Meet "Wesley" ~ A FiveSibes #NEAM Epi-Star!

Epi-Star, "Wesley"

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (#NEAM) and each year I'm pleased to highlight amazing dogs living with epilepsy (Epi-dogs) as part of my Annual #LiveGibStrong #Epi-Star Features!

All of these stories are also listed on my Special Series page HERE so you can read about all of our featured fabulous canine Epi-stars!

For those new to my blog, I was inspired by my beloved Gibson, who was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy in 2009 shortly after his third birthday. I began the #LiveGibStrong Canine Epilepsy Awareness and Education Initiative, and also authored the What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy children's book and the multi-award winning EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Life With Canine Epilepsy book that inspired this series. It is a 264-page beautiful coffee table book, where I share stories of amazing Epi-dogs from across the breeds and across the world. As a follow-up to all the amazing Epi-dogs and caregivers I've met along the way writing the book, this #NEAM series picks up where my book left, and I continue to feature annual stories each November about these amazing dogs who have Canine Epilepsy, but never let that stop them from living and loving life as only a dog can.

Today, I'm so pleased to shine a spotlight on Leung and Nancy Chan's Epi-Star "Wesley!"

Wesley is a handsome 10-year-old, American Staffordshire mix who experienced his first seizure at 18 months old. “It was at 3 AM, and it lasted about 30 seconds," recalls Leung and Nancy Chan. "His second seizure occurred nine days later, also in the early morning. Currently, he experiences a generalized seizure every four to six weeks. During this period, he also has focal seizures, which can sometimes serve as an indication that a generalized seizure is imminent.”

Leung and Nancy are no strangers to seizures. Besides caring for Wesley and treating his seizures for the past 8.5 years, they also have past experience with an Epi-dog. “Many years ago, in 1992, we had a dog named Phil who suffered from epileptic seizures.” So, when their Wesley had one, they recognized what was happening. They brought Wesley to the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine, where they shared that “Wesley underwent a comprehensive diagnostic process, including blood tests, an MRI, and a CT scan, which led to his diagnosis of epilepsy at the age of 18 months.”

Puppy Wesley at just 8 weeks old ~ what a cutie!

When a dog first begins having seizures, it is always worrisome, even if you have had experience with seizures previously. “Naturally, we were worried and concerned about his treatment, desiring the most up-to-date options available,” shares Leung and Nancy. “Our initial fear was that he might have a brain tumor, but he was ultimately diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, a condition that could be managed. The neurology experts at North Carolina State University’s Veterinary School assured us that his epilepsy could be successfully handled with the correct medication and care.”

“Epilepsy is a multifaceted disorder. Through partnerships with foundations, industry, and other universities, our laboratory studies novel treatment modalities, basis of disease, and improved methods to support pets with epilepsy as well as their caregivers....The most common cause for recurrent seizures in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy, and many breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed to this disorder. Epilepsy is typically managed with medication directed at controlling the seizures, although the majority of pets do not become seizure free. In these cases, efforts are directed at maximizing seizure control while minimizing treatment related side effects, so as to provide the best quality of life for the pet and the caregiver. Much of our work has focused on refractory epilepsy in dogs, evaluating the reasons why dogs might have seizures that are resistant to treatment, as well as exploring methods to achieve better seizure control with medications and alternative forms of therapy.”

~ Dr. Karen Muñana, The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab, North Carolina State University~College of Veterinary Medicine

Even with a diagnosis of epilepsy, Epi-dog caregivers are devoted, and always seek out the best possible care and medication regimen for their beloved dogs.

“We never once doubted or considered abandoning him because he was sick; he was, and remains, a beloved member of our family,” says Leung and Nancy.

“Initially, we consulted with our traditional veterinarian. We specifically requested a referral to the Neurology Department at North Carolina State University Veterinary School. We had previously taken other animals to NC State and were highly impressed with the quality of care we received, which made the decision to seek their specialized services very easy.”

“Caring for Wesley involves a mix of profound love and significant challenges....Despite the difficulties, we feel that Wesley's epilepsy has helped us develop a stronger bond with him. It is like having a family member with a chronic illness, and we are dedicated to providing him with the best possible life.”

~Leung and Nancy Chan

The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine goal is “Providing education and outreach to promote a greater understanding of epilepsy and its management, while fostering a ‘One Medicine’ approach to benefit both humans and animals with epilepsy.” They remain dedicated to the continuation of discovering more effective treatments for seizures in companion animals, and learning more about the cause of epileptic seizures in dogs and cats, while hosting clinical trials in the effort of helping dogs, and other companion animals, who are living with seizures due to epilepsy

One of Wesley’s attending vet neurologists was Dr. Karen Muñana, professor of neurology at North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine, and a Member of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force. “Dr. Muñana was one of his attending physicians.” Julie Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS (Neurology), Research Specialist, and American Humane Veterinary Nurse Hero 2020, was also of great assistance.

Snuggle buddies, how sweet! Wesley is very loving and zen-like with his beautiful packmates— non-Epis Grant and Eric, and cats Matilda, Neal, Simon, and Claire.

In addition, the Chans have attended several highly informative seminars focused on Canine Epilepsy. These seminars covered critical topics, including:

New protocols in medications and diet.
The latest research developments.
The crucial importance of self-care for the caregiver.

The Chans shared that “In 2024, Wesley participated in a three-month blind study focusing on cluster seizures. During the study, Wesley did show some improvement in controlling his cluster seizures.”

Today, Wesley is on several prescribed medications, including: Levetiracetam tablets (3 /day); Zonisamide caps (3/day); Potassium Bromide solution (1/day); Midazolam via nostril (rescue dose during seizures); Denamarin tab (once daily for his cholecystectomy); Sentinel; Cosequin; and Pet-Tabs, a vitamin/mineral supplement.

Even with having epilepsy, Wesley enjoys doing things the same as a non-Epi-dog.

“Wesley generally behaves like any other dog,” offers Leung and Nancy. “He enjoys car rides, short walks, and possesses a remarkably sharp sense of hearing—he can detect the treat jar opening from anywhere in the house. However, some of the necessary medications cause side effects, notably drowsiness/sedation and ataxia (a wobbly gait).”

“Don’t be afraid of the disease or the animal. He (or she) is still the loving, adorable dog that you adopted and still experiences life that any other dog.” ~Leung and Nancy Chan

When caring for a dog with epilepsy, it is also vital that caregivers also pay attention to their own self-care. Time, patience, money, and emotions are all wrapped up and can certainly be stressful. In order to best care for our beloved Epi-dogs, we need to keep a good eye on our own health and well-being.

“Caring for Wesley involves a mix of profound love and significant challenges. The unpredictable nature of his seizures makes the experience feel like living with a ‘ticking time bomb.’ During a seizure, there is little an owner can do except keep the dog safe and administer medication, which often leads to intense feelings of helplessness. Despite the difficulties, we feel that Wesley's epilepsy has helped us develop a stronger bond with him. It is like having a family member with a chronic illness, and we are dedicated to providing him with the best possible life. Because friends, family, and colleagues who lack experience in dealing with epilepsy often do not understand our dedication or the magnitude of the commitment required, we sometimes feel isolated. However, in addition to his medical treatment, Julie and Dr. Munna, and the neurology department at North Carolina State University have been instrumental in providing us with the tools we need to deal with our feelings of isolation and occasional helplessness.”

Being a caregiver of an Epi-dog can certainly be a rollercoaster ride of emotions with not just their trials, but also those wonderful tribulations, which are so welcomed and celebrated!

“Don’t be afraid of the disease or the animal,” advised Leung and Nancy. “He (or she) is still the loving, adorable dog that you adopted and still experiences life that any other dog.”

Wesley sure is a happy boy!

And so lucky to have two great Hu-parents loving and caring for him!

Epi-Dogs Rock!

Note: These are the personal stories of Epi-dogs as told to me by their families. As always, discuss any medications, alternative treatments, new foods, etc., with your veterinarian first.

Caregivers of dogs with epilepsy are amazing folks. It's so important to remember to care for yourselves, as well as your Epi-dog! Please be sure to watch my special presentation in partnership with The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University~College of Veterinary Medicine

"Caring for the Epi-Dog and Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care"

If you are looking for information on Canine Epilepsy, check out our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library where you will find accurate and vetted information you can trust including links, articles, podcasts with vets and veterinary experts, helpful tips, bookmarks, where to go if you need financial help with epilepsy medications,. Epi-Star success stories, and much more. It's a great place to seek out information so that you can have an in-depth conversation with your vet about your Epi-dog's care.

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The Inspirational Book Behind

This Epi-Star Feature Series