My cat's restless with dilated eyes on phenobarbital for seizures?

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.

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Those are likely side effects from the phenobarbital. For that reason, I would highly recommend that you contact your veterinarian as they may decide to decrease his dose of phenobarbital based on this. Best of luck!

Was this increase something that your Vet suggested? If not I would absolutely drop the dose back down to what was prescribed. Giving too much can be dangerous. Always consult your vet before changing any medication doses. If your cat gets worse you should go to an emergency vet right away.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Molly should take phenobarbital to avoid further seizures, which is a priority in this situation. You should continue with the dose she has been prescribed. Many dogs are lethargic after the first few doses of phenobarbital but then are back to normal. Please, get in touch with your vet on Monday to confirm that Molly is on the right dose of phenobarbital. If the lethargy and lack of appetite persists, your vet will likely decrease the dose or change the medication. Molly will probably stay on anti-seizure medication for life.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor girl! There is an interaction between phenobarbital and prednisone. The prednisone will not work as well when the animal is take phenobarbital. But that's not to say that this caused the seizure. It does happen that a seizure disorder requires increases in the anti-seizure medication over time because the lower dose isn't as effective anymore. I cannot find an interaction between tresaderm ear drops and phenobarbital, so it may be an unfortunate coincidence she had a seizure after getting the drops. I think the best thing for her is to take her into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

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.