Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them.


"Love goes the extra mile and gives itself away"
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went" -- Will Rogers

Brady

Brady
our sweet ball crazy boy

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Blood work results are in

On Friday, March 5th, Dr. Katherman called with Brady's blood work results. The Zonisamide levels were on the high end of the therapeutic range; thus being higher than what she prefers to see it. So even with the Zonisamide being on the high side, we still haven't gained the seizure control that we'd like. Potassium Bromide levels were low so there is plenty of room to increase that drug if needed. However, the Zonisamide must be decreased since it can cause problems in the long term if it remains at the current dose.

At the present time, our choice would be either to increase Potassium Bromide or to bring on another AED (anti-epileptic drug). If we choose to increase Potassium Bromide, it will take another 4 months until it reaches a steady state or efficacy. Also, rear end weakness and ataxia will be a very real possibility. The other choice would be to add Keppra, which has very minimal side effects and is fast acting. Per Dr. Katherman's recommendation, the rational choice at this time would be to add Keppra to the mix.

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