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seizures and phenobarbital
Hello ladies,
I am mostly a lurker, but I am hoping someone will have information to share. Our beloved rescue dog had a seizure on Friday afternoon. He is estimated to be around 12 to 14 years old. He required valium and phenobarbital to control the seizures and was in the hospital for two days. While there, he developed a strange yelp that was described as "dysphoria" and remained very uncoordinated. There was worry for a brain lesion. Over the last three days, he did have some improvement, and we decided to take him home today to see how he would do at home. He is intact mentally but is unable to control his limbs. He needs assistance with feeding (we hand feed him and carry him to his water bowl to drink), we have to hold him up to urinate and defecate, basically, he has lost all coordination and balance. He surprised us by holding his head up and looking around tonight, and he has good mobility of his legs, just unable to stand and support himself. I have heard that these can all be side effects of phenobarbital, and we are praying this will improve as his system gets used to the medication. We are at a loss and are completely heartbroken. We do not want to put him down and want to give him every chance possible. I do not want to give up on him if he has a chance, especially since he seems to know us, our home, etc. Of course, we accept that if he continues in this state, and it is not due to phenobarbital, this is the poorest quality of life for him, and it would be cruel and selfish to allow him to remain this way. However, since he makes strides everyday, we are hoping. Does anyone have experience with phenobarbital, side effects, etc.? I would appreciate any insight and advice. TIA.
Re: seizures and phenobarbital
I had this same experience last month when my beagle had cluster seizures and was hospitalized on valium and phenobarbitol. The first few days home, he was completely uncoordinated, could barely walk, and stumbled constantly. This cleared up over the course of about a week, and now a month later he's back to his regular self. I'd say the severe side effects lasted four days, but he's also a younger pup at 5 y/o, so he may have bounced back quicker than your dog will. I was also worried about brain damage and permanent disability, but my advice is to let him get used to the meds and give it time. Every day was better and better.
Good luck!
Thank you for your responses.
@LolaNJoe - I greatly appreciate that you shared your experience with us. DH and I almost cried when we heard about your pup recovering. Ours is even better today (can hold his head above water, sat up although wobbly, and was able to bear weight on front legs to urinate, and squatted to defecate). He does seem to have mental anguish because he wants to do all the things he is used to doing, but with these daily strides, I agree with giving him more time. You gave us hope, thank you.
40/112
Have your dogs blood tested for the phenobarbital levels. There is a certain range the level should be in.
Also, to stop the seizing, the vet probably used some serious dosing and continuing the phenobarbital is probably making your dog so limited. It sounds like he is improving. He might just need time.