GSP'S

[Cody]

Hi, I'm new to the site. Just thought I would stop in and let you know that I think you have got a good thing going here. I'm impressed with all the knowledge that I've seen from all the different individualsin the forum.  I'm kind of new in the dog training although I have been training my own for four years now and really enjoy it. I have two GSP's. One is four years old and I got a field trial dog that is a year and half old, though I have never run trials, that's what the experts call him. Anyhoo the four year old started having Grand Mall siezures about 2 weeks ago and after two days the vets finally got him started on phenobarbital  and he hasn't had a siezure since, but I have been doing some studying on this drug and it has some serious side effects. Mainly liver damage. Does anyone have any advice. Thanks  

[freddogs]

:cry: Ask your vet about your concerns. Maybe there are other drugs. Sometimes we have to sacrifice some of  our dogs long term future so they can have a quality life while they're here. Check some veterinary books at the libary. Maybe there are other treatments. You can ask another vet too.  Good luck.

[Cody]

I did talk to him when I took the dog in about my concerns, but at that time I didn't know about the possible liver problems it could cause, he didn't seem to think that there should be any concerns about epilepsy and that alot of dogs have this. I also have checked on other treatments, they have a new medication out on the market but they aren't sure about the side effects yet and as with all new things is very pricey $250.00 for a months supply. I was just curious if anyone else had a dog with this problem. I will certainly check with the library though. Thanks for the response Freddogs  :-)

[prairiedog555]

Sorry about your dog.
But isn't this another example of how American breeders screw things up?  My vet who specializes in hunting dogs told me this.  They line breed and mess with the genes.  The Germans don't have these congenital problems because breeders have integrity, and maybe more brains.  I live in hunting country (Ks.)  and see a lot of dogs.  the GSP's that are good all seem to be dark, which means that they are not mixed with English pointers.  If you want an English pointer, get one, don't mix.  My opinion, it is hard to get a good hunting dog anymore.  Drathaars are the best choice because of their strict breeding. 

[Don Fischer]

I don't know what a grand mall siezure is? I had a dog years ago that had siezures and a change in diet fixed it. If I remember right it was to a high protien food. Another lady I worked for has a daughter who's dog was having also. She switched to high protien food and it stopped them. I didn't leave my dog on high protien food forever but about three month or so then switched but not back to what I was feeding.