Epileptic dog with pancreatitis

My dog is currently in the ER with acute pancreatitis. I've gotten so much
information but some of it conflicts.

If you have a dog with epilepsy who has had pancreatitis would you please
share your experience with me? Right now I'm very distraught & need help.

Thanks so much.

My Border Terrier, Alvin, had epilepsy, which was controlled with
phenobarbital from the age of about 5 yo to 14 1/2 yo. He had had
seizures prior to age 5, but not frequently enough to warrant
medication.

He had a couple of episodes of pancreatitis due to "dietary
indiscretions" (love that phrase). It had NO effect on his
epilepsy.... and vice versa.

This is just one dog.

However, they are not related disorders... so should not have much, if
any effect on each other. If he is seriously ill with the pancreatitis,
the stress of illness could increase the frequency of seizures during
the acute period of illness... this didn't happen with Alvin, who was
just sick, not seriously ill....

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia

My Border Terrier, Alvin, had epilepsy, which was controlled with
phenobarbital from the age of about 5 yo to 14 1/2 yo. He had had
seizures prior to age 5, but not frequently enough to warrant
medication.

He had a couple of episodes of pancreatitis due to "dietary
indiscretions" (love that phrase). It had NO effect on his
epilepsy.... and vice versa.

This is just one dog.

However, they are not related disorders... so should not have much, if
any effect on each other. If he is seriously ill with the pancreatitis,
the stress of illness could increase the frequency of seizures during
the acute period of illness... this didn't happen with Alvin, who was
just sick, not seriously ill....

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia

"Betsy" -0 wrote in message news:

If you have a dog with epilepsy who has had pancreatitis would you please
share your experience with me?

Unfortunately GSDs are susceptible to both epilepsy and pancreatitis,
so we've had a couple in rescue with both. Some we've been able to
follow over the years after their adoption. One male in particular
seemed to do well for several years on a combo of pot. bromide and
phenobarb., but became increasingly sensitive and affected by side
effects. (loss of rear end mobility, lethargy) At the same time,
finding the right diet has been a constant challenge. The initial
attack of pancreatitis was triggered by an idiot foster who was
supplementing him with EFAs. He did well on a raw diet for about 4
years, but recently had to be moved to a venison/sweet potato kibble.
He also was put onto a new epilepsy drug last month. It was
originally used for children, with no concurrent side effects, but
found to have long term thyroid effects. Since dogs process it
differently, it's the new great hope for those who no longer can take
pot. bromide or phenobarb. Very expensive though. For this 120 lb
dog, $30/day.

Lynn K.

"Betsy" -0 wrote in message news:

If you have a dog with epilepsy who has had pancreatitis would you please
share your experience with me?

Unfortunately GSDs are susceptible to both epilepsy and pancreatitis,
so we've had a couple in rescue with both. Some we've been able to
follow over the years after their adoption. One male in particular
seemed to do well for several years on a combo of pot. bromide and
phenobarb., but became increasingly sensitive and affected by side
effects. (loss of rear end mobility, lethargy) At the same time,
finding the right diet has been a constant challenge. The initial
attack of pancreatitis was triggered by an idiot foster who was
supplementing him with EFAs. He did well on a raw diet for about 4
years, but recently had to be moved to a venison/sweet potato kibble.
He also was put onto a new epilepsy drug last month. It was
originally used for children, with no concurrent side effects, but
found to have long term thyroid effects. Since dogs process it
differently, it's the new great hope for those who no longer can take
pot. bromide or phenobarb. Very expensive though. For this 120 lb
dog, $30/day.

Lynn K.