Phenobarbital is an inexpensive and easy to use drug, which makes it the most popular canine seizure medication on the market. Phenobarbital isn't FDA approved for dog usage, but veterinarians tend to prescribe it due to its efficiency. It is only issued with a prescription
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Treating between 60 and 80% of cases of idiopathic dog epilepsy effectively, dog owners can administer the drug on a daily basis to stop seizures, or administer it mid-seizure to stop the shaking.
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate and a nonselective central nervous system depressant. Seizures are caused when the balance of excitation and inhibition in the neurons of the brain is disturbed. Phenobarbital works by increasing the action of GABA (the inhibitory neurotransmitter) and it also appears to inhibit the release of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) from nerve endings.
Side Effects of Phenobarbital
As a result, many of the side effects of Phenobarbital are neurological. You'll notice your dog appearing lazy, sedated, restless, hyper-excited or uncoordinated (ataxia). These side effects will disappear after a few weeks of treatment when your dog's system gets used to the medication.
Long-term side effects of Phenobarbital include frequent urination, excessive drinking and eating. Because your dog is eating more, he'll most likely gain weight, a secondary effect of the drug. Although, it's rare, Phenobarbital can also cause anemia, which would necessitate discontinuation of treatment.
The common side effects of Phenobarbital are excessive hunger, excessive thirst, excessive urination, lethargy and ataxia (hind end weakness). It is not uncommon for some patients to demonstrate depression or sedation when Phenobarbital therapy is initiated. These effects are usually transient and resolve as the patient acclimates to the medication. If these side effects do not resolve, or if they are extremely pronounced, talk to your veterinarian.
Less common, but more serious side effects of Phenobarbital are scarring of the liver and liver failure that can be irreversible. Monitoring liver function while using Phenobarbital is vitally important.
Rarely, anemia (lack of red blood cells) can occur with Phenobarbital exposure.
I have listed some links where you can get the medication for your dog. Just thought that you might want a little more information about the medicine before giving it to your dog. Just a habit I have of researching the medicine before giving it to a loved one whether it is 2 legged or 4 legged.
Liver Damage
Liver damage is the most dangerous side effect of Phenobarbital. Although it only occurs in a small percentage of dogs, long-term use of Phenobarbital can cause scarring of the liver, and subsequent liver failure.
A reduction in the amount of Phenobarbital taken can prevent any long-term damage to the liver. Additionally, by monitoring blood levels frequently will help alert you to any problems in your dog's body before it is too late. Symptoms of liver damage to watch out for include jaundice, weight loss, vomiting and dark urine.
Liver damage can be presented by combining Phenobarbital with potassium bromide or milk thistle. Potassium bromide allows vets to prescribe a lower dosage of Phenobarbital in order to lower the likelihood of developing liver damage, but can affect the salt levels of your dog's diet. Monitor his salt intake after beginning treatment.
To purchase phenobarbital check out the website below.
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