How does phenobarbital work for epilepsy in dogs?

Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs. It is also known by the brand names Luminal and Barbita. Phenobarbital works by decreasing and stabilizing neuron activity in the brain.

What should I do if my Poodle has a seizure?

Witnessing your beloved pup having a seizure can be a terrifying experience. Luckily, Poodles can live a long and healthy life after an epilepsy diagnosis. Epilepsy can be managed effectively with medication. Drugs and frequent monitoring may lead to costs from $200-$500 a year, often more for larger breeds!

How often should I give my Dog phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital Dosage for Dogs. Absorption of phenobarbital varies greatly among breeds, therefore dosage should be determined by your veterinarian based on your dog’s weight, and the frequency and severity of seizures. Generally, this medication should be given every 12 hours, and it is important not to miss a dose.

Which is the best drug for dogs with epilepsy?

For dogs with epilepsy, many veterinarians may prescribe phenobarbital, commonly known as Luminal® or Barbita®, to control the amount and severity of seizures. This drug works by decreasing and stabilizing neuron activity in the brain.

How is phenobarbital used to treat epilepsy in dogs?

Phenobarbital is a popular and widely used medication for dogs that is typically administered for the treatment of seizures in dogs. In the case of dogs with epilepsy, phenobarbital will often be the first medication your vet will prescribe. Usually phenobarbital is administered as tablets, but sometimes liquid phenobarbital is used as well.

Which is the best seizure medication for poodles?

The seizure medications (phenobarb is the best IMO) do have some side effects (mainly liver problems and toxic levels building up) which is why alot of vets wait. Personally, if she were my dog i would do the exam and bloodwork (which will probably come back completely normal, which is normal).

How often is phenobarbital used for idiopathic epilepsy?

Often, phenobarbital is prescribed alone and is usually effective in 60 to 80 percent of dogs that are diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. However, if phenobarbital on its own does not appear to be getting results, it may sometimes be used in conjunction with other anticonvulsant medications to achieve the desired result.

How old was my poodle when he had his first seizure?

His first seizure was at two years old, and his second seizure was almost a full year before his first. Our vet waited until his fourth seizure (which was about 6 months after his second one) to put him on medication. It took a while to get the right dosage, but he’s doing great now.

When do the side effects of phenobarbital clear up?

Short-term side effects typically clear up in a few weeks, and your veterinarian will have to monitor your dog for long-term side effects if they take the drug for an extended period of time. Here are some of the common side effects:

What kind of drug is phenobarbital used for?

Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs.

The usual dosage of phenobarbital for dogsdepends on body weight and individual response to the medication, and the absorption of the drug varies among breeds, so veterinary instructions must be strictly followed. Typically, the starting dosage for dogs is 1 to 2 mg per pound of body weight given twice daily.

What happens when you stop Taking phenobarbital for epilepsy?

People who take it to treat epilepsy hardly ever become psychologically addicted, but they are likely to experience physical dependence. With physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur if the medication is stopped suddenly or if the amount taken is sharply reduced. These withdrawal symptoms may include:

Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs.

Are there side effects for children Taking phenobarbital?

Some studies have found greater problems with behavior and thinking in children taking phenobarbital than in children taking other seizure medicines. Not all the results agree, however, perhaps because individual children are affected differently. Taking extra calcium and vitamin D may help to prevent bone loss.

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.

What kind of medication can I give my Dog for seizures?

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.