Note:ย this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of โspecial moments with my dogsโ up-to-date!
November 7, 2023
While waiting in Dr. Eagleson’s office, we saw Porter’s 1 Year Seizure Free picture hanging on the bulletin board!
Getting back scratches while the nurse inputs his information for Dr. Eagleson
Waiting for Dr. Eagleson
Dr. Eagleson said that overall Porter looked great and did not have any changes from his last exam.
Physical Exam:
General: Bright, Alert, Responsive
Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat: No significant findings
Heart/Lungs:
No murmur detected
Lungs clear
Strong synchronous pulses
Abdomen: No masses found
Urogenital / Rectal exam: Within normal limits
Peripheral lymph nodes: Within normal limits
Integument: diffuse symmetrical alopecia (mainly on extremities)
Musculoskeletal:
Body Condition Score: 5/9
head muscle atrophy
Neurological Exam:
Mentation: Bright, Alert, Responsive
Gait: Very mild UMN tetraparesis / general proprioceptive deficit ataxia (appears to be drug related)
Reflexes:
Normal withdrawal in all limbs
Normal patella bilaterally
Normal perineal reflex
Postural Reactions:
Very mild delay in hopping in pelvic limbs
Normal thoracic limbs
Normal placing in all limbs
Cutaneous nerves: Normal
Cranial neves: Normal
Sensory: No pain on spine palpation or neck range of motion
Neuroanatomic Localization: Normal exam
Overall Dr. Eagleson was pleased with Porter’s current seizure control so no changes to his medications will be made at this time.
It was recommended that Porter have a CBC and chemistry profile done. Dr. Eagleson was pleased with all the lab results.
Porter will have his Bromide level checked in March of 2024 and see Dr. Eagleson again in November of 2024.
You may be a part of our boy, but you surely donโt define him. This boy kicked you to the curb, earning titles and excelling in obedience, trick training and dock diving.
Jรคger is proving to the world that dogs with Epilepsy not only can can have a good quality life, but can also beat you at your game and ๐ฝ๐๐๐โ๐๐โ. You are ๐ง๐จ ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ก for our boy’s resilience.
Our efforts: Relentless.
Our faith and hope: Endless.
We wonโt give up. We wonโt give inโฆ๐ฌ๐ฝ๐ฌ๐น.
We are beyond grateful to be able to celebrate this important day with our boy, and fully understand that there are dogs and families who are less fortunate. We will continue to fight each and every day for the warriors of the past and present in hopes that one day all dogs can live seizure-free.
Note:ย this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of โspecial moments with my dogsโ up-to-date!
Dear Epilepsy,
You may be a part of our boy, but you surely donโt define him.
You ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ก succeeded in the battle you picked with Porter. After recovering fully from his Status Epilepticus episode, not only did he ๐๐โ, he is thriving and paying it forward by helping others.
Porter is proving to the world that dogs with Epilepsy not only can can have a good quality life, but can also beat you at your game and ๐ฝ๐๐๐โ๐๐โ. You are ๐ง๐จ ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ก for our boy’s resilience.
Our efforts: Relentless.
Our faith and hope: Endless.
We wonโt give up. We wonโt give inโฆ๐ฌ๐ฝ๐ฌ๐น.
*********************************
We are beyond grateful to be able to celebrate these days with our boys, and fully understand that there are dogs and families who are less fortunate. We will continue to fight each and every day for the warriors of the past and present in hopes that one day all dogs can live seizure-free.
Note:ย this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of โspecial moments with my dogsโ up-to-date!
March 26th is Epilepsy Awareness Day (Also known as Purple Day). This day aims to increase everyoneโs knowledge of this neurological condition affecting so many people and pups worldwide.
My hope is that through continuously sharing posts about Jรคgermeister and Porter, I will help change the face of Canine Epilepsy with the intention of dispelling common myths and fears people have about โEpi-dogs.โ
Those of you that have been following Porterโs journey know that the path traveled is not always an easy one. There have be numerous rocky roads Po has encountered, but heโs conquered them all. Jรคgermeisterโs journey on the other hand has been much less challenging. Regardless of the course the dogโs epilepsy chooses, the incredible bond that is formed between these pups and their humans is unmatched.
Epilepsy does NOT hold a dog back from enjoying life. Jรคgermeister competes and excels in dock diving, holds several trick and obedience titles, runs 5kโs, and hikes. Porter loves walking, hiking, visiting dog friendly establishments, and going for rides in his bike cartโฆ and heโs signed up for his first official Fast CAT this April!
Sharing is caring and knowledge is keyโฆ so learn more about Epilepsy, know the signs of a seizure and what to do, and spread the word that despite a diagnosis of Epilepsy, a dog can live a healthy and happy life. As the awareness about Canine Epilepsy increases, so does the number of โEpi-dogsโ that will be saved!
Join the Purple Day movement:
Learn more about epilepsy.
Show your support by wearing purple.
Donate to research on epilepsy.
Know the signs of a seizure and what to do.
Epilepsy impacts the central nervous system causing seizures and other symptoms. The types of seizures vary depending on the cause and type of epilepsy. Seizures can range from mild โpartialโ or โfocalโ seizures to generalized โtonic-clonicโ or โgrand malโ seizures.
Although in some cases a cause may not ever be found, some known causes of epilepsy include:
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. During this month, the goal is to educate and raise awareness about one of the least understood of all neurological diseases.
Our fellow EpilepsyWarrior and IG friend, Rosie the Labradoodle ‘s Mom, published a great journal for PAWrents of dogs with epilepsy. This journal is an efficient way to document your epilepsy warrior’s information, log seizure activity, track medications, triggers, appointments and medical history. The journal measures 7×10 inches and makes traveling with your epileptic pet easier in the event of an emergency trip to the vet by having all of your pet’s medical history in one convenient place. Over 125 epileptic canine warriors are pictured throughout… including OUR very own warriors, Porter and Jรคgermeister (can yo spot them on the page below?! This journal can be purchased on Amazon.
Epilepsy? What’s That?
โEpilepsyโ is a general term for neurological disorders that are characterized by recurrent seizures. In some cases, the seizures are caused by trauma, a toxin, a brain tumor, an infection, or an issue with your dogโs blood, kidneys, or other organs. At other times, the epilepsy is referred to as โidiopathic,โ which simply means that there is no identifiable, underlying cause.
Seizures commonly fall into two categories: generalized (grand mal) or partial (focal). Generalized seizures commonly appear as involuntary jerking or twitching movements of all four limbs with loss of consciousness. Partial seizures may involve one limb, side of the body, or face. Partial seizures may progress to generalized seizures. Seizures may also result in abnormal behavior, vocalization, salivation, chomping/chewing, and involuntary urination and defecation.
Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have their first seizures between the ages of 6 months to 6 years. Though idiopathic epilepsy can occur in any breed, it is considered an inheritable disease in many breeds and in some breeds a genetic basis has been identified. Therefore, dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy should not be used for breeding. Commonly affected breeds include:
Labrador retrievers
Golden retrievers
Poodles
Keeshonds
Beagles
German shepherds
Dachshunds
Irish setters
Cocker spaniels
Is a seizure painful or dangerous to the dog?
Despite the dramatic and violent appearance of a seizure, seizures are not painful, although the dog may feel confusion and perhaps panic. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure. If you put your fingers or an object into its mouth, you will not help your pet and you run a high risk of being bitten very badly or of injuring your dog. The important thing is to keep the dog from falling or hurting itself by knocking objects onto itself. As long as it is on the floor or ground, there is little chance of harm occurring.
A single seizure is rarely dangerous to the dog. However, if the dog has multiple seizures within a short period of time (cluster seizures), or if a seizure continues for longer than a few minutes, the body temperature begins to rise. If hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) develops secondary to a seizure, another set of problems need to be addressed.
Symptoms
Prolonged seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or two or more consecutive seizures without full recovery are referred to as status epilepticus. This is a true emergency and you should seek immediate veterinary care for your pet. Two or more seizures in 24 hours are referred to as cluster seizures and are an indication for beginning anti-seizure medication.
In dogs, seizures often occur in three distinct phases:
The first is called the aural phase and the most common signs are behavioral changes. These changes may be subtle and include restlessness, attention seeking or anxious behavior.
The second phase, called the ictal phase, is when the seizure itself takes place. A seizure can last from just a few seconds to several minutes.
The final phase is called the postictal phase, which occurs after the seizure. During this phase, your dog may seem restless, uncoordinated and/or disoriented. Occasionally, temporary blindness, deafness or other neurologic abnormalities may occur.
It may be difficult to watch your pet have a seizure but most are of short duration and cause no permanent harm. Avoid being bitten by keeping your hands away from your petโs mouth during a seizure. If it can be done safely, provide padding and move your pet away from stairs to prevent injury.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will take a complete history and perform a thorough physical and neurological exam to determine if there is an identifiable, underlying cause of your dogโs seizure.
In order to do so, the following tests may be recommended:
Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels and electrolytes
A complete blood count to screen for infection, inflammation, anemia, and other blood-related conditions
Urinalysis
PCR testing and/or serology to evaluate for infectious diseases that may cause seizures
Referral to a neurologist for advanced testing including MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis
Cultures, PCR testing, and other specialized tests that can identify if specific parasites or diseases could be the cause
Treatment
Epilepsy cannot be cured, but it can usually be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs. If your veterinarian determines that your dogโs epilepsy is idiopathic, one or more of the following medications may be prescribed:
Phenobarbital helps reduce the frequency of your dogโs seizures and is the most prescribed medication for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. It is generally a well-tolerated drug.
Potassium bromide is another seizure medication that may be added to your dogโs treatment, if she does not respond well to phenobarbital alone.
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
With these medications, as with all drugs, some patients experience side effects. In order to make sure an adequate dose is being given, and to monitor for side effects, it is important that blood levels of each medication as well as complete blood counts and blood chemistry profiles be monitored periodically. Liver function tests may also be indicated. Your veterinarian will advise what monitoring needs to be done and how often. Medication dosages should not be changed without talking to your veterinarian.
Dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy may require treatment for life, and sometimes more than one drug is needed for adequate seizure control. And while many dogs are well controlled, some are not despite multiple medications. In addition, adequate seizure control does not necessarily guarantee that a dog will be entirely seizure free. The degree of seizure control may need to be balanced against potential side effects of the medications.
Management
Besides medication, there are many ways for you, yourself, to help manage your petโs epilepsy:
Maintain a seizure log that lists date, time, length and severity of seizures as well as videotape and share this with your veterinarian
Do not change or discontinue medications without consulting your veterinarian
Have blood work and other lab work done when recommended by your veterinarian
Consult your veterinarian whenever you notice a change in your petโs condition
Put a medical alert tag on your petโs collar so that if he becomes lost, whoever finds him will be aware of their seizure disorder and need for medication.
Several treatments are available for pets with epilepsy. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can maximize the chances of controlling the disorder and giving your pet a long, happy, and comfortable life.
As a pet owner, seeing your dog have a seizure can be one of the most frightening experiences youโll have. Seizures are often sudden, seemingly occur without reason and leave you feeling helpless as the owner.
There are a variety of different types of seizures found in dogs. However, one very important type of dog seizure to be aware of is cluster seizures.
What are the types of seizures in dogs?
Unfortunately, there are actually several different types of seizures found in dogs, and they can vary greatly in severity. Itโs valuable to be able to differentiate the different types of dog seizures so you can have an idea of what type of treatment and outcome to expect.
Epilepsy in Dogs
Believe it or not, epilepsy itself is actually NOT a type of seizure, rather a condition that often causes repeated bouts of seizures. The term โepilepsyโ refers to recurrent seizures that originate in the brain. There are different forms of canine epilepsy as well, but again, these are not types of seizures themselves.
Grand Mal Seizures
In a generalized seizure, the dog will fall, lose consciousness, and extend his limbs out rigidly. The dog may also have sudden apnea, meaning he will briefly stop breathing. This will generally last for around 10 to 30 seconds. Afterwards, the dog will begin paddling his limbs or start chewing. He may also have dilated pupils, salivate, urinate or defecate.
Mild Seizure
A mild seizure begins the same way as a grand mal seizure but will typically not involve the extension of the limbs or paddling. The dog usually will not lose consciousness. Mild and grand mal seizures are most often associated with epilepsy.
Petit Mal Seizure
Also known as an absence seizure, petit mal seizures are very rarely recognized in dogs. These seizures are very brief, lasting just seconds, and can manifest as a brief period of unconsciousness, loss of muscle tone, blank stare, or possibly even an upward rotation of the eyes.
Partial Seizure
During a partial seizure, the associated movements will only be seen in one area of the body. This can be the movement of one limb, a muscle jerking, a turning of the head or bending the trunk to one side or even facial twitches. Partial seizures can progress to generalized seizures and are associated with secondary epilepsy.
Complex Partial Seizures
These seizures are notable for the strange or complex behaviors that they repeatedly cause. In humans, complex partial seizures cause us to distort our thought perception, and certain emotions, like fear.
When they happen to dogs, they might be displayed as lip-smacking, chewing, fly biting, aggression, vocalization, frightened running, covering or hiding. Dogs may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite or biting.
These can last minutes or even hours, and can be followed by or progress to a generalized seizure. Like partial seizures, complex partial seizures are also closely associated with secondary epilepsy.
Status Epilepticus
Colloquially known as simply โstatus,โ this type of dog seizure can occur either as a series of multiple seizures within a short timeframe with no periods of normal consciousness in between, or as one continuous seizure that can last up to 30 minutes.
Although closely related to primary and secondary epilepsy, status can sometimes occur suddenly in dogs that have no history of seizures or brain injury. Status can often be difficult to differentiate from cluster seizures. These seizures are considered life-threatening emergencies.
Cluster Seizures
Cluster seizures in dogs occur when a dog experiences multiple seizures within a short period of time, generally considered within a 24-hour window. Like status epilepticus, cluster seizures should be considered life threatening. These seizures are typically brief and isolated, but can also be more serious. Large breed dogs tend to be the most susceptible to cluster seizures.
When a dog experiences cluster seizures, he will usually have one, seem to recover, and then have another a few hours later. However, the dog never fully recovers from the first seizure before the second strikes. This can continue on and on until the dog is in critical condition. With the aforementioned status epilepticus, these seizures wonโt be spread out, but will be one long seizure that doesnโt stop. Both are true emergencies.
Cluster seizures can be managed with medication, but the cause of the seizures must first be established before any medication can be prescribed.
What causes cluster seizures in dogs?
Cluster seizures in dogs are often caused by a problem in the dogโs brain, such as a tumor that interferes with the communication between parts of the brain. They can also stem from a lack of oxygen in the brain, low glucose level in the blood, known as hypoglycemia, or hypothyroidism, which is a deficit of thyroid hormone production.
If the seizures seem to happen for no apparent reason, then idiopathic epilepsy may be the cause. This type of epilepsy is difficult to detect because it leaves no lesions or lasting damage on the brain. Genetics can also be a factor in dogs having seizures, but this is not yet absolutely proven.
What dogs have cluster seizures?
Any dog of any age and breed can experience cluster seizures, but they are most often seen in middle-aged dogs. Breeds like Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, and Boxers are known to be susceptible. Research has actually shown that male dogs are more prone to cluster seizures than females.
What are the symptoms of seizures in dogs?
Itโs important to note that most seizures are brief, and that your dog can live a normal life when given the proper dog seizure treatment. However, cluster seizures are much more serious, and can cause serious brain damage, or worse.
A dog experiencing a seizure will most often suddenly collapse, exhibit abnormal movement in its limbs, excessive drooling and uncontrollable jaw movement, as well as incontinence. The dog will usually be unconscious and unresponsive, and have no control over its spasms.
In cluster seizures, the dog will seem to recover between seizures, although he will be very tired and lethargic, potentially even staggering, as seizures are exhausting events.
Though their demeanor will otherwise seem fine, they do not fully recover in between seizures and can get progressively worse. If they donโt regain consciousness at all, or seem to have a prolonged seizure lasting up to 30 minutes, this is not a cluster seizure, but status epilepticus, which is extremely dangerous to your dog and can be life threatening.
How are cluster seizures diagnosed?
Dogs that have encountered cluster seizures should be brought into the veterinarian immediately. Once there, your vet will give your dog a glucose test. Often, your vet will also test to see if your dog has ingested poison.
A lot of the diagnosis will come down to what you are able to report to your vet when you bring your dog in. Pay attention to the symptoms your dog displayed during, before, and after a seizure. If you suspect cluster seizures, tell your veterinarian why and that will help them make a proper diagnosis.
Your vet may also conduct a CT scan or an MRI to see if there are any brain tumors or lesions. Since cluster seizures are so serious, you can expect a full round of testing.
How to Treat Cluster Seizures in Dogs
Medication will be prescribed by your veterinarian in order to treat a dog that is experiencing cluster seizures, but there are also a few things you can do at home to help care for your pet.
If you happen to notice your dog having a seizure, you can spring into action if necessary. Make sure your dog isnโt near anything sharp or close to stairs. Note your dogโs behavior during the seizure and, if possible, try to pinpoint the trigger. Comfort your dog after the seizure and see your vet immediately, especially if another seizure occurs.
If your dog has had cluster seizures, you should also be sure to monitor his other bodily functions. Things youโll want to monitor include:
Packer, R, โRisk Factors for Cluster Seizures in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy.โ Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, Apr. 2016, Accessed 1 April 2017. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27033922.
Porter being a ridiculous attention hog as usual while the Tech takes notes for Dr. Eagleson
Summary of The Last Year
Porter has not had any seizure activity for the past year (440 days to be exact)! However, added to his laundry of health issues, Porter was diagnosed with Atypical Addison’s disease this past year. Most recently, he was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism in October. Once Porter was started on prednisone following his Addison’s disease diagnosis, he became a lot more alert and coordinated and his daily “twitching” (which was thought to be focal seizure activity) also subsided.
Neurological Exam Summary
Porter’s neurologist, Dr. Eagleson, thought Porter looked great and is pleased with his current seizure control. Dr. Eagleson would like us to try reducing the CBD to once a day. In regards to his anti-epileptic drugs, Dr. Eagleson said that since his seizure control has been so good, it may be worth trying to reduce some of his daily drugs. That being said, Porter seems to be tolerating all of the medication well. Dr. Eagleson also said he would be ok if we did not want to tempt fate. Since Porter has just begun the thyroid medication, Dr. Eagleson recommended that we wait about three months before making a decision about reducing any anti-epileptic medication. If it is decided to reduce meds, then we would likely start with tapering his Topiramate.
Next Exam
If Porter continues to do well, he will have his next neurological exam in one year.
Note:ย this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of โspecial moments with my dogsโ up-to-date!
Jรคgermeister is TWO years seizure-free as of 8/25/2022! August 25, 2020 was the last grand Mal seizure Jรคgermeister endured. After a small tweak in his meds, the seizures have not returned! We are so very lucky to have such a wonderful medical team to guide our epilepsy warrior through his journey!
Note:ย this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of โspecial moments with my dogsโ up-to-date!
Purple for Po!
Today Porter is officially ONE YEAR SEIZURE-FREE!! โฆ I donโt even have the words! August 24, 2021 was the last day Porter had a seizure. I am beyond thrilled for this boy and so grateful for every day I have with him! He is truly an AMAZING soul! Thank you to his primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital, his neurologist, Dr. Eagleson & international medicine specialist Dr. Klag ( both Blue Pearl / Levittown, PA) without you all, Porter would not be with us today.
Hey everyone! Iโm excited to announce I did my very first 5K! For those of you who donโt know me very well, my brain has epic raves without my consentโฆmy Mom says its called โseizuresโ โฆ I just think she canโt handle that Iโm a total PAWty animal. This 5K was important for me because in registering for this event, a donation was made to an organization that helps research a cure for epilepsy!
Like everything else I do, I completed this 5K in my MY own special way.
First, I leashed-up my Mom and took her on a 0.71 mile stroll (Mom said in walking for epilepsy, we were helping those with seizures by taking โsteps toward zero).” A 0.71 mile walkย is a far distance for me since sometimes the many anti-seizure medications I take cause ataxia, so I stumble often and tire out much quicker than the average 4 year old Pointer.
For the next 2.02 miles, I had my mom chauffeur me around town in my Chariot (Mom insists that itโs a โbike trailerโ made especially for dogs ๐) . We discovered my Momโs electric bike had a flat, so we hooked up my Chariot to her regular street bike and set out โon the road to zero!โ Lucky for me school was just letting outโฆ our town doesnโt have a bus service so all the kids ride their bikes to/from school, and they love to say hello to me as they zoom past us (donโt tell her I said so, but my mom is super slow on a bike).
We only had 0.38 miles left to go until I could get my award for completion of my first 5K, so I had my mom transfer me over to my Trophy Trolley (which mom incorrectly refers to as the doggie stroller๐). The โstrollerโ was originally bought for my sister, Ritaโฆbut I think Sweet Reet would want me to use it in her honor. I love the “stroller” because many people stop to ask all about me and while they pet me, my mom gets the chance to spread awareness about rescue, epilepsy, and โseizing the day.โ
Remember: Two feet may move the body, but four feet move the soul. Humans need you – so all you puppers out there, grab your PAWrent and walk some miles for mutts! You donโt even have to be fast to participate in a race – in fact, the MORE time you spend with your human, the better!! My mom will be posting any dog-related 5Kโs she finds in case anyone wants to join in on the fun. Itโs never too late to sign up – and for most virtual race organizations, even if the race time frame has passed, proceeds from your registration will still be donated to the selected charity!
A portion of the proceeds from the Virtual Strides โSeize the Dayโ virtual race was donated to CURE. CURE is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. The organization was founded by a group of parents of children with epilepsy who felt helpless in protecting their children from seizures and the harsh side effects of some of the medications. Since its origination in 1998, CURE has raised more than $34 million to fund research and initiatives that aid in leading the way to a cure for epilepsy.ย
Note:ย this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of โspecial moments with my dogsโ up-to-date!
Just want to “๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฅ” out that 8/25/21 is a very special day for meโฆ.Today I am ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ !
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin sterile needles into specific points in the body, has been known to be effective in treating dogs with epilepsy. After numerous unsuccessful drug trials, we decided to give acupuncture a try for Porter, along with supportive Chinese herbs. In July of 2020, we were referred to Dr. Karen Collins, VMD.
I despise needles and will pass out if I need to have blood taken, so I was extremely nervous to try acupuncture with Porter. A phone call with Dr. Collins’ nurse set my mind at ease. I learned that there is no pain when the needles are placed in the dog’s skin, and that most dogs will even become very relaxed during the session.
Porter’s First Acupuncture Treatment
During the initial visit, Dr. Collins reviewed Porter’s history, performed a physical examination and a discussed Porter’s individual needs. She created an individualized treatment plan which included acupuncture, Tui-Na and Chinese herbs. Porter also had his first acupuncture treatment.
Herbal Medicine
Porter’s plan included incorporating:
Di Tan Tang
Tian Ma Bai Zhu
In addition to the above Chinese herbs, Porter also began taking Neurotrophin PMG supplement. Neurotrophin PMG helps to support healthy central nervous system function. We did not discontinue or alter his traditional anti-seizure drugs during this time.
Dr. Collins also provided me with the following information about Chinese herbal medicine:
Chinese herbal medicine uses herbal formulas, which are groups of herbs that work together synergistically. Many of the herbal formulas have been in use for hundreds and even thousands of years. The many constituents in the herbal formula are present in small amounts, but work together. Side effects are possible, but happen uncommonly, especially when the herbal formulas are prescribed by a trained herbalist. If adverse events occur, they are generally very mild and limited to gastrointestinal upset. I tend to start all herbal medicines at a low dose and slowly increase the dose and this avoids almost all GI problems. Herbal formulas work physiologically, not pharmacologically. The appropriate herbal formula is chosen based on a Chinese medical diagnosis. We now also have large amounts of information about the biochemistry of the individual herbs and formulas and their mechanisms of action. Depending on the formula, it may increase blood flow to particular tissues or organs, have anti-inflammatory effects, help resolve chronic inflammation, relieve pain, slow and prevent degenerative processes, support digestion, normalize smooth muscle contraction, act as an immune modulator, have anti-microbial effects, and/or control cancer growth. When herbal medicines are used to help treat patients with cancer, the herbal medicines act through many possible mechanisms and most individual herbs act in several places in the cascade of events that allows cancer cells to thrive. Herbal medicines can be integrated into a western medical protocol or used on their own.
Therapeutic Massage
Tui-Na (Chinese healing massage) was also introduced and the following directions were given:
For this particular massage, use gentle touch. Think of yourself as only touching your pet’s fur and skin. This is not a deep tissue massage.
Use your pointer finger on their midline (spine), thumb and middle finger on either side.
Start at the top of their head at the little smart bump.
Slide your hand from the top of their head, down their back, to the base of their tail. Allow your pointer finger to follow the midline or spine, your thumb and middle finger on either side.
Repeat 5 or 10 times.
Then, continue down the back of one or both hind legs. Work on the leg that is easier to reach.
Find the back of their knee (stifle) and massage right where the knee bends.
From there, you will find their ankle. There is a fleshy area located between a bone and a tendon. Massage that area above the ankle (hock) with your pointer finger on one side and your thumb on the other side, gently.
For the last leg point, you will simply slide down and rub up against the large pad.
Porter is not the typical case for sure. He has trialed many things that have been reported to help dogs with epilepsy. Almost everything we have tried has not made a difference for out boy. Although we learned so much from Dr. Collins, the acupuncture was not beneficial in reducing Porter’s seizure frequency or severity, so we stopped treatment in October of 2020.
Recommended Books
Chinese medicine had many benefits for illnesses and ailments of all kinds. Want to learn more? Below are two great books recommended by Dr. Collins that I very much enjoyed:
