My dog on Phenabarbitol has incontinence & hind end issues. What to do?

From the treatment your veterinarian has given, I can assume that he/she is suspecting your Lily is suffering from epilepsy. Phenobarbital is usually the treatment for it. On other hand a presentation with imbalance problems is more compatible with a geriatric-idiopathic vestibular syndrome, which has a good prognosis and rapid recovery even without treatment. The weakness Lily is experiencing is probably due to side effect of the drug itself and not to the actual disease. Another check up and physical examination are absolutely needed to have a better idea of underlying cause. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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.

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is very normal in the first 2 weeks of starting phenobarbital. The dogs experience lethargy and the hind legs are wobbly and they appear to walk drunk. This will resolve in 2-4 weeks. The dogs do remain thirsty and have increased hunger on the medication. I wish Ceasar the best!

I just answered your other question (https://www.petcoach.co/question/?id=814394). I've reiterated here for reference. I understand how frightening it can be when seizures occur. Seizures can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as epilepsy, toxin exposure, portosystemic liver shunts, or brain tumors, among others. While most seizures are treated with medications, the precise treatment is depends on the cause of the seizures. Gardenal (also known by the generic name phenobarbital) is a very common medication used to manage seizures in dogs. When used long term (as is often the case), it can cause elevation in the liver enzymes. It's important to routinely monitor full blood chemistry panels and phenobarbital levels in the blood while using this medication. I am concerned about Chhutki's very low sodium levels. Looking at the low ratio of her sodium and potassium levels, it's possible that she could have Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Very low sodium levels can cause neurologic issues, which could also be the cause of her seizures. At this point, a balanced commercial dog food (such as Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet or Purina ProPlan) is her best dietary option. Yogurt, table foods or over the counter supplements are not going to help with this issue. Chhutki really needs to be further evaluated by her vet to get to the bottom of this issue. Further diagnostic tests, such as an ACTH Stim, bile acid testing and an MRI would be helpful. Your vet may also need to hospitalize her for fluid therapy to slowly increase her sodium level to see if the seizures improve. I hope that she feels better soon!

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.

It could be a very bad side effect of the phenobarbital, it is a strong medication that tends to cause severe side effects, especially if given at a loading dose in the beginning. you should contact your vet immediately in order to discuss possibly changing the dosage.