Dog on seizure meds still panting, eye pain. Is it a misdiagnosis?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dusky. I am sorry to hear about her recent seizures. Most dogs will experience some side effects when first starting an anti-seizure drug. It can take a while for the dog's body to adjust to the medication. I suspect that is having the signs you have described from the phenobarbital. Her signs should resolve over several weeks. However, if she gets worse, has more seizures or does not seem to recover well from a seizure, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Based on the history, a toxicity seems less likely and a primary disease of the brain more likely. If the seizures are not well controlled on phenobarbital it may be that she needs a higher dose. You should discuss phenobarbital levels with your veterinarian. If the levels are in therapeutic range, a second anticonvulsant such as levetiracitam should be considered. Furthermore, you may consider following up with a veterinary neurologist to discuss diagnostics including an MRI of the brain.

The pacing could be a side effect of the phenobarbital or a side effect of the underlying cause for Frito's seizures. If the pacing continues or he has any decreased appetite, vomiting, or seems excessively sedate then you need to contact your veterinarian to discuss altering the dose potentially.

Please do not discontinue Kasey's medication without consulting with your vet, as if he is on the phenobarbital to manage seizures or neurological issues, taking him off it may lead to a neurological issue. Try to get a video of the heavy breathing and contact your vet. This medication can lead to some lethargy initially, and that may be what your'e noticing. Show your vet the video, have them take a look at Kasey, and they can help you determine if anything needs to be changed regarding the phenobarbital.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. In the initial stages of starting Phenobarbital, dogs develop what we call transient symptoms. These include becoming wobbly (ataxia), drooling, disorientation, panting, etc. These symptoms will eventually subside as the dog's body becomes used to the phenobarbital. If Trapper is no longer having seizures, I would call the veterinarian and ask if the dose can be slightly lowered. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It sounds like something is irritating the nerves that run through the middle/inner ear. Has a thorough ear exam been done with an otoscope? Any x-rays of the head? Have you considered taking him to an internal medicine specialist and/or a neurologist for additional testing? That is what I suggest you do as the next step. Most likely he will need an MRI or CT Scan. I highly doubt Pepcid will do anything but it won't hurt to try it. Personally, I would have used steroids (prednisone) as the medication of choice but it is hard for me to second guess your vet since I have not examined Gale or have access to the entire medical history and exam findings. So, speak to your vet about a referral to a specialist. I can't seem to find any speciality hospitals in your area so you may have to drive a few hours to take him to one.

I think many veterinarians would continue with both medications if the seizures were refractory to the first medication, but other times the goal is to try to transition from one anticonvulsant to another for various reasons. I would recommend asking the specialist or your veterinarian (whoever will be managing Jig’s seizures) what the long term plan is.