Welcome to our award-winning FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong online vetted resources for Canine Epilepsy. Below is an extensive library of links and sources to hopefully help you on your journey with an Epi-dog so they may all #LiveGibStrong with Canine Epilepsy as my beautiful boy, Gibson, did, and for who all this is named after.
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Who is Gibson of #LiveGibStrong?
Gibson was a beautiful wooly Siberian Husky and a beloved member of the FiveSibes family.
Diagnosed with idiopathic Canine Epilepsy at age three in 2009, he is
the beautiful face behind the FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy
Awareness Campaign, created by author and "FiveSibesMom" Dorothy
Wills-Raftery. The idea behind #LiveGibStrong is to help spread the word
that dogs can - and DO - live full, happy lives with seizures and/or
Canine Epilepsy.
Also through this campaign, we help raise awareness,
educate, and
raise funds dog-eared for non-profit Canine Epilepsy
organizations, such as the Canine Epilepsy Resources & The Wally
Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, that offer immense support to families of
Epi-dogs. With special care, medications, and alternative therapies,
Gibson lived SEVEN years seizure free and was an inspiration to Epi-dog
families worldwide with his zest and love of life. Epilepsy did not
define him. Life did. Gibson earned his angel wings December 16, 2015 just three weeks shy of his 10th birthday, NOT from epilepsy, but from
hemangiosarcoma that was discovered during surgery after he suddenly
became ill. Even as he was carried in for surgery, he wore his big
Gibbie smile and gave out those precious Gibbie kisses. He is missed
greatly, but is by my side in spirit every single day, inspiring me to
be Gib strong.
Gibson embraced life and the challenges he met
along the way with a big happy Siberian Husky smile. He was a true
Epi-Warrior. With Gibson's spirit by my side, we will continue our
Canine Epilepsy advocacy and education in the effort to help and
support other Epi-dog families, and to let them know they are not alone
in this journey. It is our continued wish that all Epi-dogs #LiveGibStrong & #LiveGibStrongForever. ~Dorothy "FiveSibesMom"
★Founder of #LiveGibStrong 💜 K-9 Epilepsy Awareness & Education
★Author of & Partner with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation/Purple Day® Every Day for #Paws4Purple
★International Purple Day® for Epilepsy K9 Ambassador Since 2012 ★Volunteer Case Manager for The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy
★NYC Big Book Award & Independent Press Award Recipient for
"Excellence" in Pet & Reference Book for EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy
★What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy Award-Winning Children's Book
★DWAA Maxwell Medallion "Excellence" Recipient
★Four Books Named AmericanPet Magazine "Best in Print" ★Talent Hounds "Top Dog Books" ★International Award-Winning Siberian Husky & K9 Blog "FiveSibes"
Scroll Down Below for Important Links, Info, Books & Podcasts, and NEW Features
Meet My Epi-Star & #LiveGibStrong Namesake: Gibson (click on Gib's below)
My Guest Appearance on
GREY PAWS AND ALL PODCAST
"Help! My Dog is Having Seizures. Is it Epilepsy?"
(please allow a few seconds to load)
If you'd like to read my first blog post from 2010 about the first days of Gibson's seizures that containsactual diary notes on when we began
Did You Know Your Epi-Dog's Temperature Can Get Dangerously High During/After A Seizure and It's Important to Him/Her Down?
Here is an important vet-approved resource chart to help show you how to cool your dog down. Simply CLICK ON POSTER below to give you more info.
What if a Seizure Lasts More Than 5 Minutes at Home?
Dr. Karen Muñana - a veterinary neurologist at North Carolina State University & the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab - explains why we get concerned about seizures lasting more than 5 minutes and what owners may be instructed to do at home until they can reach the veterinary ER.
What's in Your Epi-Dog's
First Aid Kit?
Click on image to read...
What Trigger A Seizure in a Dog?
Click on image to read...
Click on Gibson to go to article...
Be sure to read Veterinarian Reports further below on Potassium Bromide (KBr)
Click on images below to read & view videos
Groundbreaking News for New Surgical Technique for Focal Seizures From Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
States Cornell:"An interdisciplinary team including researchers from #CornellVet
has developed a new surgical technique that blocks the spread of focal
epileptic seizures in the brain by making precise incisions with
femtosecond laser pulses. The promising new approach offers several
advantages to existing treatment protocols."
(click on image for story)
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"Caring for an Epi-Dog & Caregiver"
Video Slideshow Moving Book
2024
Proudly in partnership with the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University~College of Veterinary Medicine
This presentation is also available in PDF print format.
Simply Email FiveSibesLiveGibStrong(at)gmail(dot)com and
put "Caring for Caregiver" in subject line.
Check out this excellent and informative clip from VetVine featuring Dr. Karen Muñana, neurology professor, at The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine-CVM
talking about how there is “no one-size-fits-all” when it comes to
treatment and care of dogs with epilepsy, and the considerations of
treatments epilepsy with anti-seizure medications.
In this quick video excerpt from "Epilepsy Summit" by VetVine and North Carolina State University Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab, they discuss how "The
month of March, it's been said when describing the weather, often
"comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." A wide range of weather
patterns - bad and good - can be
seen. The same is true for dogs living with epilepsy and the impacts of
the disease on their behavior. In the period of time before an actual
seizure (the pre-ictal phase), we can see a range of signs or behaviors
that may indicate a seizure is coming. Dr. Ana Clara Muñoz explains:
Another short courtesy of VetVine about the side effects of much-needed anti-seizure medications from veterinary neurologists.
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Click below to go to article
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“Talking About Canine Epilepsy” that I am thrilled to have joined the panel of wonderful guests—as you can see from the graphic below—including
a Q&A session with veterinary
neurology experts, Dr. Karen Muñana, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology),
Professor of Neurology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary
Medicine/The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab, and member of the International
Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, and Julie Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS (Neurology)
& Research, also from The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina
state University-College of Veterinary Medicine and the 2020 American Humane
Hero Veterinary Nurse, along with several other Canine
Epilepsy caregivers and advocates.
A “Must-See” for any Epi-dog caregiver.
Click on graphic below and enter Passcode:cjZCQs8? in box where asked in order to listen to the 2-hour session (you can pause it).
Thinking
About CBD/Full Spectrum Hemp Biscuits or Oil? We liked Treatibles® Hard
Chews (Pumpkin & Blueberry were the faves) & Oil. FIVESIBES10 is our Evergreen 10% Discount Code to use on checkout.
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30 Days of Epi-Tips...
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Click on image to read how The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab is leading the way in Research!
Click on a CHALKBOARD below for more info!
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WHAT DO I DO ABOUT MY EPI-DOGS MEDICATION WITH THE FALL BACK TIME CHANGE?
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR INFO!
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME:
MEDICATION SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS & SEASONAL TIPS
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW!
A five-years-in-the making "new kid on the block" is Dogilepsy. Here's there thoughts on the effects of Time Change on Epi-Dogs:
Time Change adjustments (Spring or Fall) for dogs with Epilepsy is a real thing. Epileptic seizures are not a one-size-fits all for Epi-dogs.
"Seizure management is
not a one-size-fits-all with every dog. Some dogs are exquisitely
sensitive to the timing of their medications - and can have a seizure if
the medication is delayed by an hour, while other dogs can
tolerate fluctuations in their medication administration without
negative consequences. The medications that are being
administered probably also factor in - for example a drug like Keppra
that is metabolized quickly in the body will be more likely to be
affected to a delay in administration compared to other drugs such as
phenobarbital or potassium bromide. I tell my clients that treatment of
epilepsy requires an individualized approach, and it is important to
find what works well for you and your dog - rather than what works for
others. So for dogs that are very sensitive to timing
of drug administration, I think a gradual adjustment to the time change is wise. For other dogs, this may not be necessary."
Member, International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force
Presentation for Purple Day® Around the World Education Week
March 26, 2022
Why is Gibson's Pumpkin Purple?
The Epilepsy Foundation's Purple Pumpkin Project
Click on Star graphic to read the stories!
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Have You Checked Out Our Radio Show
"The Sibe Five" K9 Epilepsy Episodes?
"The Sibe Vibe" Epilepsy Episodes
Chatting with Dr. Karen Munana, Professor of Neurology, Member of International Vetrerinary Epilepsy Task Force & LVT/Research Specialist & American Humane 2020 Veterinary Hero Julie
Nettifee from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary
Medicine
Canine Epilepsy and Seizures in Dogs: A Chat
With Gibson's Lead Vet, Dr. Arnold Rugg, Founder of Kingston Animal Hospital, Affiliate Member American Animal Hospital Society & American Veterinary Society
Talking About the Important Link Between Zinc Deficiency and Seizures in Siberian Huskies with Margit Maxwell, The Divine Dog
Tune in to More Canine Epilepsy Episodes:
Sandra DeMers, author of Cory's Story, how one dog conquered Canine Epilepsy.
Dorothy Wills-Raftery of FiveSibes & #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign on Mushing Radio - February 2012
Book Nook: Good Epi Reading!
Click on Book Images For More Info & To Purchase
Affiliate
Notice: Some listings are through Amazon, where we are an affiliate,
meaning if you purchase the book using our link, we earn a small percentage of sales, ***at no extra cost to you!***
Currently Out of Stock
Free Ebook Series:
Suggestion
donation is $30 minimum to the Molly Seizure Studies Fund through the
North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine's
NCVMF.
Contact Julie Nettiffee, RVT, MS, VTS (Neurology) to order at: janettif@ncsu.edu
Put A Mission for Molly Book in Subject line.
Check Our Our Special
Epi-Dog Gift Guide!
Get the Bark-Down About Living With Epilepsy Straight From Epi-Dog "Ruby"
Did You Know...Toxins, Such as Scented Candles, Room Fresheners & Incense Can Trigger Seizures?
Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive & integrative wellness veterinarian, discusses the toxins and carcinogens in scented candles, fresheners, and incense. By Mercola
FiveSibes #Flashback Photo ~ Gibson & His Purple Pumpkin ~ 2014 W oo! Or, should I say Booooo! It's that time of the year when pumpkin hunting and carving is fun thing to do! And, while we are all busy carving and displaying our artworks on the gourds, did you remember to make a purple pumpkin? "Woo! What's in my purple pumpkin? Treats?!" ~Gibson/FiveSibes A Purple pumpkin? What?! If you've been a FiveSibes follower, you know how important the color of purple is to us, and why Purple Pumpkins are a staple here.If you are new to us here at FiveSibes, I initially joined in the Purple Pumpkin Project because we made our pumpkin purple for my Epi-dog Gibson. So, you might be asking yourself, Why was Gibson's pumpkin purple? For Canine Epilepsy Awareness! You can read more about it in our video further down in this post, or by visiting a previous explanatory post HERE. Follow the Purple Pumpkin Project on Facebook! In a pumpkin shell—as m...
*Updated March 2022 Our Vet-Approved FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong "Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put Cold Packs?" Informational Poster Poster Is A Great Resource for: ✔︎ Veterinarian Offices ✔︎ Vet ER Hospitals ✔︎ Rescues & Shelters ✔︎ Dog Wardens & Animal Control Officers ✔︎ Trainers ✔︎ Groomers ✔︎ Dog Walkers ✔︎ Dog Parks ✔︎ Pet Supply Stores & Boutiques ✔︎ Dog Friendly Businesses ✔︎ Police Departments ✔︎ Fire Departments To request FREE* printed copies, simply send an Email with #Paws4Purple Materials in Subject line and what you'd like copies of and how many, to: Debra@AKFUS.org of the Purple Day® Every Day as Presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation For More Info on Canine Epilepsy, Please Visit Our #LiveGibStrong Online Library & Resource Page HERE. Here's a great tip, diagram and explanation from Tallgrass Acupuncture Institute as to why ice on certain acupressure poin...
Dewclaws. Such an unnecessary evil for a dog. In August, I noticed Harley limping. At 11-and-a-half, she is a bit stiff-legged at times from arthritis, but this was a more pronounced limp and she was having an extra tough time sitting down. She seemed very uncomfortable. She was also becoming a bit snarley, especially when I was touching her paw, which is something that never typically bothers her. Upon further checking, I noticed an odd lump around her dewclaw on her right leg, thinking it was possibly a pulled dewclaw, maybe a splinter, thistle, or even a bee sting , she became extremely agitated when I touched it. (Warning: some photos may be somewhat graphic, but I am sharing for educational purposes). Oddity beneath the dew claw. Off to the vet we went. At the vet, Harley is protective of her paw by hiding it . Harley's paw was shaved and it uncovered a very large inflamed area surrounding the dewclaw and beyond, as you can see in ...
Original photo by and courtesy of Lisa Byrd; modified by FiveSibes The Rainbow Bridge must be some (p)awesome place to be for it has so many amazing, beautiful angel animals there. My beloved Gibson is there. As is my Chelsey, Sandy, kitty Smokie, bunny Sunny, my fox Ah, many horses, and so many others pets. We have many furfriends who have also crossed The Rainbow Bridge. All of these beloved animals are there...so healthy and happy, with all the dogs enjoying their zoomies and playing Fetch all day in a land that is eternally beautiful. Sounds perfect. Only catch is when our devoted companions are there, we can no longer physically be with them. So while they are in a place where the spirit soars, our hearts are broken as we are missing them here with us. It is a hurt we all as pet parents now way too well. And today, as unbelievable as it seems as I write this, we have to bid a final farewell to another dear furpal, Buddy, the Christmas Husky , who has now earned h...
Born on March 10, 2005, our beautiful alpha queen, pupster surrogate momma, and my daughter's and our first Siberian Husky, turns 14½ today! You may be wondering why are we celebrating her half birthday? Because, as heartbreaking as it is, we now know she will not be here in March to celebrate her 15th Birthday as I once had hoped. Heartfelt thanks to Ann at Zoolatry for this beautiful badge. Thank you all who are sharing it and joining paws for our girl. As amazing and strong as our queen has been, and how proud I have been of how she still could outrun Pupsters Wolf and Bandit, still splash in her pool like a puppy, tear up a dog bed like there's no tomorrow, and chase her tail until the sun sets, our beloved Husky leader has also been dealing with health issues that we have been treating, but are now slowing her down and, heartbreakingly we are preparing ourselves for her journey, that we as pet parents all dread, to the Rainbow Bridge. “Dogs' lives a...
