How long does it take for a dog to adjust to phenobarbital?

Common short-term side effects of phenobarbital are mild sedation and some incoordination. Longer term side effects may be increased appetite, and, occasionally, increased thirst and urination. After 7-10 days, these effects wear off and your pet should appear normal again.

Does phenobarbital cause restlessness 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.

How long does ataxia last in dogs on phenobarbital?

Common adverse effects of phenobarbital include polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, lethargy, and ataxia and are seen in approximately half of dogs within the first month of initiating therapy. 44 In most dogs, these adverse effects tend to improve, if not resolve, over the course of several months.

Does phenobarbital work immediately in dogs?

Phenobarbitone is often the preferred first choice as it takes effect more quickly (within 2 weeks) than Potassium Bromide (3 to 6 months). Potassium Bromide can be used as first choice in animals with pre-existing liver disease or animals with very low seizure frequency.

What happens if you give a dog too much phenobarbital?

Symptoms of over dosage of Phenobarbital are ataxia (drunk acting), lethargy, sedation, recumbency (inability to stand), depression, hypothermia (decreased temperature), coma, and death.

Can phenobarbital cause back leg weakness in dogs?

This drug may cause a self-limiting mild sedation that can last up to 3 weeks. Profound sedation, stumbling, hind limb weakness, etc. are indications for re-evaluation and dose adjustment. Other side effects include increased drinking/urination, increased appetite, anorexia and vomiting.

How do you treat phenobarbital overdose in dogs?

The flushing of the stomach was helpful to remove more of the Phenobarbital. The activated charcoal acts as a “sink” for the Phenobarbital, pulling it from the blood vessels back into the intestine where it can bind to the charcoal. The first 8-10 hours were the most critical for Mandy.

Are dogs in pain when they have seizures?

Despite the dramatic and violent appearance of a seizure, seizures are not painful, although the dog may feel confusion and perhaps panic. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure.

How long has my Dog been on phenobarbital?

After the second seizure, the vet put him on phenobarbital (97 mg/2x per day). He’s been on it for five days now and is still pretty out of it. He is extremely lethargic (sleeps most of the day), has coordination problems, and weakness in his hind end.

Are there any long term side effects of phenobarbital?

You’ll notice your dog appearing lazy, sedated, restless, hyper-excited or uncoordinated (ataxia). These side effects will disappear after a few weeks of treatment when your dog’s system gets used to the medication. Long-term side effects of Phenobarbital include frequent urination, excessive drinking and eating.

Can a dog take phenobarbital with potassium bromide?

Liver damage can be presented by combining Phenobarbital with potassium bromide or milk thistle. Potassium bromide allows vets to prescribe a lower dosage of Phenobarbital in order to lower the likelihood of developing liver damage, but can affect the salt levels of your dog’s diet. Monitor his salt intake after beginning treatment.

When did they put Jake on phenobarbital Keppra?

My jake is 18 months old and started having seizures in March. He didn’t have another until two months later. The vet put him on keppra and two weeks later he had a seizure on Saturday and another on Sunday. The vet then put him on phenobarbital and increased his keppra to taking two twice a day.