my staffy dog x Jesse (jay) has has epilepsy for most of her life, she is 6. She is on meds called PHENOMAV and has 100mg twice a day now. I am worried that she is having seizures again as she has was howling and crying once during the night and then again this morning. She did this after a fit. I don't want to have to put her on higher meds as I worry what it could be doing to her kidney or liver.....
2007-02-07 09:46:15 · 13 answers · asked by Jassie's mum 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thankyou all for your answers and those that were nasty and in sensitive about it have no idea and must have very unhappy lives. It is NOT a funny thing to watch your loved one having a seizure. Grow a heart!
When Jesse comes out of her convultion, she freaks out and has become agressive in the past which is very scary as she is not aware what she is doing.We used to have another dog, but she died a few months ago and I am sure they both fought because of Jesse's condition. The vet said it is up to us if we would like blood work done. I am now worried what the results will be....
2007-02-07 13:11:44 · update #1
I don't have a dog with Epilepsy, but I do. Different anti-siezure medications affect different organs in the body. Humans with Epilepsy need to get their blook work done every so often to check not only the levels of the medication, but also to check for liver function, etc. The same would be said for pets with Epilepsy. I would suggest going to the vet. You might have to increase the dosage, but once that is done, your vet should recommend the blood work to check for liver function and so on. Also ask your vet if he can prescribe a muscle relaxer or an anti anxiety med along with your anti-siezure medication. It could help your dog relax after the siezures. Your dog might be building an immunity to the current meds, ask about changing it. Good luck to you.
2007-02-07 10:19:24 · answer #1 · answered by zumi 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My dog is 11 and has had epilepsy since he was 2. He does not have to be on meds because his seizures are less than one per year on average. What has your vet recommended you do? I would go with the advice of your vet as far as how to handle the increased seizures. There may be another med which will help. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this with your beloved pet. It is a very scary thing, I know.
Pay no attention to that insensitive angelgurl answer. One day she may have a seizure and be sorry she made that comment.
2007-02-07 10:01:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Phenobarbiturates, like Phenomav, have their limits. A dog can actually build a tolerance to the drug after so long, and this drug is in the same class as anesthesia agents and even euthanasia agents, so you are right to be concerned about dosage. Ask your vet about adding potassium bromide to the regimen to control seizures. It's one of the oldest seizure control drugs, and very safe when Phenobarb no longer works at safe doses.Good luck!
2007-02-07 10:26:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should have her phenobarb levels checked (should be done every 6 months) to make sure she is at a theraputetic level. While seizure meds can have some effect on the liver, the benefits of using it to prevent seizures at the correct level far outweigh the potential side effects. Its much easier to prevent seizures than to control them should she have another cluster episode.
2007-02-07 10:29:17 · answer #4 · answered by cs 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never had a dog with epilepsy. I would suggest going back to the vet and seeing what they think. People as well as animals become immune to certain amounts of medication and it sometimes needs to be increased. When you take her back to the vet, be sure to get a second opion. I took my puppy into the vet in november and the first one was way off and told us to bring her back monday. When we took her to an urgent care clinic she was hospitalized right away. On anything really serious with a dog, get a second opinion!
2007-02-07 09:55:10 · answer #5 · answered by Dani 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you be sure to place him/her in a safe environment, away from anything that might hurt her if and when she has another convulsion. It is possible that he/she has become sore from colliding with obstructions. Also remember that dogs, like people, can become depressed. The stress that this poor dog is going through on a day to day basis could be the reason for the crying at night.
2007-02-07 10:55:33 · answer #6 · answered by danstah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have her bloods checked to see where her phenobarb levels are at. If she can't be kept seizure-free on a safe level of phenobarb, there are other anti-epileptic drugs (e.g. potassium bromide, gabapentin) that may work for her, either alone, or in combination. Obviously your vet is the person to be discussing that with :)
Good luck. I hope you find something that works for her.
2007-02-07 18:24:50 · answer #7 · answered by Loz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are chinese herbs that can help your dog. Look for a vet that deals in alternative meds. It's a very workable disease for dogs, but you don't want her to suffer. Every seisure does damage to her little brain.
2007-02-07 10:30:10 · answer #8 · answered by Jilli Bean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would certainly discuss your concerns with your Veterinarian and see what he/she thinks. I would also think about doing a blood panel on your dog to see how her liver and kidney functions are. Good Luck to you and your pup. God Bless
2007-02-07 09:58:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry that's so sad good thing she has good parents to take care of her special needs!!! {:
2007-02-07 09:49:19 · answer #10 · answered by Katie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋