Does anyone know if a dog is prescribed phenobarbital, by law, do you have to have bloodwork every month. My vet is telling me I have to if we want to continue this medicine.
Thank you in advance.
2007-02-22 13:18:44 · 8 answers · asked by dragonrider 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The reason why regular blood testing is needed with phenobarbitol is because it is basically a self-eliminating medication--the longer your dog is on the drug, the higher his body's tolerance becomes, and the less effective it is.
Your vet is probably checking to see if the levels of phenobarb in his system are therapeutic, and making sure they are not toxic--because if they are too high, they are toxic.
Usually it is only needed every 6 months. Although, maybe it's needed more often than that if you just began the medication and your veterinarian is trying to assess how it is working on his system. If that is the case, then once the levels become consistently therapeutic, your vet will probably only ask you to do it every 6 months.
You should ask your vet what the plan is. As far as I know, it's not legally required. If cost is an issue, let your vet know that you can't afford to do it that often and see if you can do it every 2 months.
2007-02-22 13:29:08 · answer #1 · answered by Biz 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a R.N. and the information Bizworth gives is totally correct regarding the use of phenobarb for the dog. It is a controlled drug which by law must be dispensed under specified conditions among which include regular blood level monitoring of the drug so that the blood level continues to be therapeutic yet not toxic which is also true for humans taking this medication. Also, depending on the diagnosis, a dog may be prescribed phenobarb on a daily basis for such things as seizures, etc. Phenobarb is an anticonvulsant (not a narcotic) and is prescribed for a number of brain dysfunctions including brain stabilization of mood and for some neurological pain disorders. Your vet could lose his professional licence to medically/surgically care for animals if he didn't follow the law regulating the prescribing of controlled drugs. But perhaps the most important reason for you to support your vet's decision to monthly determine the phenobarb blood levels of your pet are because THIS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF YOUR DOG INCLUDING THE SAFE PRESERVATION AND HEALING OF YOUR DOG'S LIFE. Good luck to you and best wishes to your dog for a speedy recovery
2007-02-22 14:05:16 · answer #2 · answered by marnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd ask another vet in your area and get a consensus on this. State to state this medication is handled very differently. Any vet you speak to should be able to tell you, and they should be able to cite the state law that requires this...so you can see for yourself.
If there is not state law, you need to work with a vet who trusts you! I've given my animals all types of restricted medication over the years, meds that would kill a human easily, with no problems from any vet. Actually, it's kinda scarey how easy it is to obtain meds.
2007-02-22 13:34:14 · answer #3 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would see another vet, second opinion, that is highly a addictive drug, I have never heard of a vet prescribing a barbiturate to a canine
2007-02-22 13:30:29 · answer #4 · answered by gunter_thehunter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your vet is correct sweetie. It is a controled medication and it has to be monitored in not only humans but dogs too.
2007-02-22 13:26:12 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best thing to do is call another vet and get his opionion on the subject. Its not going to hurt. just to ask and be sure.
2007-02-22 13:27:59 · answer #6 · answered by misty blue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
phenobarb is the US is a narcotic so maybe where ever you are from you must comply with random blood test to make sure the dog is actually receiving the med and it isn't being misused.
2007-02-22 13:22:24 · answer #7 · answered by ompie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
contact another vet and get a second opinion
2007-02-22 13:23:37 · answer #8 · answered by deedee2qu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋