I'm discouraged about Shyla. We had one day last week when I saw the true Shyla shine through. Since then, she's been off - a bit clumsy and very tired. My athletic young dog seems as if she's aged years since starting phenobarbital to control her epilepsy.
We're now on Day 23 of phenobarbital, and my vet told me that most dogs are back to 100% by about Day 15. I feel scared that Shyla will never get back her old flair and flat-out amazing athleticism. I hate epilepsy, and I hate phenobarbital.
We will wait this out, as patiently as we can, hoping that Shyla gets back to normal. I hope that we never have to make a decision about whether to accept this new level of function as "normal" for the sake of controlling her epilepsy.
This is the girl who I want back. She used to love to run long distances, leap high logs, and play like a puppy. I want that back again!
oh KB I am so sorry to hear this. I'm sure you have done every possible bit of research and have weighed and reweighed all the pros and cons of options, so I won't ask any questions or make any suggestions because you are already way ahead of that. Just know my fingers are firmly crossed and I am keeping Shyla and all of you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeletePOTP active this side for Shyla... c'mon gal!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
OJ,KB, my heart aches for you. Hang in there. Talk to your vet, maybe an adjustment can be made in the amount of pheno she is getting. Or maybe there is another answer. I truly understand and I am so hoping for an improvement. Many hugs.
ReplyDeletePOTP
ReplyDeletexo Astro
so sorry to hear this, prayers and hugs .. I beleinve it is best to talk about our grief and longings and not hold them in.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that
ReplyDeleteWe want to say sorry but we are going to be optimistic and hope this will pass.
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
Sometimes what happens is just too hard to take in, and I am hoping with all my heart that Shyla will return to her old exuberant self. Life is not fair, at times downright cruel. Hold tight to the love in your heart, and cherish those moments together with Shyla, either quiet, subdued, or with a glimmer of sparkle. XXX
ReplyDeleteDang, we were sure hopung for better too. Come on Shyla, you can do this girl.
ReplyDeleteThis scared me for a moment, I thought your pretty girl was gone.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry - I would never want to scare someone like that. And, your reaction does put our situation into perspective. She is still here, just different than she used to be.
DeleteWe want Shyla back too! Hugs to you, KB♥ We are sending tons of positive vibes for you, Shyla!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is hurting for you. I will keep you and Shyla in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
Oh no...I spoke too soon in my last comment. Are there other options for Shyla, other medications you can try if the side effects of this are too much for her? I can understand how discouraged you must feel, but every dog is different, and hopefully it's taking just a little longer for Shyla to shake off these side effects. My hopes are with you.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Our vets and we are hoping that it's just that Shyla is taking longer than most dogs to return to normal. She's so sensitive that I can imagine that perhaps the same level of "odd side effects" that another dog can shake off would leave her feeling worried and depressed. Thanks for your sweet thoughts!
DeleteMust be so disheartening. We hope it sorts itself out soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that Shyla is not feeling like herself and is so down with the pheno. :(
ReplyDeleteI think I can relate to how you're feeling even though the situation is not the same. Lately I am seeing signs of aging in Zoe and I'm not ready for it. She is not able to do longer hikes, she's slowing down and we've had to scale way back on her tricks. It's depressing. I'm not ready for this yet she's not even that old.
I'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteLast year Mom had me on a medication for behavioral issues I was having. It was awful! We learned I'm very sensitive to drugs and with just a slight increase in the dosage I turned into a nothing. I slept all the time, didn't want to do anything, couldn't even remember how to do nose work. It was terrible to watch. Luckily for us, I could go off the drugs and be back to normal in a few weeks. Sure hope Shyla comes back.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if Shyla's fear issues make her more sensitive to the "odd sensations" that the phenobarb must be giving her. My vet is counseling me to stay the course, and give it some more time for Shyla to get used to it.
DeleteI'm so glad that you could go off the drugs that made you feel so yucky!
Momma and I say a prayer for sweet Shyla everyday.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Buddy
Sending our strongest White Dog healing energies to bring Shyla back into balance. Asking the Universe to wrap you all in strength, a return to joy, and to give you a sense of control over this disease. We understand your fears and share your pain.
ReplyDeleteThat's so scary and discouraging that she's still not herself. Is there any other alternative drug she could be switched to?
ReplyDeleteOh noes. This is very sad for me. Do you thinks that a reduction in dose soon would help? Or, would that defeat the whole purpose? I gots my paws crossed that the answer comes soon, and Shyla's sweet smile is gonna return and you will be riding and running like last year!
ReplyDeleteSendin' lots of love, POTP and healin' vibes!!!! And tons of AireZens
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Shyla, I have all four paws crossed fur you. Love and hugs,
ReplyDeleteYur Furend
Louis Dog Armstrong
Massive healing hugs from all of us.
ReplyDeleteDear Shyla,
ReplyDeleteI'm a teenager now so I am really smarter than I used to be and hope that you can be a little more patient with this medicine you take. Maybe fifteen or twelve days might do the trick. I hope so, your friend Stella
who offers POTP too!
It's so hard when it feels like the treatment is almost as bad as the disease, I hope that as the med levels even out that Shyla's body adjusts and you see your old puppy back. Thinking of you both.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad but I'm glad you are sharing honestly about how you feel. Yes, we all want to smile, but it's important to be genuine. You always are and it's appreciated. Best wishes to Shyla and you; I hope a different solution can be found.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. This just plain sucks. I hope you get your girl back. Sending pawsitive thoughts your way!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are going through this. If there is one thing that Sampson has taught me, it's that all dogs are different. And just because a vet says that dogs recover in x amount of time, doesn't necessarily mean it is so. Sampson is so slow to heal in most things, so I will tell you, give her time. Hugs
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