My dog has been diagnosed with having idiopathic seizures. The Vet didn’t feel at the time of diagnosis that a medication regime was necessary however the seizures are more frequent and the side effects from the drugs are severe.
Is there any way of helping my dog with other treatments? I am worried!
Thanks.
Phenobarbital….and if that does not work, add potassium bromide. These are both widely used to control seizures/epilepsy in dogs, and rarely cause any problems, even when administered long term. Whomever told you they have “severe side effects” was very incorrect.
Mike Keem, DVM
Aurora Pet Hospital East Aurora, NY
I would seek help from a veterinary acupuncturists. I currently work as a technician at a holistic practice, and acupuncture can help with seizures. Also, chiropractic can also help. Good luck!
Stephanie
Have you actually tried the drug, or are you just reading the side effect sheet that prints out with the meds (or online etc.)? I use phenobarbital all the time in patients with few side effects other than mild sedation.
Other medications you could try would be potassium bromide or diazepam if phenobarbital will not work for your pet.
Good luck,
Joy N. Ritz, DVM
which drugs?
Phillip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
Hi There,
Yes, I have been getting a great success and response from three organic food based supplements and homeopathy.
Please e-mail me if interested. Thank you.
Dyanna McCain DVetHom
Dyanna McCain, DIHom DVetHom
Holistic Animal Healing
Los Angeles, CA
If you haven’t I would recommend consultation with a veterinary neurologist.
T. L. Medinger DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
VCA Aurora Animal Hospital
Aurora, IL
My daughter has a rescue dog that we believe is almost two years old. She has been having seizures for the past year and they have gotten progressively worse. She has been on the bromide, pheno and diazepam. In the past twenty four hours she has had 12 seizures and over 150 mg of diazepam. She doesn’t seem to come out of the “aurora” phase and appears to be physically exhausted! (duh – poor girl). The vet said it’s about getting her doses adjusted to get where the seizures will be reduced and under control. They cannot afford to take her to a neurologist and the for the expensive tests that are needed to find out the exact cause, –brain or liver shunt. I’ve been reading that diet can play a role in controlling the seizures. Hi Omega 3 fatty acids and CoQ10, Chia powder. I’d like some feed back if anyone has tried diet that helped or if these items do help. I feel like the dogs quality of life is so compromised and when is it time to consider putting her down.. instead of just waiting/fearing she is going to die during her next seizure. It’s very hard to leave her during the day.