, our yellow lab which started out like vestibular disease. We elected not go pursue further diagnostics as she was 14 but after several months she started to seize and her decline was rapid as the seizures became more frequent and we assumed a tumor. We did not use pb but I think titration is important so perhaps a slight decrease in dose by your vet could help. We also had hard stool at the very end of our time with Amy our black lab. Geriatric pups are hard because it means time is moving on. We were very careful to watch and listen as we were supportive of the 'I'd rather be a day early rather than a day late'. All 3 left us last year and we've entered the young dog world again. Best of luck with Ruger.

[PepandRuger]

Thank you everyone for the kind words and support. Ruger has had a bad go of it for the last week. I am hoping against all odds that it is related to the pb as they seem just as the side effects were described. We were told initially that the side effects would decrease within 1 to 2 weeks. Yesterday was really rough so we began the serious discussion of is it time to consider to letting him go...I need a tissue as I type this...I discussed it with the vet also. The vet mentioned we could lower his dose or consider that he has more bad days than good so it may be time...It was totally up to us to decide. However he is much better today, up and about for food, going outside for potty breaks with minimum flopping over and the like. It is with great effort to get out of bed or walk out the door, but no splits today. It is so difficult to decide what to do because perhaps he is starting to mellow out with the side effects. I don't want to be hasty in this difficult decision.

We were working on picking out a new puppy for our family over the course of the last 5 months or so and we found one we love...picking her up next Sunday...but with all that is going on it is tough...emotional week for sure.
Thanks for caring

[Moby and Barley's Mom]

I have a 13 1\2 year old and a 10 month old puppy. My Moby has a spindle cell carcinoma that was removed last April and now is back. Further operations is not advisable so I am trying a holistic approach. He also had a ventibular event (which looks like a stroke) almost a year ago. I know that eventually I will be in your place. It is a horrible and heartbreaking place to be. I love my boy so much and hope that he either goes on his own or really makes it very clear that it is time. Hopefully your sweetie will either rally or be very clear to you when it is time. My heart is with you.

[ronmcq]

It also helps to move an elderly friend using slings to assist them outside and move them back in. I built ramps up our steps and used the 'Kyjen Dog Pet Auto Harness LIFT UP AND OUT Outward Hound Black Large' sling to help move Murphy towards the end. It really helped him stand and move and me not having to lift and carry him. It may help prolong the good time you have left with Ruger.

[PepandRuger]

Thank you for the suggestion! I just ordered one on Amazon and was very pleased to see the price being less than $20. I appreciate the tip!
I hope it helps provide Ruger with some relief!

[PepandRuger]

Great news! Ruger is doing much better!!!!!! I am so glad to have more time with my baby boy! I took the advice presented here and followed the vets advice of giving him a couple of weeks to adjust to the medications. He is behaving like his old self...no seizures, way less hind leg weakness, and less stumbling and flopping over. I missed my ol' boy!

He is back to naps and following the kiddos around looking for crumbs they may drop along the way.

I did ask the vet to lower the pb dosage, so I am waiting for a call back from the vet.
Thanks everyone for the tips and compassion!

[Snowco Labradors]

Wonderful news! Praying he continues to do well.

[ronmcq]

Fantastic, so glad to hear!
Good luck to you all!

[SunDance]

Good to hear!