I have to take my dog to the vet for phenobarbitol...

[Rowdyboy]

He's had an occasional epileptic seizure (every couple of months) for several years. Last weekend he had two HARD seizures, one on Friday, one on Saturday, and the vet strongly suggests we do this now.

I hate to drug this wonderful animal but I won't let him suffer and the seizures are terrifying. I just hope it doesn't change his personality. The vet assured me he would live a normal lifespan.

I think its supposed to have a high rate in springer spaniels.

[RushIsRot]

1. I had a dog that suffered such seizures once.

She recognized the problem and the fact that her bladder emptied when it happened. When she felt one coming on, she would crawl into the bath tub so as not to cause a mess.

Her attacks were so infrequent that I did not need to give her drugs.

My dog was a mixed breed - part golden retriever.

[Rowdyboy]

3. What an excellent dog!

Mine just drools heavily and loses limb control.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

2. Mine has been on phenobarbitol for several years.

The dosage is low enough that it does not affect her behavior in any way.

[Maddy McCall]

4. Springer spaniels are beautiful animals...

(((rowdy)))

[RhodaGrits]

5. Phenobarb -

is the most common drug for treatment of seizures but if you get poor control or he's too "drugged" or he has any liver problems... talk to your vet about trying Potassium Bromide. It is very safe in dogs and some vets are using it synergistically w/ the Phenobarb or alone as a firstline drug of choice. Some Springers' seizure disorders are worsened by hypothyroidism so if he's at all overweight, sluggish or has skin problems you might want to get that checked too.

Untreated seizure disorders can "kindle" and become progressively worse - don't put off treatment. Most vets recommend starting treatment when the patient seizures more than once a month or if they have a cluster of seizures like your dog did.

Good luck.

[MsFlorida]

6. Our Dragon Dan

We lost him just a few weeks ago. Had him on the anti-seizure medication for more than a few years. Seems that it really wasnt epilepsy at all -- he had a brain tumor and we couldnt stop the convulsions at that point. Our Dan was a beautiful Chocolate Lab/German Shorthair Pointer mix. Both champion parents that fell in love with each other. Best dog I have ever had the opportunity to be friends with.

The medication works, just be sure it isnt something else. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your friend

[Rowdyboy]

7. Thank you all

We just got back from the vet (a new one for us, who specializes in small animals. He's on a very low dosage (32.4 mg twice a day). The vet mentioned the potassium bromide as an partial alternative if needed. He also diagnosed an eye disorder that our former vet had overlooked (former vet primarily served large animals-horse, cows etc)

Champ was on his best behavior and really charmed the folks at the new clinic. Now he's curled up at my feet, listening to the rain.