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. Side effects such as incoordination may indicate a dose that is too high.
What happens if a dog gets 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
. In addition, there is also a concern for damage to the liver.
Does phenobarbital cause skin problems in dogs?
interface dermatitis were indicative of SJS, most likely triggered by exposure to phenobarbital
. After one week, the dog was presented for a reexamination. Lesions on the ventrum had become necrotic and ulcers had developed where previously vesiculobullous lesions were seen.
What are the side effects from phenobarbital?
- drowsiness.
- headache.
- dizziness.
- excitement or increased activity (especially in children)
- nausea.
- vomiting.
How long do phenobarbital side effects last in dogs?
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.
What not to feed a dog that has seizures?
Things to Avoid
Chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin
may increase seizure activity, as well. At least initially, organ meats such as livers and kidneys should be avoided. An article in Whole Dog Journal suggests that the diet of a dog with seizures should be free of gluten.
Can phenobarbital make your dog itch?
Liver toxicity appears to be a problem for dogs but not for cats.
Cats can get itchy faces on phenobarbital
. This can be problematic enough to require a medication change. Rarely, anemia (lack of red blood cells) can occur with phenobarbital exposure.
What are the side effects of zonisamide in dogs?
Zonisamide use may be associated with the following side effects in dogs:
sedation, incoordination while walking, vomiting, and lack of appetite
. Contact your veterinarian if these signs are severe. Rare side effects include liver disease, urinary stones, and aggression.
How do I get my dog off phenobarbital?
After 6 months seizure-free,
gradually wean the animal off phenobarbital
. The rapidity at which we decrease the phenobarbital depends on the serum levels at the time. If the levels are in the optimal range (100 to 130 umol/L) a minimum of 16 weaning weeks should be allowed.
Do seizures shorten a dog’s life?
The life span of dogs in which euthanasia or death was directly caused by their epileptic condition was significantly shorter as compared with epileptic dogs that were euthanized because of other causes
(P = . 001). The median number of years that a dog lived with epilepsy was 2.3 years.
How much phenobarbital can you give a dog?
Dosage Of Phenobarbital For Dogs
Typically, the starting dosage for dogs is
1 to 2 mg per pound of body weight given twice daily
. This can be increased up to 8 mg per pound of body weight per day based on the dog’s response.
What natural remedy can I give my dog for seizures?
In both capsule and tincture form, many natural over-the-counter Western herbs — including
milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw
— are used to treat seizures. Milk thistle is often recommended by holistic veterinarians to be used in conjunction with phenobarbital.
Is phenobarbital safe for dogs?
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.
How does phenobarbital work in dogs?
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
. It also decreases the neurotransmitter Glutamate, which causes nerve stimulation.
What is the most common side effect of phenobarbital?
Dizziness, drowsiness, excitation, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How often should phenobarbital levels be checked in dogs?
Most veterinarians recommend that a phenobarbital level test be performed 2 to 4 weeks after the pet begins receiving the medication. Additional phenobarbital level tests may be required:
Every 6 months if seizures are controlled
.
Do seizures damage a dog’s brain?
That said, seizures can be a serious health concern and
even short seizures could cause brain damage
. If your dog suffers a seizure that continues for more than 30 minutes serious permanent brain damage could result.
Should you euthanize a dog with seizures?
If your dog only experiences one seizure and is otherwise healthy, then you don’t need to consider putting it down
. However, if your dog is having multiple seizures and does not respond well to treatment, then euthanasia may be the best decision for both you and your pet.
What food is best for dogs with epilepsy?
- Purina Veterinary Diets Dog Food – Best Overall.
- Blue Buffalo Wet Dog Food – Best Value.
- Ketona Chicken Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice.
- Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Dog Food – Best for Puppies.
- NUTRO Diet Adult Dry Dog Food.
- Wellness Natural Wet Canned Dog Food.
Can Peanut Butter give dogs seizures?
Vomiting occurs almost immediately after xylitol indigestion. Within 30 to 60 minutes, your dog can experience hypoglycemia, low blood sugar.
He can also experience lethargy, collapse, liver failure, and seizures
. This can all be caused by just a few grams of xylitol.
Does honey help dogs with seizures?
In animals that experience night seizures, administering melatonin (the naturally-occurring chemical released by the brain to induce sleep) can help.
If a dog has diabetes or is hypoglycemic, a teaspoon of honey once or twice a day, depending on frequency or severity of seizures, is suggested.
What toxins can cause seizures in dogs?
According to the ASPCA,
caffeine, dark chocolate, mushrooms, theobromine, ethanol, and xylitol
can cause your dog’s seizures.
What is dog ataxia?
The word ataxia means
incoordination within the nervous system
. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs, the head, the torso, or all three.
How long does it take for a dog to get used to phenobarbital?
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.
Will zonisamide hurt my dog?
Adverse reactions and side effects
Liver injury is possible and dogs should be monitored during treatment. Zonisamide is a sulfonamide drug, and
dogs sensitive to sulfonamides may be at higher risk for reactions to zonisamide
. Adverse reactions can include lethargy, ataxia, and vomiting.
How long does it take a dog to adjust to zonisamide?
SIDE EFFECTS:
1) Many pets will act sleepy or drunk while their body adjust to the medication. It can take
two weeks
for some pets to adjust.
Can zonisamide cause kidney problems in dogs?
When zonisamide is used in combination with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as acetazolamide or dorsolamide – common glaucoma medications),
there is an increased risk for kidney stones and for the previously mentioned “renal tubular acidosis.”
