My dog is sluggish and wobbly on seizure meds. Is it side effect?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bailey. I am assuming the has a seizure disorder based on the medications that he is taking. When a new medication is added, the dog can go through an adjustment period. The biggest signs I will see is the patient being sedate or wobbly on their legs. These side effects are typically transient. His body likely just needs time to adjust to the recently added medication. In my experience, these signs do not usually last longer than a few days or up to one week. In the meantime, do your best to support him he walks. I would not give any over-the-counter medications as there is not something that will help. If his signs are not decreasing, talk with your veterinarian and see if he needs s dose change. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gus. I suspect that the new seizure medication has interfered a bit with his coordination. This is common when starting a seizure medication. In his case, it has likely exacerbated underlying joint disease. So I think his problem is a result of both the drug therapy and his joints. The effects of seizure medications become less pronounced as the animal becomes used to it over a week or two. He could also try another drug to see if he has less side effects. However, with his size many drugs might be cost prohibitive. It would be a good idea to take x-rays. If he has joint disease, it is best to treat it as soon as possible. Typical therapies are weight management, joint supplements and anti-inflammatory pain medication. I hope this information helps!

Those can be side effects if the medications. Anti seizure medicines such as phenobarbital and bromide can cause profound lethargy and and weakness. Tranadol and the others can make them a little unsteady. Most of the time this affect will wear off after a week or so as they get use to the medicine. If it is interfering with his day to day activities then you might want to talk to your vet about a reduced dose or changing medicines. If it is at all possible, maybe splitting some up at different times might also help

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!

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!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The falling/lethargy episode you described may have been a seizure. This may be due to toxin ingestion or epilepsy, which does occur occasionally in older dogs. Head shaking may be related or unrelated as an ear infection. I recommend having Sami seen by her vet who can perform bloodwork and x-rays and prescribe anticonvulsant medications if the seizures continue. I recommend bringing a video of the episode if you are able to, as his will be really helpful in determining if the episode was truly a seizure. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!