In general, Shyla isn't improving yet from the side effects of the phenobarbital. However, I am figuring out that she has a window of time each day when she is feeling good enough to have some fun playing with me. I take full advantage of that time!
During that window of time, she has some sparkle in her eyes. She can even balance on one of R's rehab toys while waving at the time of day when the phenobarbital concentration is lowest in her blood.
Look at her eyes as she posed for me. I see Shyla's sweet spirit in those eyes. It's not as intense as usual but it's clear to me that Shyla is in there, just waiting to escape when the adjustment period is over.
And look at her focus in this one - I love that intensity! We had a fun time while she felt good yesterday.
We are now on Day 9 of phenobarbital. The side effects have been very tough to handle but Shyla hasn't even shown a hint of a seizure so maybe it will indeed control her epilepsy. Our vet tells us that the adjustment period is 14 days for phenobarbital, and that we'll see a big change for the better on Day 15. I'm not sure whether I believe the precision of that prediction but I keep reminding myself that, if Shyla is like most dogs in adapting to this medication, each day is one day closer to Shyla feeling better!
I hope your vet is correct and you are over the hump!
ReplyDeleteHopefully 15 days will be the magic number.
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful Shyla and we'll all be happy when your adjustment period is over.
ReplyDeletei hope day 15 is the charm. she has the most beautiful eyes, and that wave is priceless
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Shyla, I spy you!!! Hgus and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Yes that's the Shyle we know,
ReplyDeletealways alert and willing to please.
Waving back at ya Shyla.
Counting down the days with you! POTP.
xo Astro
It's nice to see Shyla shining as much as she can right now. Our paws are crossed that she comes out of the adjustment period on time.
ReplyDeleteThat's the only way you can look at this trying time. C'mon Day #15, let's get there. Shyla, hang in there, we are all pulling for this med to help you kick that monster out of town.
ReplyDeleteBe better soon, Beautiful ... praying your vet will be correct about "that day"!
ReplyDeleteShe'll be very close to herself (without the seizures, hopefully) once her blood levels balance out. Hang in there...it'll happen, just you wait and see. ❤︎
ReplyDeleteMore than half way to day 15, and I hope that the side effects are so much less and Shyla sparkles again.
ReplyDeletePaws and fingers are crossed that Day 15 is the magic day!
ReplyDeleteWe think Shyla is trying to break out....like sun trying to shine through clouds. She's there, hopefully, her window of sparkle will keep getting bigger.
ReplyDeleteCrossing paws that she adjusts well and it does what it is supposed to do!!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Yups, I gots my paws crossed real tight for you gurl! I SO see that spark in your beautiful eyes gurl! I gots a feelin' on day 15 your Moms is gonna be leaking from her eyes! ☺
ReplyDelete{{{hugs}}}
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
My aunt's dalmatian is on phenobarbital for seizures, too. She's been on it for a long time--I never saw her at the beginning of her treatment, so I don't know how it affected her at first, but now she's a perfectly normal, happy dog who hasn't had a seizure in years. I hope that Shyla's almost through the worst of the side effects and will be back to having fun with you all day long soon.
ReplyDeleteI love great stories like that one. I hope that's what Shyla's future holds too! Thanks!
Deleteon the downhill side of the adjustment period! glad you can see some sparkle during the day
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
She may not be able to be as active, but her sweet spirit is definitely still there, and these photos prove it. ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
I bet your vet has been keeping records on his phenobarb dogs and that his prediction
ReplyDeleteis a worthy one consisting of his experience. That is what I am hoping for!
Cheers, Jo and Stella