Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Focal Cluster Seizures

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Epilepsy


My dog has been diagnosed with focal cluster seizures. He was put on phenobarbitol, which worked well for the 1st few months. He is know experiencing "break through" seizures and the phenobarb doens't seem to be able to stop them completly, even though his dosage has been raised significantly. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. His seizures cause intense musle cramping and are extremely painful.
Thank you for your help.

=

There are many medications now available for seizures. Phenobarb is one of the oldest, and has the advantage that it is one of the cheapest drugs on the planet, and it also has a long duration of being in the bloodstream which means you don't have to dose it many times per day.

On the other hand, if it is no longer working, then it might be time to consider another drug (or reconsider the diagnosis).

Unfortunately, our expertise (while it extends to seizures) does not apply to animals. I would consult your veterinarian and ask him/her the options. I suppose that with vets as well as human doctors, it wouldn't be inappropriate to seek a second opinion if you'd like to be more confident that you've covered all bases.

I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.



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