Blood disorders caused by phenobarbital include decreased levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
, which can result in lethargy, decreased appetite, increased susceptibility to infections, and spontaneous bleeding. In rare cases, phenobarbital can cause skin ulcerations.
What toxins can cause low platelets in dogs?
Clotting disorders
The most common toxins to affect the clotting cascade are the
anticoagulant rodenticides, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, chlorophacinone, coumatetralyl, difenacoum, difethialone, diphacinone, and flocoumafen
.
What are the side effects of phenobarbital 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. Side effects such as incoordination may indicate a dose that is too high.
When should blood be drawn for phenobarbital in dogs?
Blood phenobarbital concentration should be checked approximately 12 to 14 days after administration. It is recommended that the blood sample be drawn
approximately two hours prior to the next scheduled dose of the drug
.
Can low platelets cause seizures in dogs?
A few examples of abnormalities on a CBC that might explain seizures: a high white blood cell count could indicate inflammatory or infectious conditions of the CNS;
a very low platelet count might suggest bleeding into the brain, which could cause seizures
.
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 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 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
. In addition, there is also a concern for damage to the liver.
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 is the most common cause of low platelet count in dogs?
Increased destruction of platelets in the body (
infectious agents
are the most common cause of this problem)
Why would a dog’s platelets be low?
Decreases in platelets may be caused by
anti-platelet antibodies, drugs, toxins, or disorders of the bone marrow
. Conditions that consume a large number of platelets (such as massive bleeding or severe clotting disorders) can also deplete platelet numbers.
Can a dog recover from low platelets?
However,
most dogs can recover from low platelet counts if they complete their round of treatment
. For example, your dog may be placed on immunosuppressive therapy if its immune system is attacking its platelets. Similarly, it may receive cancer treatments if the vet diagnoses leukemia or lymphoma.
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
.
Can phenobarbital cause death in dogs?
Yes, dogs can overdose on Phenobarbital
. Phenobarbital toxicosis manifests with ataxia, heavy sedation, recumbency (inability to stand), hypothermia (decreased body temperature), coma, and even death. If case of accidental ingestion, call the vet or Animal Poison Control Helpline immediately.
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.
What medications cause low platelet count?
- Furosemide.
- Gold, used to treat arthritis.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Penicillin.
- Quinidine.
- Quinine.
- Ranitidine.
- Sulfonamides.
How do you increase low platelets in dogs?
Vitamin C helps your platelets group together and function efficiently
. It also assists your pet to absorb iron, which may also help to increase platelet counts. Good sources of vitamin C include: foods that are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, and are palatable include broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and spinach.
How long does it take for platelets to regenerate in dogs?
Decreased platelet production: Platelets are produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and are actually fragments of the megakaryocyte cytoplasm. The normal lifespan of platelets in dogs (and presumably other species) is around
5-7 days
(Tanaka et al 2002).
What are some common problems with those on phenobarbital?
- drowsiness.
- headache.
- dizziness.
- excitement or increased activity (especially in children)
- nausea.
- vomiting.
What are the long-term side effects of phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital and phenytoin have good antiepileptic effect, but clinically significant untoward effects occur during their long-term use. Phenobarbital may cause
hyperactivity, behavioral problems, sedation, and even dementia
; these effects are dose related to some extent.
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.
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.
Can phenobarbital cause liver damage in dogs?
Long-term administration of phenobarbital has been reported to cause hepatic injury in dogs
. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, and it may be difficult to distinguish the effect of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activities from actual hepatic damage.
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 the best anti seizure medication for dogs?- Phenobarbital. …
- Potassium Bromide. …
- Levetiracetam (Keppra®) …
- Zonisamide (Zonegran®) …
- Premidone. …
- Per Rectal Diazepam. …
- Modified diet. …
- Supplements.
Can dogs still have seizures on phenobarbital?
His answer:
Not quite yet
. When it comes to managing seizures, veterinarians still rely on phenobarbital and potassium bromide in the majority of maintenance regimens for these dogs. But managing seizure disorders is a challenge, especially when a dog does not respond to standard phenobarbital or bromide therapy.
