Help…my old girl is having seizures...

[thunderbird8588]

Hope Beasleys vet visit goes well tomorrow . Our first Basenji developed seizures at the age of 12 they were caused by a problem with his liver. They were horrible to witness but we learned to live with them and the good thing was he was unaware of what was happening at the time.
On treatment he was with us untill nearly 15 years and had a good quality of life.

[dcmclcm4]

I have had two elderly Bs who developed seizures, one was caused by a facial/nasal tumor and the other was caused by a liver tumor. One dog was almost 12 years old and the other who was a rescue was estimated to be 13-14 years old. The almost 12 year old had Fanconi.

It might not be a brain tumor. Have you had an abdominal ultrasound done?

Jennifer

[beezmum]

Unfortunately, after several tests and 3 consultations with vet and vet-neuro, it's almost certain our Beasley has a brain tumor. There is a very small chance it's
late-onset epilepsy and an even smaller chance of a fungal infection,
but the tumor is the likelihood, due to his age. We aren't putting him
through costly neurological tests to confirm because, whatever they
show, the treatment for epilepsy and tumor is the same. The goal is to eliminate small seizures and keep the grand mal ones down to one a month. I guess the drug can really change personality and make them groggy, but we'll wait til it gets a little worse and see how he does in small doses.
As long as his adrenalin is up he seems fine, still enjoying runs, walking and eating, though he's become rather clingy. He also is sleeping well. It's when he's awake but trying to just stand or sit around that he jerks and trembles and has a hard time keeping his balance, or his legs will suddenly go out from under him. Hard to watch.
At least without the absolute confirmation we can hold on to the tiny hope that it's a mysterious case of late-onset epilepsy.
Thanks, all for your concern.
Do any of you have an experience of how long my dog might have left with a brain tumor, with good care?

[MacPack]

I'm sorry you got bad news, we always hope for a 'simple, quick cure'. Hopefully Beasley will have a good amount of quality time with you. (((Hugs)))

[thunderbird8588]

So sorry to hear about Beasley. I understand your reason for no more tests and to treat the symptoms.
We were given similar advice by our vet for Benji.
I found it useful to keep a diary of his seizures, it helped us see a pattern. By experimenting with drugs and dosages we were able to decrease the seizures. Benji was on Epilease and a small dose of valium. We were also given rectal valium to give as he came out of the seizure.
Best of luck getting your boy stabalised.

[Basenjimamma]

I am so sorry to hear of Beasley.. I also understand the fact that you don't want more testing done..hoping you find a protocol that works for Beasley..

[Kipawa]

Hugs to you and Beasley. It's always so hard to get the type of diagnosis you did. Live each day with Beasley to the fullest. Shelley's advice about keeping a diary of when the seizures happen is a great one.

[DebraDownSouth]

I am so very sorry.

No idea on length because it depends on the type of cancer. Sadly though, cancers may grow fast.

This link gives extraordinary amt of clear information on everything from treatments to types with no hold back on the reality that brain cancers can be treated but rarely eliminated even in healthy young dogs. While I would, if money is available, do an MRI to confirm… at 14 I can't imagine trying treatment.

http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vth/clinical_services/neuro/brain_tumor.html

[Patty]

I'm so sorry that a brain tumor has been diagnosed. I totally agree with Shelley's advice on a diary to record dates and times. A Basenji I bred has developed seizures in late age and by elimination, certain foods have been identified as contributing to them. A friend of mine's bitch also has mild seizures resulting from a brain tumour. She doesn't have treatment for the tumour and the seizures vary in their frequency. It is a year since the diagnosis was made and she is still going on well without much loss to her activities (she is 13).

Let us hope and pray that Beesley will have more happy years with the treatment and care he is given. My thoughts are with you.

[tanza]

As our Basenjis age we are all confronted with their care… there are tough decisions to be made for sure.. we can all only do what we can to make the remaining time they have with us the best possible.. and not going to extreme measures is many times the most kindest thing we can do... and just make sure they are comfortable .... been there, done that... not easy... but I know that the best care that was in my opinion was given....