Does Epiphen stop seizures in dogs?

Phenobarbital – ‘Epiphen’ ‘Soliphen’ Phenobarbital is a barbiturate medication, which is used to help prevent epileptic seizures. It has a long elimination half-life in dogs, meaning it is very good at staying in the blood stream at stable levels.

How long does Epiphen take to work in dogs?

Steady state concentrations are achieved within 2 to 3 weeks of initiation of therapy. Phenobarbital causes enzymatic induction in the liver which can lead to drug interactions and increases in its own metabolism.

Will potassium bromide hurt my dog?

Bromide is extremely safe for use in pets. Many dogs on potassium bromide are also on Phenobarbital. Often the dose of phenobarbital can be lowered once potassium bromide is added. Phenobarbital can cause some long term toxicity problems with the liver, so we do try to use as low a dose as we can of this medication.

How is bromide used to treat epilepsy in dogs?

Bromide is a much safer drug by its nature (form of salt) despite still causing increased thirst and appetite. It is absorbed, distributed within the body and excreted without interfering with the liver. Its use as a second choice therapy is attributed to the long time it takes to reach efficient blood levels (around 3 to 6 months).

Which is better for dogs potassium bromide or phenobarbitone?

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.

Which is the best epilepsy treatment for dogs?

Potassium Bromide can be used as first choice in animals with pre-existing liver disease or animals with very low seizure frequency. Diazepam is not suitable for maintenance treatment of epilepsy in dogs as the duration of its effect is too short. Why are regular blood tests important to monitor the treatment?

What are the side effects of potassium bromide in dogs?

Short-term side effects to monitor for are sedation, incoordination, and, occasionally, increased appetite, increased thirst and increased urination. A long-term side effect of potassium bromide therapy in some dogs (usually occurring at very high drug blood levels) is rear limb weakness (difficulties getting up, climbing stairs, etc.).

How is potassium bromide used in dogs with epilepsy?

What is Potassium Bromide? Potassium Bromide is a medication that some veterinarians prescribe to dogs, most often for dogs suffering from canine idiopathic epilepsy. Potassium Bromide is often used in conjunction with Phenobarbital, or as a replacement for Phenobarbital in dogs that do not react well to Phenobarbital.

Are there any side effects for dogs with epilepsy?

Therapy for epileptic seizures may have side effects that, on rare occasions, can be worse than the seizures themselves. Mild side effects are common when first starting treatment for epilepsy in dogs (or increasing the dose) with Phenobarbitone or Bromide and include increased thirst and appetite,…