This drug may cause a self-limiting mild sedation that can last up to 3 weeks.
Profound sedation, stumbling, hind limb weakness, etc. are indications for re-evaluation and dose adjustment
. Other side effects include increased drinking/urination, increased appetite, anorexia and vomiting.
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.
Does phenobarbital cause muscle weakness?
Phenobarbital side effects
weak or shallow breathing; unusual pain anywhere in your body (especially in the neck, shoulder, or arms); a red blood cell disorder–pale skin,
muscle weakness
, diarrhea, weight loss, rapid heart rate, tongue swelling, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, feeling short of breath; or.
Will phenobarbital make my dog wobbly?
Ataxia. Ataxia is when a dog loses coordination in his hind end or experiences weakness there.
Phenobarbital can trigger ataxia
, and if you notice this, you should let your vet know.
What is dog ataxia?
Ataxia, Vestibular Disease in Dogs. Ataxia is
a condition relating to a sensory dysfunction that produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and/or trunk
. There are three clinical types of ataxia: sensory (proprioceptive), vestibular, and cerebellar.
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.
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.
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.
Can seizures in dogs cause leg weakness?
Profound sedation, stumbling, hind limb weakness, etc. are indications for re-evaluation and dose adjustment
. Other side effects include increased drinking/urination, increased appetite, anorexia and vomiting. It is generally recommended to have a bromide level checked with your primary veterinarian in 4-6 weeks.
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.
How long does it take for phenobarbital to get into a dog’s system?
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.
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.
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
.
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.
What causes sudden hind leg weakness in dogs?
The main orthopedic cause of hind-limb weakness in dogs is
chronic joint inflammation/pain
(osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease). While the arthritis itself is obviously painful, it is frequently accompanied by muscle aches and pains, called compensatory pain.
What are the early signs of ataxia in dogs?
- Weakness.
- Frequent tripping or stumbling.
- Uncoordinated gait.
- Broad-based stance.
- Difficulty getting up.
- Circling.
- Leaning or walking toward one side.
- Lethargy.
What causes sudden neurological issues in a dog?
Types Of Neurological Disorders In Pets
Autoimmune disease affecting the brain and/or spinal cord
. Infection of the brain and/or spinal cord. Inflammation of one or more components of the central nervous systemneurological disorders. Seizures (caused by epilepsy and/or endocrine disruption)
What are the side effects of Keppra in dogs?
Are there any potential side effects? The most common side effects include
sleepiness and incoordination
in dogs. In cats, a decreased appetite, incoordination, drooling, and sleepiness most commonly occur. Serious side effects include persistent vomiting or sudden changes in behavior.
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 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.
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.
Do dogs with seizures live long?
Approximately 40-60 percent of dogs with epilepsy have one or more episodes of cluster seizures or status epilepsy, and a
mean lifespan of only 8 years
, compared to 11 years for those with epilepsy without episodes status epilepsy.
What happens when you stop taking phenobarbital?
No one should stop taking phenobarbital or change the amount they take without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once
can cause seizures that may be life-threatening
. The risk of withdrawal symptoms with phenobarbital makes it especially important to be careful in stopping this medicine.
How does phenobarbital affect the brain?
Cognitive deficits in adults: Long-term use of phenobarbital is associated with a number of cognitive deficits in adults that can include similar issues with learning and memory, attention and concentration, complex attention, expressive and receptive speech, and problem-solving.
Is there a substitute for phenobarbital?
Carbamazepine is a suitable substitute for phenobarbital, primidone, and phenytoin
, alone or in combination, when used in the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic or par- tial epilepsy.
