Seizures:medication isn't working - any natural approaches that work?

Our dog is almost 4 and started having seizures 3 months ago. We have updated his medicine protocol three times (Keppra - 500mg; Keppra - 750mg; the addition of Phenobarbital 60mg). With all that he recently had an exhausting episode that entailed three different seizures in 2 hours: one lasting 40 seconds, another 2 minutes and a third 4 minutes. In each he never lost control of his bladder (encouraging). He recovered, but both of us are physically (and we are mentally) exhausted and we are on our way to consult a neurologist. As I trust vets, I am also a believer that there are natural approaches that work that the medical community simply doesn't pay attention to. Personally, I recovered from a major shoulder issue using natural solutions after having been told by an Orthopedic Surgeon that I needed shoulder replacement surgery. Any input from Dog Owners would be appreciated by us and most importantly our wonderful Greenland Sled Dog (the tan dog in the attached file)!

Thank You,

Glenn

 

What beautiful dogs you have! I really feel for what you are going through. Seizures are absolutely terrifying, and it sounds like you have been doing everything right by working closely with your vet and adjusting the medication protocol.

Please check out this article. It might help. It covers why some dogs remain refractory to medication and explores natural approaches that actually have some clinical studies behind them, including MCT oil, CBD, acupuncture, and ketogenic diets.

You can read it here: https://epicdoglife.com/natural-approaches-for-dog-seizures-when-medication-isnt-working/

It also has some good questions to bring to your neurologist. I hope it helps. Wishing you and your pup all the best.

 

That sounds like such a stressful situation for both of you. We see a lot of senior dogs with chronic conditions in our line of work, and the owners who stay closely in touch with their vet and keep a detailed log of episodes (time, duration, triggers) tend to get the medication adjusted faster. Hope your vet finds the right combination soon.