Cory's Story

Hey guys, I know nobody likes bad news. And I struggled with whether or not to post this update because I don’t want to ruin anyone’s day who has been following Cory. But I decided that it would be untrue to this blog, Cory, and his fans to hide the truth.

Cory’s last days are probably upon us.

Cory’s miracle at the lake was truly a miracle but we’re beginning to see that it was really Cory’s last stand; his last hurrah at the things in life that he loves so much.

We plan to have a family meeting tonight to determine Cory’s fate but we are all pretty sure of what needs to happen next. We have consulted with Cory’s surgeon, his vet, and Gary, founder of Cory’s favorite food (Darwin’s Natural Pet Food).

I don’t want to give anyone any false illusions about Cory’s health, so here’s the scoop:

The pool isn’t helping him. We have been giving him 30 minutes of pool-time each night in the hopes that we could rehab his hind legs and soothe his arthritis pain. Unfortunately, he seems to be on a slippery slope that just isn’t getting better.

He’s unable to stand on his own, so he lays idle all day waiting for us to get home from work. He favors his right hind leg to the point that he’s trying to walk on only three legs, and he just doesn’t have the strength to do so. His left hind leg is atrophying badly and he doesn’t even use it while swimming, as we had hoped.

His senses are sharp and his mind is clear but he is giving us signs that he can’t take much more of this. At some point we need to decide whether we compassionately help him end his suffering. And that’s what we will discuss tonight.

When Cory’s time comes, we will continue to run this blog, and Cory’s Story will live on. Only weeks away from publishing, we had hoped that Cory would make it to the launch of his book but it’s looking unlikely that he will.

This blog will live on to serve as a resource to dogs suffering from canine epilepsy and cauda equina syndrome, because Cory showed that they can be overcome. We will vigorously promote Cory’s Story to help all dogs live longer, happier, healthier lives. At 13.5 years old, Cory has already well outlived his expected lifespan for a Labrador Retriever, especially one suffering from epilepsy and cauda equina syndrome.

We’ll keep you all updated as we move through this difficult process. We appreciate all your love and support so far and Cory knows you are thinking of him.

I’m going to share a poem that we read for the first time on the wall of Cory’s veterinarian clinic years ago. At the time, we couldn’t imagine this ever applying to Cory:

A DOG’S PLEA

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for not heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

AND, MY FRIEND, WHEN I AM VERY OLD, AND I NO LONGER ENJOY GOOD HEALTH, HEARING AND SIGHT, DO NOT MAKE HEROIC EFFORTS TO KEEP ME GOING. I AM NOT HAVING ANY FUN. PLEASE SEE THAT MY TRUSTING LIFE IS TAKEN GENTLY. I SHALL LEAVE THIS EARTH KNOWING WITH THE LAST BREATH I DRAW THAT MY FATE WAS ALWAYS SAFEST IN YOUR HANDS.

(Author Unknown)

The pet we loved will remain with us forever, and cherished memories will abide within our hearts reminding us that the love we shared together is eternal.

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

After Cory’s miracle at the lake, we discussed what may have been the cause for his unbelievable recovery. We decided that it was probably a combination of the fluid movement of his joints in the water, helping to lube up and loosen his joints, coupled with the cold water which may have had a soothing effect on the pain.

Determined to help Cory feel that sense of freedom again (and hopefully regain his ability to walk unassisted), we bought a pool for him last weekend (we got it on craigslist for $50). Unfortunately, the pool is not quite deep enough for him to swim, but with his life jacket on his buoyancy is enough to keep almost all pressure off his legs, allowing him to move freely in the water.

Watch as his eyes just lighten up as he gets to play with his ball. We think this must be a very freeing experience for him since he gets to move about in the water wherever he wants. He’s still unable to stand up or walk on his own outside of the water, and improvement has been evident but slow since we bought the pool. We are hoping that with 2 swim-sessions a day, his atrophied muscles will strengthen enough to allow him to at least stand and walk on his own.

If you have any suggestions for arthritis relief for dogs, please tell us in the comments!

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

If you read Sandy’s last blog post, you’re aware that Cory’s health is declining. For the last month or so, he has lost the ability to stand up on his own, and he can’t take more than a few steps without his hind end collapsing.

But to our complete shock and amazement, this weekend Cory stunned us. Apparently driven by his undying love for water, he swam for the first time in months. But the fact that he could swim wasn’t what really shocked us. It was when he actually exited the water and began walking with a little spring in his step. He proceeded to grab a tennis ball and demand that we throw it for him, fetching it numerous times and bringing tears to our eyes as we witnessed the sparkle and life returning to his. Take a look… we would have never expected this to happen.

And here’s Cory walking on his own for the first time in months.

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

Epilepsy in dogs can be an inherited trait or it may be brought on by preservatives in the type of dog food they are eating. Certain breeds have a slightly higher percentage for risk of the condition than others. It is possible that a dog may have one of three different types of the condition. Most canine epilepsy can be treated with diet change, the proper medications and periodic liver enzyme testing.

A certain genetic basis for seizures has actual been proven in the breeds of Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Belgian Tervurens and Keeshonds. There is some evidence that suggests that the English Springer Spaniel may also be predisposed genetically. The condition is quite common in dogs and even when not inherited, they may develop it over the course of their lifetime. Seizures have been linked to conditions related to the thyroid as well and this should be tested initially at diagnosis.

Food preservatives put dogs at a higher risk for this condition so a change in diet is frequently necessary for the treatment. For breeds that are at higher risk purchasing brands with no preservatives from the beginning may help in preventing the onset. Read labeling carefully when shopping and markings regarding preservatives will be clear.

Three specific types of epilepsy can occur in dogs including reactive, secondary and primary. Reactive seizures are related to issues dealing with the metabolic system. These can be things like liver failure, kidney failure and low blood sugar.

Secondary is also known as symptomatic and can be caused by problems such as stroke or tumors in the brain. Trauma is also known to bring on this type of epilepsy. This type is labeled due to a particular known cause.

Primary or otherwise called idiopathic is labeled as such because there is no diagnosed cause. The diagnosis is actually reached by eliminating all other possibilities for seizure. This is more likely to occur in dogs that are between the ages of one and three.

There are several types of seizures that may occur lasting from momentary periods to repetitive occurrences. Petit mal are mild and may only be staring for a brief period of time. Grand mal are moderate and may last for as long as three minutes with the animal losing consciousness. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures can both be life threatening and it is difficult in some cases to differentiate between the two; lasting up to more than ten minutes with a loss of consciousness and repeating.

Several excellent medications are used to treat the condition including Phenobarbital, Valium and potassium bromide. Continual monitoring of the liver function is necessary when the animal is being treated with Phenobarbital. If the liver becomes damaged at some point due to medication, the animal is likely to be switched to only potassium bromide as treatment. Valium is most often used to treat status epilepticus and cluster seizures and can be given by injection, orally or rectally. There are some over the counter remedies that will assist with faster recovery for pets after experiencing a seizure, so consult with the veterinarian about using these substances for the treatment of canine epilepsy when necessary.

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

As I promised earlier, here are some videos of Cory swimming in his golden years. We used to throw things out as far as we could for him and we could still never tire him out. He was always full of energy! These days he’s not nearly this spritely, as arthritis has caught up with him. But he still perks and wags his tail at the mention of “going for a swim.”

Does your dog love swimming too? Leave a comment!

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

Just found another great informational video on dog seizures.

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

I just found this great video that explains what to do when your dog has a seizure. This is great information and it largely echoes what we’ve written in our articles:

• 5 Ways to Deal with Canine Epilepsy
• Canine Epilepsy Treatment

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

I just wanted to give an update on Cory’s back. This photo was taken about 15 weeks after he had surgery for Cauda Equina syndrome. As you’ll recall from an earlier post, we started using DERMagic skin care lotion to help speed the healing and hair regrowth process.

It’s definitely working. Take a look and you’ll notice a light layer of hair growing back almost all over the shaved area. Interestingly, you can also see some small patches of hair that seem to be growing faster than other areas. We’re hoping he gets his entire coat back soon!

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

Hey everyone! One of Cory’s favorite activities when he was young and invincible was scootering. Sandy covers this more in the upcoming book “Cory’s Story” but I thought it would be nice to show you what it looks like in case you’ve never seen a dog scooter before. This video turned up miraculously from one of our good friends, Johanna. She captured some priceless video of Cory swimming, running, playing, and scootering. We’re SUPER excited to share the videos with you! For now, here’s a video of Cory scootering. By the way, if you haven’t tried this, it’s absolutely a BLAST!

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.

It is possible for any pet to experience a seizure during their lifetime, but epilepsy is diagnosed when seizures happen repeatedly. Epilepsy indicates that there is some sort of problem occurring within the brain. Seizures are actually like an electrical storm within the brain for the epileptic dog.

The problem is not uncommon; in fact, up to four percent of all dogs may experience seizures during their lives. These percentages are even higher with certain breeds as the condition is known to be hereditary. The percentages are much higher for certain breeds; as high as fourteen percent in some cases.

Inherited epilepsy is caused due to a specific gene mutation. The Canine Epilepsy Project is a research project supported by grants from health foundations, breed clubs and private donations. Their research is to determine the specific gene that is responsible for the disease.

Dogs that inherit this gene tend to begin having seizures between one to three years of age. The disease is unpredictable and seizures may be related to specific events that occur. Many suffer from regular occurrences, but the patterns remain hard to predict.

If the condition is either inherited or due to trauma and no tumor is responsible for the seizures, then they will most likely be controlled with particular medications. Controlling the number and severity of the seizures is the most important goal. Cluster seizures can be life-threatening to a dog as they frequently lose consciousness.

While there are side effects associated with many types of the medications prescribed, they must be compared to the severity of the condition. If the pet is having a seizure more frequently than one time for every couple of months, then medication becomes necessary. The possibility of brain damage is more likely the more seizures that they experience.

Phenobarbital is the first choice of medication for most dogs and very few have adverse reactions. There are some problems with long-term use of this particular drug and the damage that it may cause the liver. Liver functions will need to be monitored on a regular basis while the drug is being taken.

If the time comes when a pet is no longer able to take Phenobarbital due to liver problems, then bromide will most likely be the alternative course for treatment. Veterinarians have special approval from the FDA for its use and it has been used for epilepsy for many years with success. Too much salt in the diet can be a problem when taking bromide and it should be monitored.

A healthy diet can greatly benefit the dog suffering from epilepsy. Many times the preservatives in their food can be just the thing that may cause the seizures. Do some research and keep them on a low-sodium and preservative free diet to make having seizures less likely, especially in breeds that are more prone to the condition.

It is a fact that the pet will remain on medications to prevent seizures throughout their life. An important point to remember is that the dosage should never be altered without the permission of the veterinarian. There systems become very dependent on the medications they take and any change can actually cause a seizure to occur in the epileptic dog.

Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Understanding & Living with Canine Seizures

Ready to read Cory's Story? Read Chapter 1 Now.