side effects of phenobarbital

[HaleyHooch]

My dog just came home from emergency vet last night for seizures. She started her heat cycle approximately 5 weeks ago and her first seizure 4 weeks ago. They say nothing to do with her heat cycle but she was fine before this. Every saturday night she had a seizure almost to the same time. How bizarre is this!!!! She is finished with her heat now and has 2 seizures this past saturday. When I brought her to the Vet neurologically intact and now in and out of a trans, urinating all over. She doesn't seem to recognize me at times then all of a sudden she wags a tail and kissing me to death. She is very unsteady on her feet which seems to come and go. How long before these side effects will go away?

[zoe114]

I had a dog that was on that and sadly to say, I had to put him down as nothing was working. What I want to suggest to you is to see if your dog has Cushing. I think my dog did and the treatment is different. As one dog lover to another, if nothing works in the long term, know when to let your pup go..this is not easy. My male dog was having seizures on time every 6 weeks, the last time he had 4 and I rushed him to the vet, the next month he had 3 and I took him to be put down. He had one after I got off the phone and another in the car...5 total. I did all I could for a year, then had to let him go.    

[HaleyHooch]

thank you so much for sharing your situation with me. Yes my dog is not the same either. Monday will go for level and see if too much for her. She is going to be spayed in june and then my vet wants to wean her off. Praying that your dog will get better also. Will keep in touch  and let you know how we make out.

[Misfits4Me]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dogs/Phenobarbital-side-effects--how-long/show/1525013?page=1

[Flarnurse]

Hi there. My chihuahua was placed on Phenobarb for seizures about 40 days ago. The first week was very scary. He couldnt lift his leg to pee or he would fall down. I literally had to hold him up, and he would squat to potty. He slept constantly that first week, and only woke to eat and drink.....I set my alarm every 4 hrs to take him out to potty. He couldnt focus real well on me, but would lick my face a lot if I held him. All this lasted about a week. I went back to the Vet and he cut his dose in half. Since then it has gotton a bit better. Unfortunately , he has gained 2 lbs in a month, drinks water constantly and has become distant and lethargic. He will play ball outside still......but when inside he is a different dog all together.....and I miss him. I am currently looking for a possible OTC drug that mimics Phenobarbitol. I hear there are some out there that do not have these side effects along with the terrible damage to his liver. Did they also give you and your dog a RX for liver support?? I am using Milk Thistle while he is taking Phenobarb. I will keep you and your dog in my thoughts and prayers. OH, I almost forgot......keep a journal!!! I write down everything to take to Vet and compare on this site and others.