My 6 year-old male Collie developed severe seizures and was treated with massive anti-biotics and steroids. He got better (stopped the strong seizures but eventually (6 weeks), died apparently from kidney failure. We did a liver biopsy shortly before he died and it was OK. What did we do wrong.
Hi therem
I am very sorry for your loss.
Regarding the antibiotics and steroids, why were they used?
antibiotics to fight the disease causing the seizures and steroids to stem the brain swelling. They thought he had an insect caused problem.
What disease was diagnosed to cause the seizures that required antibiotics?
The exact disease was never diagnosed. They told us that it would not change the treatment. They did a spinal tap and said that they could send the serum to a lab for exact diagnosis but it was unnecessary. In retrospect he demonstrated a lot of symptoms (though much milder) after we brought him home and before he passed.
Well...
If you want to know the truth, from your history - what was wrong?
1) Why do a CSF tap if it is not going to be submitted?
2) Steroids are not commonly used for brain swelling without ruling out infectious causes, unless a steroid responsive meningitis was used.
3) No actual seizure medication was used if they were continuing
Now - this is all hindsight, 20/20 with limited history.
Moreover, seeing a neurologist, if not done, would have been a consideration, as would a MRI.
They also treated him with seizure medication. The seizures were so different (milder) they were almost impossible to detect. ie., hard to wake up from sleep. They also did an MRI and Cat Scan.
Ok
He was treated at the University of IL Teaching Hospital and they tried everything they thought possible.
I see - then quite honestly - it seems like you were in good hands.
As there are specialists there.
Yes. it's such a great loss, it's hard to accept that he had to die
Thanks for your insight!!1
I completely understand.
And it will take some time.
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