Update on Otis--
In March, 2010, I had the vet run blood tests on Otis. The conclusion was that he has seizures from unknown causes. There's a scientific term, but I forget. The vet perscribed phenobarbitol, which I give to him twice a day, with each meal.
Since he started on the medicine, he has still had a few seizures, but they are much less frequent, much less severe, and much shorter than those that he was experiencing. Under 5 minutes as opposed to over 20, and the side effects aren't as severe (no drooling, peeing, vomitting, etc.).
Overall, it seems to be a pretty good 90% solution. The phenobarbitol is perscribed by weight, so it's about $16 a month for 90 pills for my 19.5 pound little guy. The initial blood work was a few hundred dollars, but well worth it.
I also switched him to no grain food. He had been on Science Diet for small dogs, but now he's eating buffalo and salmon, no grain, all natural dog food. It's not very expensive, considering he doesn't eat much. In my mind, at least, the new food is helping, and he likes it much more than the Science Diet! He gets carrots, brussel sprouts, and green beans as treats, but I try to stay away from too many dog food treats. Who knows if that does anything!
Anyhow, Otis turns 5 on March 4th and he is still an angel. I am so lucky to have this little guy in my life. My parents watched him for 10 days over New Year. My father had been having trouble with his legs, with numbness, stiffness, and pain. Because he started walking Otis daily, his leg pain went away in only a few days. They loved having him around so much that they are now looking for a cockapoo of their own
All my best to everyone. It is definitely beneficial to put the dogs on medicine. The vet told me that the more they have seizures, the more their brain synopses are "fried." It's best to minimize the amount of seizures, it's not good for them.
Best,
Nicole (& Otis)