My epileptic dog missed a dose. Why are his seizures increasing?

I'm sorry Cesar is having seizures. If he has six seizures in total in the last few weeks, that would be why your vet increased the meds. It sounds like he had an increase in the incidence of seizures, and typically that is when a vet will increase medication to control them. If he had a seizure last night and it only lasted for two seconds, it sounds like the increase in medication may have helped. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! First, you are no bother at all-that's what's we are here for. Secondly, yes, you have a cause for concern. Any time a known epileptic starts seizing again, especially with any frequency, it's time for a vet visit asap. Likely they will do bloodwork to make sure nothing has changed since you were prescribed medications last. You did not mention any phenobarbital or potassium bromide for long term relief from seizures? Is your dog on any any antiseizure medications or just the Valium as needed? If he is not on medications currently they may very well start him on something for long term relief. If he already is-they will likely adjust the dosages. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm so sorry to hear Hunter has been suffering from seizures. I would recommend reaching out to your regular veterinarian to discuss alterations in his medication protocol, as it is best for someone familiar with him, his case and his medications to make any alterations. Good luck!

Hello. Phenobarbital can be absorbed very quickly, so it possible that some has already entered the bloodstream. If Luna's seizures have been well controlled up to this point, then missing one dose will not be harmful. Just redose at her next normal scheduled time. If she continues to vomit or act unwell, see your vet quickly to have her liver & phenobarb levels checked to make sure all is well. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is probably the overstimulation of her brain and the nerves that causes the breakthrough seizures. Exercise would not make her burn through the medication faster. It is really best to minimize excitement in any dog that has a history of seizures. That being said, if this is a new thing and it has been longer than 4 months since her last phenobarbital blood test, it would be best to go ahead and have that checked to see if the dosage needs to be adjusted. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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! I do not think that you are being selfish at all. You care about him which is good. It is common for dogs with epilepsy to eventually need more medications added to their anti-seizure medication protocols. There are several anti-seizure medications that can be considered including phenobarbital, potassium bromide, Keppra, zonisamide, among many others. I would encourage you to discuss with your veterinarian about other anti-seizure medications. Often times dogs with epilepsy respond favorably to other medications. Good luck and have a great day!