Epilepsy......

[Pluckylittleking]

My 5yo labrador had her 3rd fit today, which I saw in all it's glory - utterly terrifying!!! Have talked to the vet and there is the option of having some phenobarbitone to control them, but downside is it increases appetite and thirst...... Just wondered if anyone has a dog on this medication long term and how they are getting on with it? Thanks......

 

[SSM]

Our beloved JRT Bumble Dog has fits that last up to an hour We have been offered phenobarbatol but have along with our vet have decieded to keep going as we are - due to the long term effects. We know we may lose her during a fit, but want the best life for her for as long as we can. We do treat the fits with anal valium.

 

[jackie36]

i had a border collie on phenobarbatol. she went form having fits twice weekly to perhaps one every six months. we had no problems with side effects.

 

[milor]

I had a Tervueren who began fitting at 2 years old - he was on a combination ogf Mysolin and Phenobarbitone until his death at 15 . He would have petit mal type of fits quite regularly but these did not seem to affect him adversely and certainly the medication had no discernable side effects.

 

[sevenoceans]

My mum had 2 Bassets that has it, We had one put down at 6 years old, Penny was one of two out of nine who survived the birth... Penny and the dog (Buster) was very poorly, they both has epilepsy, mother also rejected them. Penny had fits alot (it was during late 70's early 80's), there weren't much drugs available for her, Penny had Grand Mal at six. Buster lived to ripe old age of 15 (He never had big ones just those that stares/absent minded)

I am sure drugs now days would provide better quaility of life. Shame that you dog has it...It wasn't very nice sight. But all the best..

 

[star]

i have a client with a dog on phenobarb at the moment. we think the dog has juvenile onset idiopathic epilepsy. We started on a middle of the range dose, but the dog got quite wobbly and was eating and drinking loads, so reduced the dose which reduced the side-effects to a satisfactory level. blood tests showed levels to be in therapeutic range. didn't have a fit for several weeks then had 3, so going to re-blood test and may start her on potassium bromide as well. Suspect we will manage to get her mostly under control eventually, just playing around with getting her stabilised at the moment. Every time they have a fit it damages pathways in the brain, so i prefer if possible to control them.

I know how scary it is to watch a dog fitting - my last dog had several fits before we had her pts because of a brain tumour - she was 12 though and a boxer - they are very common in them. in your Lab idiopathic epilepsy is the most likely cause.