If your dog has seizures and the vet tells you they can put her on meds that damage her liver what would you?

Question

I have to decide because hers are getting worse. I hate seeing her suffer. If it comes to it I may have to let her go. She is a part of the family, but I can't bare her suffering like this. What is your oppinion?

Answer 1

I have 2 that have seizures,1 is 10 and the other is 7,both are on meds and have been since age 2, they still have 1 once and awhile but i wouldn't do it any other way.They get regular blood work done and so far both are fine,no liver problems.So my answer is go for the meds your baby may have another 10 + years left to love and be loved,there are several meds but we use phenobarbital.

Answer 2

Yes, I've been through this. I got my first dog from a backyard breeder before I knew better and he had all kinds of health issues, including epilepsy. I, too, agonized about whether or not to put him on phenobarbitol, but I decided to do it. He took the meds for about 4 years. Once he acclimated to the drug, he was the same dog as every, no change in activity level or temperament. The seizures were completely controlled. After 4 years, the vet suggested we take him off the drug because LONG TERM usage might affect his liver. We did so, and found that he had outgrown the seizures! For the remainder of his life (another 6 years), he only had 2 very slight petit mal seizures. His liver was undamaged.

Answer 3

Frankly, I am surprised you are wrestling with this decision. Every medication produces some sort of side effect, most are even deadly in rare cases. The protocol for treatment of seizures in dogs requires that there are regular blood checks, I believe it was every 3-6 months depending on the results when I had a dog with epilepsy, to check the liver levels. They ususally try to start a dog on minimal doses and adjust monthly as needed. Once the seizuring improves with consistent liver levels within a safe range, the medication dose will remain the same with fewer blood draws to check liver. Even then, there will always be two blood checks for liver each year.

At the beginning of treatment, it does take awhile to improve things because the medication needs to be in a constant level to control the seizures. Be patient, try the meds and follow your veterinarian's advice. You do not indicate if these are actually grad mal or frequently occuring petit mal.

Seisures do increase frequency and severity if left untreated. I say if you love your dog, absolutely do the treatment for at least 6 months before you considering putting it down. Within 6 months you will likely have a greater control of the situation--and may have no seizuring whatsoever. This all depends, however, on how long you have allowed it to go untreated in the first place. This link may answer some of your concerns.

Answer 4

If your dog is still young then consider some more natural methods of getting the seizures under control.

Change to a holistic dog food and give her magnesium.

However, if she is older and has lived an full and happy existance then I would let her go. They cannot tell you if they are in pain or how much they are suffering, and once the liver damage starts from the medication how will you be able to know when 'enough is enough'.

Answer 5

Oh honey, do I understand your pain. I've been thru the same thing. Right before Christmas I had to let my 16 year old dog go. He was having seizures also and it was so hard on him and I couldn't let him suffer. We were also told about meds that can cause liver damage. I just didn't see how I could let him suffer anymore whether it be liver damage or seizures. I truly sympathize.

Answer 6

That's such a hard dilemma, and I truly empathize with you. All of our pets are members of the family, and it is a very hard decision! We're debating that option for my older dog (age 18) who is having several health problems, but one member in my family outright refuses to put her to sleep. And ultimately, it's kind of like getting a new pet--you should have everyone's okay in order to do that; otherwise, the feelings of resentment can really build up.

Anyway, no one can make the decision for you. This is something that you (along with the rest of your family) need to decide.

If you're not ready to call it the end, you can try the medicines, and maybe your dog will at least be able to live a little longer happily. If you try the medicines and they don't work, you know that you will have tried and then you can think seriously about the other option. My first reaction would be to try, but again, I'm not you...I don't know the situation well enough to really say you should do this or not do that.

Good luck with your decision; I know it's a hard one.

Answer 7

They will monitor liver and kidney functions while she is on the meds. With everything there is a side affect. Anything you put in yours or her body. Does it help the seizures then do it. If it doesn't then don't but I think you owe it to her to try. Do remember they will give you the worse case scenerio for the meds. It is possible they won't affect her at all.

Answer 8

I certainly have a minpin that has Grand Mal seizures. additionally they began at 3. They final 40 5 minutes, approximately 25 minutes after valium. She has a pair a 12 months, so isn't on on a regular basis meds. I certainly have valium I supply her while one takes place, yet it fairly is it. they are very frightening. She replaced into going to be a brilliant brood bi#ch for me. She had one muddle of 5, and replaced right into a great mom. as quickly as she had her seizure, I spayed her right this moment. I certainly have 2 of her infants, thank god they have in no way had seizures, and are basically approximately 8yrs previous. I additionally owned her mom and dad, they in no way had seizures. no longer plenty i can do for her. I carry her so she does not crash into something. Then call the vet so as that they have it on checklist. The vet says they do no longer seem to be familiar sufficient at this factor to have her on on a regular basis meds. I certainly have a chi that has petite mal seizures on occasion. additionally began around 3. no longer very familiar, additionally no longer on meds.

Answer 9

I would not hesitate to put my dog on seizure medicine!
Having seizures your dog could begin to have brain damage if the seizures become more frequent and lasting longer.
The medication could cause liver problems?? It is not a sure thing that liver problems could happen.
I know what its like to see your dog have a seizure. Give your dog the seizure medicine. I am sure she would thank you.

Good Luck

Answer 10

Usually liver function is monitored via a simple blood test. You could try it for a while and see if perhaps it improves her quality of life; it may give you more time together. Talk to your vet; s/he is in a better position to advise you than we are.