Can too much phenobarbital cause seizures?
Typically, phenobarbital is started at a dose of 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours. Depending on how your dog responds, this dose may be raised or lowered. Timing of each dose is very important as missing even one dose can potentially trigger a seizure.
Why does my dog have occasional seizures?
Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in the dog, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown. Other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. “Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in the dog.”
Why is my dog still having seizures while on Phenobarbital?
While the majority of dogs respond very well to Phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide, there are a few dogs that will continue to have a high seizure frequency despite having adequate serum levels of these medications, and are called “refractory”. For these dogs newer anticonvulsants may help.
How do I control my dogs seizures?
Drugs such as potassium bromide or phenobarbital can help control seizures. As always, ask your veterinarian for recommendations for your dog’s specific problem. Alternative therapies are sometimes helpful. Some owners report a drop in dog seizure activity after using acupuncture but, again, check with your vet first.
What happens if I give my 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.
How is phenobarbital used to treat epilepsy in dogs?
It is a pretty effective first choice, with over 80% of epileptic dogs having their number of seizures reduced by half and about a third of dogs actually becoming seizure free, The phenobarbital in effect completely eliminating their seizures.
Are there long term side effects of phenobarbital for dogs?
Some ways you can help limit phenobarbital side effects over the long-term, is to use the minimal viable dose that seems to work for your dog. This is where regular monitoring of your dog and his blood levels and behavior changes is helpful.
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?
Your veterinarian will likely want to take blood tests frequently, about every 2-6 months, to monitor your dog’s liver function, as phenobarbital can negatively affect it over long periods of time.
What is the best medication for dog with seizures?
Seizure Medications for Dogs Phenobarbital. One of the most commonly used medications to manage seizures in dogs is called phenobarbital. Levetiracetam. Much newer to the seizure medication market than phenobarbital, levetiracetam is a drug more often known by its brand name, Keppra®. Potassium Bromide. Diazepam or Midazolam. Zonisamide.
What causes seizures in dogs?
What Causes Seizures in Dogs There are a number of different types of seizures that dogs can have, and these can be caused by many different things. Environmental causes of canine seizures include eating something poisonous (such as caffeine, chocolate, toxic plants, cleaning products and more) or head injuries.
What is the treatment for dog seizures?
Seizure treatment in dogs. The conventional treatment of seizures consists of giving the dog anticonvulsant drugs such as Phenobarbital, Diazepam, Primidone, Zonisamide, and Potassium Bromide. These medications will most likely keep the seizures under control, but there are many side-effects when used for longer periods of time.
Can seizures be cured in dogs?
Treatment of epilepsy is an outpatient procedure as dogs are usually prescribed medication for the seizures. The vet monitors your pet closely and you may even notice some weight gain. In some cases, your dog may even need to undergo surgery. However, the seizures can only be treated—not cured with modern medicine.