Dougie and his journey with the Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS)
Written by Jan Brown - carer of our hospital mascot Dougie
On the 1st of January 2020, our seemingly healthy 3.5-year-old Golden Retriever Dougie began his rollercoaster Epilepsy journey turning his and our world upside down.
Never having experienced a dog with this cruel illness we were totally unprepared and devastated for what happened next. Initially, Dougie was prescribed phenobarbital (Epiphen) by our family vet. This drug helped in the beginning but unfortunately after a 6 month honeymoon period of being seizure free things escalated rapidly. Dougie’s seizures became more frequent and violent, leaving him exhausted and unhappy, the family were also terrified and traumatised. Over the next 8 months various medications were prescribed ranging from phenobarbital (Epiphen), levetiracetam (Keppra), potassium bromide (Libromide), diazepam. Unfortunately, Dougie was getting worse (2 steps forward, 10 back). We then took the decision to ask for a second opinion, Dougie was referred to the Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital, Neurology Department. Where he got specialist epilepsy care. This included investigations for blood work, MRI, and further drugs. These drugs included zonisamide, pregabalin, gabapentin, and midazolam. Over the next year, it became apparent that the drugs didn’t work as effectively anymore. Dougie was classed as drug-tolerant/resistant.
Again it was time to try something different as we were slowly teaching our beloved dog’s quality of life disappear. After lots of research and advice and in collaboration between ourselves, GSAH and Tom Harcourt-Brown attaching the VNS tot the vagal nerve which is in the left side of Dougie’s neck, this is done with 2mm long wires. You can feel the VNS under the skin of Dougie’s neck. This is nothing to be frightened of. The vagal nerve sends electrical signals to the brain. The VNS works by sending electrical pulses to the vagal nerve to stimulate it. Usually this will be programmed to stimulate the nerve for 30 seconds every 5mins, day and night. The VNS is powered by a small battery which can last for up to 8 years. The VNS can be turned off, removed or reprogrammed/calibrated. You a also given a back up magnet (looks like a smart watch) which you can swipe/place over the device to give a further boost. This helps during a seizure as it can disrupt the episode quicker and safer, without the need for various rescue drugs.
Some animals benefit from their seizures, becoming less frequent, shortening the time and the intensity/severity of the seizure. Recovery times can be greatly reduced and in some cases it can completely stop some seizures but it does not cure epilepsy, the aim is to help provide a better quality of life.
Our aim of the VNS for Dougie was to reduce the severity, frequency or length of his seizures. After his VNS was implanted it was switched on and the initial programme started. Over the next few months Dougie’s care was overseen by Kate at GSAH, where she continued calibrating the VNS strength and length of electrical current to be given. This is done by a want placed over the device and the handheld computer sends the updates, this was a totally painfree experience for Dougie.
With any treatment it takes time to settle and the effects/benefits to show. In some cases the VNS can take up to 1-2 years to show results on your animals seizures, so patience is important.
Regarding Dougie’s experience with his VNS, as a family we would highly recommend having this fitted. We fully understand it is not suitable for everyone’s needs and budget but the difference it has made to Dougie’s life, the peace of mind it has given us back is indescribable. In the 2 years since Dougie has undergone this procedure, his quality of life has improved. He will never be seizure free which we have now accepted, but the VNS has vastly decreased the severity of his seizures. This has given him more time between episodes but most importantly his levels of medication has decreased. His recovery times have improved greatly. He now doesn’t require as many rescue meds to be administered. These drugs cause severe sedation and pacing for over 3 hours after a seizure cluster.
As a family we are happy that we took the risk to have the surgery as the benefits are amazing, we are eternally grateful to all Dougie’s medical team for giving us our boy back.
Epilepsy is a cruel illness, that you have to work around and learn quickly how to live with.
There is always hope. Help and new developments are coming that will enable you to manage your journey together with your beloved animal.
