Should I put my dog on phenobarbital?
Seizure treatment in dogs depends on the underlying cause, but phenobarbital is considered the first choice for chronic seizures. Phenobarbital is a relatively safe and well-tolerated option for dogs with seizures, but your dog will need to have regular blood tests done while taking this medication.
Can phenobarbital cause death in dogs?
Symptoms of over dosage of Phenobarbital are ataxia (drunk acting), lethargy, sedation, recumbency (inability to stand), depression, hypothermia (decreased temperature), coma, and death. In addition, there is also a concern for damage to the liver.
Why is phenobarbital not used?
In addition, chronic use or abuse of phenobarbital can result in the development of a substance use disorder that would be classified as a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. Birth defects: The use of phenobarbital by pregnant women is associated with an increased risk for birth defects in their children.
Why is my dog still having seizures on medication?
It can take months to get seizure activity under control, and your pet can continue to have seizures while on medication. Based on your pet’s seizure activity and the therapeutic blood levels of the medication, adjustments in dosage may be necessary. Remember, these medications are not a cure for seizures.
How many seizures is too many for a dog?
Yet, several seizures in a row or a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is considered an emergency situation that can be life-threatening. Call your vet immediately. The occurrence of more than three seizures in a 24-hour period is also an urgent matter that requires a trip to the vet right away.
How do you treat a dog for poisoning at home?
Get Professional Help
- You may be advised to rush your dog to the nearest open veterinary clinic.
- A professional may ask you to induce vomiting at home with hydrogen peroxide.
- If your dog’s skin or coat came into contact with a toxin, you may be advised to bathe him.
- You may be asked to call animal poison control.
What side effects does phenobarbital in dogs?
Common side effects in dogs include anxiety, agitation, lethargy, or sedation when therapy is started, and increased thirst, urination, and appetite or elevated liver enzymes on bloodwork are possible.
Are there any side effects with phenobarbital for dogs?
Phenobarbital helps to control those seizures and reduce their frequency. However, phenobarbital does come with quite a few unpleasant potential side effects. With the advances in medicine, it is possible there may be other treatments better suited for your dog that could be prescribed in its place.
Which is better for a dog bromide or phenobarbital?
Bromide is a good choice for young dogs or dogs with impaired liver function, but we recommend phenobarbital whenever possible because it tends to be more effective. You can also use the two medicines together if either one on its own does not work well enough.
Can a dog be taken off phenobarbital cold turkey?
However, keep in mind that phenobarbital should never just be stopped cold turkey, as stopping cold turkey could trigger more seizures. Even when you take your dog slowly off phenobarbital under the supervision of your vet, your dog could still experience seizures during the withdrawal phase.
How often should you test your dog for phenobarbital?
Blood tests by your vet are essential every 2-6 months to monitor the level of Phenobarbital in your dog’s blood to make sure your dog is taking the proper and safe dosage. While Phenobarbital is a relatively safe medication, side effects can occur. Side effects to watch out for include: