Prayers and/or best wishes for a co-worker's Corgi

[k9Karen]

My co-worker was awakened Sunday morning to sounds of her Corgi, Gus, having a full-blown grand mal seizure. Her other Corgi had to be PTS due to a brain tumor only a year or so ago, so, of course, the first thing she thought of was the possibility of a brain tumor (to the best of my knowledge, these dogs ar not related to each other). She took him to the emergency vet who started him on phenobarbitol and also used valium to try to control the seizures (he had a total of 4 severe seizures on Sunday night/early Monday morning. She was able to get an appointment early Monday morning with the same veterinary neurologist who had taken care of her other Corgi, Sophie. Gus has had an MRI, which shows inflammation on the right side of his brain. There was no visible tumor so they were thinking possible encephalitis and obtained a sample of spinal fluid. She received the results today and the testing on the CSF did not indicate encephaltis. They are thinking maybe a stroke, or even a tumor that did not show on the MRI. He has been started on prednisone and phenobarbitol and she hopes she will be able to take him home tomorrow. Gus needs all the good wishes and prayers anyone is willing to provide. He is her baby and losing another dog so soon will go beyond breaking her heart.

[Tina B and crew]

Awww....here is hoping for the best for Gus.

[Traci]

Poor Gus, I hope the vet can determine what is going on. Even if they can't find the cause, there's hope with treatment.

My thoughts and prayers for Gus, he sounds like a sweetie! (((((HUGS)))))

[Marty]

Prayers for Gus and his family...

[Cleo]

Praying for Gus & his family.

[k9Karen]

Thank you, everyone. I knew I could count on you!! Gus went home late yesterday and so far is doing well. No more seizures, but he is a bit lethargic (could be from whatever is going on in his brain or the phenobarbitol). When he walks, he pulls to the right. He went to work with "daddy" today and was popping up to greet everyone who came in to check on him, which was very normal for him. I'm hoping things will continue to get better.

[Traci]

Could have been a stroke since you mention he leans to the right, and the inflammation on the brain was found to be on the right. But, it could have been two things occuring simultaneously, I'm not a neurologist, so can't say what happened. Do you know if the neurologist suggested a followup MRI after a course of treatment to "monitor" that inflammation? (that might rule out tumor, and possibly rule IN stroke or something). Also, if any steroid was or will be initiated, it might show some response evidence on a followup MRI.

In any case, I'm thrilled he is responding to medication. Since they had experience with Sophie, they are probably aware that the phenobarb might cause drowsiness/tiring, the dose can always be adjusted accordingly at some point for therapeutic levels (requires monitorization and testing, I'm sure the owners are familiar with that).

Hang in there Gus, get well soon!!!

[k9Karen]

Traci, I'm far from an expert on such things, in spite of having my own brain injury from the ruptured aneurysm 3 years ago, but doesn't the right side of the brain control the left side of the body? I found it a bit strange that he was pulling right and the injury was on the right side.

I'm not sure about what type of follow-up was suggested, but I'm sure she will do what needs to be done. She is fortunate to have pet insurance on him, which will help defer most of the cost.

[Traci]

I'm not an expert either, but in humans, can't stroke affect either side of the body?

[k9Karen]

can't stroke affect either side of the body?

Yes, but I've always heard that right brain injury causes problems on the left side of the body and vice versa. I guess it could just be something as simple as an equlibrium issue - he's a bit woozy from the phenobarbital. I'll have to search on-line and see what I can find.