Update on Cami, by Cami's Mom

After Cami’s first seizure on March 14, I had hoped it would be a one-time event. Four weeks to the day, however, she had her second one, three days later the third, and 24 hours later the fourth. Though the subsequent seizures were less violent and shorter, the vet suggested that it was time to start Phenobarbital. I reluctantly agreed, acknowledging that the med would be the lesser of the evils. We started the med on April 16, and it turned her into a limp noodle. After two doses, the vet cut it in half. She was still woozy, but not limp and the vet said the lethargy would dissipate as her system absorbed the medication. The good news is that there have been no additional seizures!

The rest of the story is that I had been noticing even before the seizures that Cami seemed hesitant particularly in places like the dark hallway. I decided she probably was developing cataracts as many poodles do. About the time she began the Phenobarbital, I noticed she would not move forward at all and would often turn in circles as though trying to get her bearings. I began to think she was blind, but was unsure if her vision were just poor and being compromised by the meds. A trip back to the vet confirmed blindness, and he referred us to an ophthalmologist for assessment.

Tests indicated that her eyes are healthy so the cause of blindness is in the brain or in the optic nerve. Coupled with the seizures, it is possible that there is a brain mass. It is also possible that her immune system is attacking the nerve so he is treating for that with antibiotics and prednisone. If that is the case, there should be vision improvement with two weeks of treatment.

The wonderful news is that after two days of treatment, Cami seems like she sees! It may be that the Phenobarbital is in her system enough that she is no longer lethargic and can operate from memory and smell. She can move around the house, walk in the yard, and get herself off the porch, back on the porch and in! She is in many ways like my puppy…rolling over for belly rubs, hiding her eyes behind her paws, and barking at unexplained noises and the dogs next door! I am grateful!

Cami and Susu

In 10 days she will have blood work to check the Phenobarbital levels and they may be decreased. The vet thinks the dose may still be too high, but a one month check is standard procedure. June 1 she goes back to the ophthalmologist. Thank you for your kind thoughts. Cami is a fighter!

Cami, taking a little stroll in her backyard!

You Go, Girl!!!