Phenobarbital – good drug for controlling light seizures. It causes severe liver damage if used in high doses and for long periods of time. D’Angelo used it for 2 years and has been off of it for 1 yr and 2 mos. He has been on Denamarin for over a year to try to heal and regenerate his liver from Phenobarb damage.

Potassium Bromide – Good drug to use in combination with Phenobarbital to control heavier seizures in dogs. Also a drug that if used in high doses will cause toxicity and damage. D’Angelo started having serious respiratory problems from this drug (couldn’t breathe well, crusty/cracked nose and swollen nostrils to the point I thought he was going to stop breathing completely.

After seeing numerous specialists (internal medicine and neurologists) we got D’Angelo on Keppra and Zonisamide.

Keppra – liquid form for dogs. This is a wonderful medication. D’Angelo has had no side effects with the medicine. It alone controlled his seizures for a few months. We had to combine Zonisamide to the mix and now his seizures are controlled.

Zonisamide – pill for dogs. This is also a wonderful medication with no side effects shown. Can be used alone or in combination with Keppra.

I would highly suggest talking to your vet or specialist about Keppra and Zonisamide for Elvis. It is so much better than Phenobarb or Potassium Bromide.

Another important drug that could save Elvis’ life – Valium for dogs. Valium is a very effective drug for bringing dogs out of seizures. My vet has dispensed liquid rectal Valium for D’Angelo. When he is having a seizure for longer than 3 minutes then I lube his rear end and insert the liquid Valium (in a syringe) into his rectum. He comes out of the seizure almost immediately.

It is very dangerous for a dog to have a seizure for longer than 5 minutes or to have cluster seizures that continue on for long periods of time during the day/night. D’Angelo has had all of these types of Grand Mal Seizures. Very scary!

You can also put Elvis on Valium pill therapy while he is transitioning from one medication to another for added protection against seizures. I know so much about seizures/epilepsy in dogs that I could write a book. I love my baby so much that I want to protect him and take care of him as much as I possibly can.

Best of luck with controlling Elvis’ seizures. He is so blessed to have such a loving mommy.

~ Tina
Park Avenue Chihuahua

What a story that would be!!!

- Carolyn

We love hearing your tales, and seeing your pics.

hugs and licks
Ginni and Robbee Chi
xxx

XXXOOO
GrisGris