Thursday, July 30, 2015

Latest Heartguard/Dog Seizure Story

Doreen Grifin was kind enough to send me the following email today (7-30-15) about her Golden Retriever Jasmine:

"Hi Russ:

I found your story very interesting and wonder what happened over the next few years.

My 8 year old Golden had a seizure one day after Heartguard Plus and then another 6 days later, so my vet put her on Phenobarbital saying it was late on-set epilepsy.

Everything was fine (24 days) until I gave the next Heartguard Plus and she had seizures 2 days in a row, 24 hours after Heartguard, even though she was on Phenobarbital!

I am not going to give her any more, even though my vet said Heartguard has nothing to do with seizures.  She has a Seresto flea collar, so I took that off as well. 

She took Heartguard with no problems for 7 years, but I believe as you do, that over time, they can develop issues with it. 

Thank you for sharing your story. Doreen Grifin"

My response to Doreen:

"Hi Doreen - I am happy to report that Lola is 13 years old and experiencing only old age related problems. She has been seizure free for six years since I totally stopped giving her any of the Heartguard flea & tick and heart worm medications. Unfortunately, I know nothing about Phenobarbital. 

I have been giving her a half tablet (recommended dosage via Vet is a full tablet) of Carprofen which helps her sleep better (and me!) during the night as it is a pain relief aid for her bad hips. Thus far she has had no ill effects of this medication which I have been giving her for the past 6 months. I hope that you and Jasmine have a seizure-free future! Take care and big hugs for your Golden Jasmine from Lola and me :-) Russ"