November is (K9) Epilepsy Awareness Month: #LiveGibStrong

It's November 1st and that means it's Epilepsy Awareness Month. Here at FiveSibes, we focus mainly on Canine Epilepsy and the message that dogs can and do live happy lives, for however long we are blessed to have them.

As many of my longtime readers and listeners know, my advocacy for Canine Epilepsy was inspired by my own beautiful boy, Gibson, a wooly Siberian Husky who was diagnosed shortly after his third birthday in 2009. He lived a happy, amazing life and inspired me to have faith, confidence, and always keep trying, just like he did! While we managed his seizures through a regmien of anti-seizure medications, supplements, and alternative and holistic therapies, Gibson did experience side effects of the meds such as lethargy, voracious appetite, weight gain, weak hind-end issues, ataxia, and bouts of vomiting. Each of these side effects, we combatted as they came...and he overcame so many of them. After two years of a strict diet and rehab, he lost 20 pounds he initially gained, and he truly lived Gib Strong, inspiring me and the face and the name behind my #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness campaign. 

Sadly, and suddenly, I lost Gibson shortly before Christmas last year, not from Canine Epilepsy, but from complications during surgery from hemangiosarcoma. I miss him each and every day. I miss that very special connection and bond we formed. We were a team. There seemed to be nothing he could not overcome. Was it easy? No way. Was it worrisome? Absolutely. Was it costly. At times. Was it all worth it? Absolutely. I would never, ever trade the amazing human-canine bond we shared and I learned so much from him. He may no longer be by my side, but he is always present in spirit and he will forever live on in the work I continue to do in his name to help educate, inform, and support others on this sometimes rocky journey known as Canine Epilepsy. Throughout the month, I will share different tips, information, resources, as well as highlight some pretty special Epi-dogs, past and present, who will inspire us all to #LiveGibStrongForever. 

November also marks a very special time for my family - my daughter is expecting her son this month; my first grandson! While I won't be posting every day this  month as in the past, I do hope you'll sign up to receive my posts via Email and stop back to read our Canine Epilepsy posts and share with others to help more people become advocates for Epi-dogs so folks will think about adopting a dog with seizures and know they have a resource to come to with questions. And to let those who live with an  Epi-dog know they are not alone, and hopefully encourage them to not surrender a dog with seizures to a shelter.

Recruitment Call for Epi-Dogs

To kick off the month...here are two clinical studies being conducted by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine's (NCSU-CVM) Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Department:

Clinical Study #1 

"The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Canine Epilepsy-Determining the Role of Lactobacilli."  

NCSU-CVM is recruiting dogs who have been diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy, but are not on anti-seizure medications. For more details, please read their Clinical Studies flyer.

Flyer (download HERE): 

Clinical Study #2  

 "The Use of Accelerometry to Detect Seizure in Dogs With Idiopathic Epilepsy"

 Recruiting dogs with idiopathic Epilepsy requirements:  A) Dogs who are having three or more seizures per month despite treatment, B) Age six months to six years at onset of seizures, with one year of documented seizures, C) Access to Smartphone and wifi Internet home services, D) Be willing to travel to NCSU-CVM on three seperate vists over a six-month period. For more information, please read their Clinical Studies flyer.

Flyer (download HERE):

Clinical Studies CONTACT:

If  you have any questions or are interested in enrolling in either of the studies, please contact  

Julie Nettifee via Email at janettif(at)ncsu(dot)edu or by phone at (919) 513-6812. Be sure to tell her Dorothy from FiveSibes sent you over.

 Tune In!

To listen to a very informative, Dog Writers Association of America award-nominated, episode of my Dog Works Radio show, "The Sibe Vibe" on Canine Epilepsy featuring guests Dr. Karen Munana and Julie Nettifee of NCSU-CVM, tune in below:

My Books on Canine Epilepsy:

(Please note: These are affiliate links directly to my books published by ArcticHouse Publishing, who should be the only listed "seller" to ensure you are purchasing an original, new, authentic edition. This is not a paid post. All opinions and information are my own, based on my own experiences. A portion from sales of each book is donated through my #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness campaign to the Canine Epilepsy Resources Epil-K9 Foundation's "Emma's Seizure Fund" at the North Carolina State University College Veterinary Medicine for Canine Epilepsy research and studies.)

 

 
Until next time... may your beloved pet #LiveGibStrongForever