Older dog - having seizures

[insahmniak]

My brother's chocolate lab is nearing 15 years old. He's been an amazingly healthy dog, but is of course aging. He recently started having seizures. And apparently the last one was grand mal. I don't know what kind of vet care they have done with this particular issue. I should mention that this lab is one of the most beloved dogs to walk the earth. They absolutely dote on him. So I know they care for him well. They are obviously very worried. But I also imagine that they're wondering how far to go with trying to diagnose and treat this recent development given his age. He has some trouble getting up and down off the floor sometimes, and needs to be boosted in and out of vehicles and sometimes up and down stairs. He's continent. He's deaf. He's always been just the best dog ever. Oh my this is hard.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for here. I've known this dog for 15 years.

I've just done a bit of reading online about possible causes of seizures and they seem really numerous. Everything from cancer to toxins to Lymes Disease. Does anyone here have experience with older dogs and seizures?

[Theia]

I'm so sorry. I experienced this with my cat last year. I went to Catster (maybe someone on Dogster can do the same) and someone there pointed me to some experts with pet seizures, but in the end I had to put him to sleep.

Just keep him as comfortable as possible, let him know how loved he is, and how much love he has brought into your lives. If it comes to it, you will know when it's time to let him go. a million times over.

[insahmniak]

Thank you so much for your heartfelt words, Theia. It really does help that others understand just how close we can feel to our pets, and how hard it can be to see them suffer as they grow old.

I had a long talk with my brother this afternoon. (He and the dog live about 900 miles away.) My brother reassured me that the dog still has very happy moments. It sounds like in all he's probably had about 5 or 6 seizures. The last two happened within 24 hours, and they were both grand mal. They're guessing brain tumor. But in all honesty whatever the cause they are pretty sure they would only opt for supportive care. Medication has side effects and a story all its own, and they're fairly certain they'd opt out of that.

Thanks again for your empathy and for giving me a chance to talk it out. This is tougher than I ever imagined.

[Theia]

My vet was pretty sure that it was brain tumors with my cat also. I couldn't afford the MRI which would have been a 5 hour trip one-way. Way too much stress to put him through anyway. I did try the meds, some kind of barbituate, but by the time I realized he was sick, he was really sick. So the end came quickly. Fortunately I was able to have the vet assist his passing at home rather than stressing him by taking him to the clinic. His first seizure was at the vets office, so I knew I couldn't take him there to pass. His 1yr anniversary of passing is next week. God I miss him so much. I will keep you all in my thoughts.