My dog's seizures returned on zonisamide. Should I up her dose?

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!

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!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Papo. The increase in seizure frequency could be due to the slight medication change you described. However, seizures are unpredictable and this may have occurred even if you had administered the medication on his normal 12 hour schedule. If he has any more seizures, I would recommend blood work to check his phenobarbital level. He may require a dose adjustment. I hope this information helps!

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!

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!

I'm sorry to hear that Mali is having this issue. I do not know the answer to your question as I do not know the ingredients of the herbal supplement you are giving. This would be a question for your vet since they have her medical history. My opinion is that she should be on a known anticonvulsant medication like phenobarbital if you want any chance at the seizures being controlled. I have never seen an herbal supplement control seizures. I think it was just coincidence that she had no seizures while taking the supplement.

I'm sorry to hear this is happening to Oscar. You may want to ask about a referral to a specialist who may better be able to manage Oscar. You may also ask about weaning off of one of those medications. You may also ask about Zonisamide. There is a diet which may also help made by Purina ProPlan called Neuro Care (it probably won;t make or break but it can't help). I hope this helps.