Phenobarbital for Dogs

Phenobarbital is used for dogs with epilepsy. Canine Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain where abnormal electrical activity triggers further uncoordinated nerve transmission. This uncoordinated and haphazard nerve tissue activity scrambles messages to the muscles of your dog's body and the coordinated use of the muscles is then inhibited.

Because there are many causes of chronic recurrent seizures in dogs, canine epilepsy is not a specific disease or even a single syndrome, but rather a diverse category of disorders. Canine Epilepsy is broadly divided into idiopathic and symptomatic disorders. Idiopathic Epilepsy, also called primary epilepsy, means that there is no identifiable brain abnormality other than seizures.

Phenobarbital is a barbiturate and a nonselective central nervous system depressant. Seizures are caused when the balance of excitation and inhibition in the neurons of the brain is disturbed. Phenobarbital works by increasing the action of GABA (the inhibitory neurotransmitter) and it also appears to inhibit the release of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) from nerve endings.

The common side effects of Phenobarbital are excessive hunger, excessive thirst, excessive urination, lethargy and ataxia (hind end weakness). It is not uncommon for some patients to demonstrate depression or sedation when Phenobarbital therapy is initiated. These effects are usually transient and resolve as the patient acclimates to the medication. If these side effects do not resolve, or if they are extremely pronounced, talk to your veterinarian.

Less common, but more serious side effects of Phenobarbital are scarring of the liver and liver failure that can be irreversible. Monitoring liver function while using Phenobarbital is vitally important.

Rarely, anemia (lack of red blood cells) can occur with Phenobarbital exposure.
I have listed some links where you can get the medication for your dog. Just thought that you might want a little more information about the medicine before giving it to your dog. Just a habit I have of researching the medicine before giving it to a loved one whether it is 2 legged or 4 legged.

For more information in Phenobarbital for Dogs and diet effects in dog seizures.