dog seizures/ phenobarbital/ nuvet;

Question
QUESTION: My dog Leo started having seizures about a year ago and since June he has been on Phenobarbital currently taking 150 mg twice a day.  The beginning of November I started him on NuVet but he is still have seizures every 2 to 3 weeks so tonight I started him on Melatonin to see if this will help reduce his seizures.  Is there anything else you can recommend?  Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Lara,  The NuVET and good food, along the the Phenobarbital should keep his seizures down to a few per month.  Talk to your vet about a slight increase in the Phenobarbital.  You will need to have his blood work done.  Your main answer to this question is regulation of the Phneobarbital.

Make sure he is getting at least 1 NuVET per day and some Good Quality food.
LET me know if you need help with dog food choices or home-cooking.

Also, make sure he has his meds every 12 hrs to the hour.  AS close as you can without spreading too much time in between dosages.  MAKES a big difference.

BEST of Luck -
Keep a tight schedule and you can control this to a few per month.
WE I see 2-3 per week, we know the medications needs to be adjusted a bit.
Call the VET.


Marie Peppers LPN MA
ASK the Pet Nurse


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information yet should Leo move to 3(64mg) pills twice a day or should I begin to include potassium bromide into his treatment?

Answer
Contact me at my private e-mail ;  let me know what the blood levels show...
OK?
Marie Peppers - Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net

Hi again guys .... Leo can only move to a higher dosage of the seizure medication once his blood levels are measured.  After that, the vet can decide if he needs more.  
Many folks use potassium bromide because it extends the life of the seizure meds.
( makes it last longer in the blood stream)

Please have his blood drawn ASAP for the levels of pheno.

BEST wishes,
LET me know what the Vet says?

Marie Peppers LPN  MA
mtnmom@gci.net