My cat has seizures and my vet and also a second opinion(my SIL who's a vet) have told me the same thing. Unless the seizures are severe and are close together, the meds are harder on them than the seizures. It wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion, but I suspect if you search long enough there will always be someone who tells you what you want to hear.

I have epilepsy, and if both vets tell you the same thing, then I would not worry. They are not painful, because during a seizure, you are out cold and feel nothing. It is actually much worse to have to see them. It takes me awhile to recover also. I will pray for him. If he is medicated, you will see a difference in his personality that will become permanent. Waiting WILL NOT make it worse.

We have a golden retriever that has seizures also. We were told the same thing regarding medicine. Our vet and friend, who is a vet technician, said that unless the dog has seizures more than 1 a month, they usually don't medicate because the medicine is so expensive. I don't remember the cost of the meds but it was very expensive. If they don't have them more than 1/mo; just watch them and document the length of time per seizure. I know, easy for them to say, just watch, document and do nothing!!!!!!! The seizures look so painful; I want to help; but am just there for him.

One of our labs had seizures irregularly and she had the same symptoms you described - particularly the lethargic recovery. But then she would be fine for a long time. Keep an eye on that handsome lad and if he maintains, I would not worry either. If his seizures increase in frequency and intensity, then I would go back to the doc.

My JRT has had seizures also..ideo pathic? meaning they don't know why, but they put him on Phenobarbitol he is 12 now.
i don't like him being on meds..but they said to watch his gums when in a seizure, if you can, and not get bit. if they go really dark, it means his brain is not getting any oxygen.
they had him on twice a day..i have him on once a day..and it is perfect for him.
it looks really scarey..he starts sidestepping, and he looks like he is staring into space..and shakes like crazy. i would just hold him, until it was over. since he has been on meds, no seizures.
i pray your baby will be fine..!

I agree with Candace. My son has seizures (athough not a dog but the physiology is the same). The side effects of the meds can be just as bad as the seizures themselves. My son is on 3 seizure medications. One of them interfered with his thyroid function so new meds were added to balance that but a side effect of that medication is hair loss which is happening to him--he's only 23 and has a big bald patch on the top of his head. Another medication he takes causes him to be depressed and makes his urine smell terrible! He also sleeps 18 hours a day.

I say get your second opinion and tests but don't be in a rush to medicate unless the seizures become more frequent or tests show there is something wrong.

I'm so glad MadameKelly gave a personal perspective. It's really helpful. Thank you. Edit: And, virtualbernie, too.

If you want a second opinion, there's no harm in it. Just choose the second vet carefully. I've had as many as five opinions on a major surgery. No one minded. My primary vet is an Ivy League narcissist and he didn't care. :0) Vets are busy professionals.

Finnigan is gorgeous. I hope you have a peaceful resolution to the situation.

My little mixed dog, 11 lbs, started having seizures daily sometimes 2 or more. Vet recommened 1/2 phenobarbital tablet twice a day. there was no change for the first week, now she is doing good. Little dog may have seizure once in a while but not as often or as long. She seems to be happiers. Only side effect is she like to eat, so now we have to be carful not to give snacks everytime she wants one.
Get second opinion.
You have a beautiful Sheltie.

This is what we were told too about the seizures our poodle was having. As long as they are okay the next day, to let it go. The side effects of the meds can shorten their life span by causing damage to other organs.

Mamagus,
I'm sorry your baby is sick. We had a dog that had seizures and it is heartbreaking to see...we eventually did put Tasha on Phenabarb because her seizures were long but the vet had us wait for as long as she and we felt comfortable because of the side effects. After a few really long seizures it was worth the risk to us. It's a commitment because you have to keep that certain level of medicine in their system-for us it was twice a day. We were blessed to have a next door neighbor that would come over and give Tash her pill if we were running late or if we would be gone on a day trip. There also has to be blood work done to make sure the level of medicine is at a therapeutic level and to check the function of the liver to make sure it isn't being damaged. The medicine was expensive at the vet but after much cajoling she eventually started calling it into Target where it was a lot cheaper.

If you're there when Finnigan(sorry if I've got the spelling wrong)has a seizure just love on him and be calm. Over time we noticed that Tasha would come over to us when she was getting ready to seiz. Once she was into a seizure she couldn't really respond but I know she was aware of us and the soft tone and stroking seemed to bring her out of it or make the transition easier. She was kind of wiped out for a bit after.

Let us know how he is doing. He's beautiful.