Updates ...
Since the horrible episode on Saturday night, Kia'a, I am happy to say, has been completely seizure free and her normal happy self. I got a few ice packs ... stocked up on the HD Vanilla ice cream (thanks Barb!!) and set upon changing our routine and life .... without the Phenobarbital.
We are eating new food, Go Duck, and outside play (besides potty breaks) is a stict no no
between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm. She gets 2, hour long walks (one at 6 am and the other at 9 pm) and we turned the family room into a mini agility course for day time, air conditioned play. Tuesday the temp here hit 111 and it was too hot for her little paws on the ground ... I now carry the little princess to the grass to relieve herself (she doesn't seem to mind
).
I saw the neurologist today and have to admit I feel very unimpressed. I paid a small fortune to hear what I have already been told (that she appears to be having seizures) that I should start her on the Phenobarbital, and that heat may be a factor in the equation. The bottom-line? I need to have MRI and CAT scan ($1800 and $2300 respectively) to find out what
might be going on. I had to
force him to watch my video of Kai's last seizure ... which really pissed
me off because I would think that he would want to actually see the problem instead of guessing what was going on. I actually told him that for $410 he could take 5 minutes to actually watch the patient in action (so to speak). He was less than thrilled with me too. I got the distinct impression that these people really don't care, that he could care less ... they want the $$$ for the big tests. And I found the idea of "vets" caring more about money then they did the animals extremely disturbing. Unfortunately they are the ONLY animal neuro-clinc in Vegas.
I see the holistic vet this afternoon. And although I am not ruling out further diagnostic tests, I think that I might just “stay the course” right now (Unlike George Bush Jr – it appears to be working). Kai'a seems to be back to normal ... there is no impairment of movement or any delay in cognitive response. The change in diet and the stict control of her climate seems to be working. I know it's not a 100% fix, but from the information I have gathered from you all and others I know ... seizures are things you manage and deal with, there is very rarely a procedure that completely eliminates the problem.
I am still holding off on Phenobarbital, doing what George Bush Sr. told me to do and I am "just saying no" to the expensive scans offered by the unfeeling vet. If need be, I know what tools are in my arsenal and I will use them accordingly when and if the "war" beings.
But like I told Dr. "I Could Care Less" today, "I am still a hippie by nature ... I believe that love and peace solve just about everything." War is messy and usually causes horrific damage along the way ... I would prefer to keep Kai'a in Switzerland for now.
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reading all the problems that we dog lovers go through for our lovies scares me that I someday may be going through it too. I wish you and Kai'a all the best, i'm sending positive thoughts your way, all your love will help her heal as well! All the best to you