It was suggested in Shadow's thread that I upload a video of her having a seizure so that people know what it looks like.  In my research I've found that seizures are more prevalent in Huskies than a lot of other breeds, and this is something that people need to know how to recognize quickly.  Shadow pulls her head to the right during her seizures because of the brain damage on that side, but if a dog doesn't have any damage they likely won't pull their head like that.

To keep up with Shadow's thread and comment on her specific issues, here's the link: https://www.itsahuskything.com/t10655-shadow-is-having-seizures

Now for the video..

*****THIS IS DISTURBING*****

I don't know how you handle seeing that so often with her, it breaks my heart to watch. Sierras have never been that bad, but she drools a ton when she has had them and her eyes get very glassed over and she does not look like she is here with us. she only shakes a little bit and can either be laying down or sitting.

I am so sorry! I couldn't even finish the video because I feel so bad for Shadow that she has to go through this and for you having to watch it every time. I really hope the added holistic elements really help along with the medicine and that you guys can stop these soon so you don't have to worry as much anymore. At least you said after she has them, she acts like nothing has happened, that must be the only some what comforting thing that gets you through this.

Poor baby. When I suggested that post for your blog, I wasn't expecting a video, more of a text description. But I imagine that's probably tough too.

I really hope getting her back on the 8 hr medicine will help, I can't imagine what it's like having to watch her go through that...

Oh my Poor Shadow, thank you for sharing I didn't know what a seizure in dogs looked like. I just couldn't imagine having to watch my do go through that.... how awful!. I hope something works for you soon.

People should also realize seizures can vary quite a bit. Faith's seizures were much worse than the one portrayed above. Faith didn't turn her head to either side at all, the shaking and thrashing was easily 10 times more violent, and a times it looked like Faith was in a dead run sideways on the floor. Faith's were so violent that they caused serious damage to her eye that was on the side where the floor was.

MGoBlue wrote:

Poor baby. When I suggested that post for your blog, I wasn't expecting a video, more of a text description. But I imagine that's probably tough too.

I really hope getting her back on the 8 hr medicine will help, I can't imagine what it's like having to watch her go through that...

It's easier to show a video than to try to describe what happens. This gets the idea across a little better.

Poor baby How many seizures has she had since she's been on the medicine?

She's had 5, all when she was on the extended release version of her seizure med (Keppra). She's been seizure free since switching back to the regular formula yesterday, fingers crossed that it continues.

I started tearing up. The poor thing. If you do decide on the shunt I will do everthing in my power to help in fundraising. Ill throw pride to the wind and shamelessly harrass friends family and coworkers before I start on strangers.

Thanks, Erica. You guys are amazing  

Wow, that is intense. So is she okay right after it is over? Is there a wake or a lingering effect to the seizure afterwords?

poor shadow.. glad the regular meds are helping.. I am more than willing to help you in the cost of the stunt.

I have a friend here who husky an adult who has had a couple seizures nothing like what shadow in going thru..

So impressed how she comes out of it so well. That's hard to see but even more of a testament of WHY people should only support responsible breeders! Shadow is lucky to have you guys as her family

arooroomom wrote:

Shadow is lucky to have you guys as her family

I can not second this enough. You and your crew are quite inspirational Meredith.

Very hard to watch. Thank you for posting it. I have never seen a dog seizure before and I feel every pet owner and parent should know what one looks like.

Shadow is very lucky to have you and im happy the switch back to the regular release formula is working for her.

Oh my goodness that poor baby, god bless her!

I'm so sorry Meredith, but I am thankful you have a good support system.

P.S. Your sig made me cry. I'm such a sap.

blueeyedghost wrote:

She's had 5, all when she was on the extended release version of her seizure med (Keppra).  She's been seizure free since switching back to the regular formula yesterday, fingers crossed that it continues.

many thanks for the shocking post. I hope the meds continue to work for you and shadow. id certainly have a few years knocked off the end of my life seeing Harry in that situation and cant imagine what you've gone through.

Thanks for your bravery in posting this. Prayers for you guys in dealing with this.

That breaks my heart. Hopefully the meds will continue to work.

I agree with Valerie though, seizures can vary a lot. The seizures my shepherd mix had in the past were typically much more violent. Her head also goes straight back and forward, not to the side. I would always throw soft things under her head as I was sure she would hurt herself. It is really sad to see any type of seizure though, even the ones in which they just glaze over.

By the way, I love your quote. I remember not being able to take Lexi for walks as they were a huge trigger for her seizures. Funny now how proud I am of her for just walking around the neighborhood with me and Loki completely happy and carefree.

That was hard to watch, even as a video. I hope that switching the meds back keeps working for her. As always, please keep updating us on pretty miss Shadow. Stay strong! I know it must be really emotionally taxing. She couldn't be in better hands.

My in-laws have a Beagle that has seizure like events every now and then that are similar without the pulling of the head. Her whole body shakes and she stumbles around with her head rolling side to side. They usually just hold her so she doesn't stumble into something and hurt herself. Not much else they can do. It's not as violent as Shadows though. I feel so bad for all of you. I'm not nearly strong enough as you must be with all of this.

I've never seen a dog have a seizure before, but I have witnessed a friend have a very mild one before. One of my best friends has epilepsy and while I've never seen him have a seizure, I have seen the aftermath of a bad one. Shadow seems to come out of it like it was nothing.

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this but I am glad to hear that the medicine is working for her. *hugs*

How is the little angel today. And for the record, I'm on board to help with any fundraising effort you need, just say the word!