Are my dog's weak back legs a side effect of seizure medication?

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!

Some people do notice lethargy and difficulty walking with levetiracetam, but in general these side effects improve after a few days to weeks. If Milo's seizures started recently I would also worry that the lethargy and trouble with balance could be signs of neurologic disease. Seizures in an older dog are most commonly related to a lesion in the brain such as a tumor. I would recommend rechecking with your veterinarian to have Milo examined - you may want to discuss additional tests like an MRI to determine a cause for the seizures or discuss alternative anti convulsants.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors. The fact that he cannot use his legs is very concerning as that could be the result of the seizures or be unrelated. I highly recommend that you have Max evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Diagnostics that will be recommended will include bloodwork and advanced imaging such as an MRI. They would also be able to start him on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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

I would recommend having your vet evaluate Shaffy to see what is causing the weakness. It could be due to arthritis or other orthopedic disease, neurologic disease, muscle weakness, or it could be related to the prescribed medication.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dusky. I am sorry to hear about her recent seizures. Most dogs will experience some side effects when first starting an anti-seizure drug. It can take a while for the dog's body to adjust to the medication. I suspect that is having the signs you have described from the phenobarbital. Her signs should resolve over several weeks. However, if she gets worse, has more seizures or does not seem to recover well from a seizure, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Poor Brezzer! That sounds as though it may be a neurological problem, as some types of seizures can look like that. Please have Brezzer seen by a veterinarian for evaluation, and take in a video of his behaviour if possible. Please see the following link for more information on seizures in dogs. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=560 He may also be dealing with muscular or neurologic injury, an infectious disease like Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks and can cause joint pain and lameness, or he may have pain elsewhere in the body other than the paws or legs. Generalized weakness from systemic diseases or toxin ingestion could also be causing his inability to walk, and a vet visit is needed to determine the cause of his signs and guide treatment. Please have Brezzer seen by a vet immediately, and good luck to you both.