My dog had seizures after Excedrin. Is lifelong medication needed?

So I am very unsure as to what you mean by "chewing gum attacks" but I will try to address the rest of your question as best I can. In terms of seizures post-surgically, I have read and seen occasionally animal that after being exposed in to inhalant anesthetic have seizure activity. Whether or not it was due to the anesthetic, or because something was already wrong with the brain and the anesthetic triggered it, is not very clear. To obtain more information on a possible cause, you would need to obtain a diagnostic MRI by a neurologist at a specialty hospital. They would be able to assure you there is no structural issue that is the cause of the seizures. As far as the phenobarb dosing, your veterinarian should be taking blood in order to check and see if the levels are actually therapeutic.or not. He can adjust the levels accordingly, or potentially add in a second drug if needed. I can very much relate to how stress seizures are for the dog and the owner as I have an epileptic dog myself! It can be scary! However, I promise, with appropriate medication, as long as the seizures are kept under control and to a minimum, dogs can lead relatively normal lives. Hope this makes sense.

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.

There are different seizure medications and some work better than others for different individuals. I would recommend discussing different medication options with your veterinarian for Tyson. Some of the more common medications are phenobarbital, KBr, and zonisamide. Some dogs also require a combination of medications. Also, if recent blood work has not been done it should to make sure nothing has significantly changed.

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 submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend contacting his veterinarian. He will likely need to start another medication to control his seizures. Phenobarbital, potassium bromide and zonisamide are common choices. However, your veterinarian will know his medical history and which would be the best choice. Being able to have his seizures better controlled will improve his quality of life. I hope this information helps!

The trouble eating, disorientation and wobbly gait is likely a transient side effect from the phenobarbital given to control the seizures. This should subside after about two weeks until the body is used to the medication.

The good response to phenobarb makes a tumour less likely - these tend to respond very poorly and continue to have increasing seizures despite medication. His age also makes epilepsy likely so I would continue with the treatment as prescribed for 3-6months and possibly taper down carefully after this if no seizures occurring, or maintain as is if stable and limited side effects