Which Anti Epileptic drug or drug combo is the most successful for our doodles?

[Kirsy & Jasper]

I was wondering which medication/s work for most of your dogs and which ones don't?

We so far have tried Keppra (Levetiracetam). It works very well in combination with Pheno and/ or Potassium Bromide for many dogs in my seizure groups. But it didn't work as SOLE AED for our Jasper.

We have now weaned him off it and are trying Pheno instead. 

I know of a Labradoodle who tried Zonisamide as SOLE AED without success, but now on Pb he is already more then 5 months seizure free.

Looking forward to feedback from others.

[John Scipione]

Kirsy,

I read too much info on the internet and didn't want to put Dooley on Phenobarb because of the potential side effects.  But after his last seizure, I went with the Vet's recommendation and started him on Phenobarb (1 grain - 64.8 mg).  That was last August.  Since then he has been seizure free.  Initally he seemed a bit subdued (couple of weeks to a month perhaps), but he is himself now, playful as ever.

 

[LG & Sadie]

Hi Kirsy! We have had wonderful success for 4 years now with only a couple breakthrough seizures, with Sadie on just phenobarbitol 64.5mg 2x a day. Her blood level is monitored every 3 months to make sure she is in the therapeutic range and the couple breakthrough seizures she did have over the 4 years I suspect when she was boarded a week prior to both seizures (? Coincidence) the staff may have had trouble giving the medicine. She's tricky, she will spit it right out after someone walks away if it isn't placed just so & she swallows :) She also is prescribed all natural composure chews for anxiety as our Neurologist felt sometimes her seizures were caused by over excitation/stimulation due to fear/anxiety. The chews help her a lot and she loves the taste. They are prescribed 1-2 chews and fed as a treat. As always Kirsy, good luck & love to you and Jasper! LG & Sadie

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

We have been having much succes with a small dose of Phenobarb and Potassium bromide.

 

Each situation is different and it may take some time to get the correct combination.

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Thanks guys. I am more confident now that the Pheno will help my boy too. He is on 45 mg for his 40 pounds twice a day.

Jasper will have his first Pheno level and also the liver bile acid test in 2 weeks. Then my Vet agreed we start on Milk Thistle supplements to support his liver and hopefully stop any possible damage. He has shown no "visible" signs of any side effects, except maybe a bit more hungry. As he is super lean we have a bit of room here, although I want to keep him at a healthy trim weight as the medication is worked out on his starting weight.

Best to all your babies.

Kirsy & Jasper (Australia)

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

You are correct to try to keep his weight down.  The medication does have a sedative effect and as a result he will be less active (in most dogs).  We are having the "weight" issue with Mariner now.  Besides the other health issues of excessive weight, the medication does not work as well when they become overweight.

[Amanda and Quinn]

A little late to this discussion but wanted to add that we've also had the most success with Phenobarbitol. It was our last resort drug because of the side effects, but gives us the best seizure control. (I had high hopes for Zonisamide, but no luck.) We had to raise Quinn's Pheno dosage after he had two breakthrough seizures around Christmas--travel is extremely stressful for him and his seizures seem to almost always be triggered by stress. Right now his levels are in the therapeutic range with 90 mg twice a day. We buy Pill Pockets by the case. :) I hope Jasper is doing well on his meds!

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Jasper has now reached 4 months seizure free - a RECORD!!! - thanks to Pheno! He is only on a very low dosage and his PB levels are in the low therapeutic range. First Liver bile acid test in May was fine, but I will continue constant 6 monthly tests to make sure he does not get any liver damage. He gets 500 mg Milk Thistle from Swanson Vitamins twice a day. That is really all I can do to keep his liver protected.

I know of another Labradoodle in Hawaii with bad seizure, who is now well controlled on Pheno too. Over 8 months seizure free!

Maybe Pheno is the wonder drug for our doodle epi babies? Epilepsy in other dog breeds is a lot harder to control.

Hope all your babies are doing well. Hugs Kirsy & Jasper from Australia

[Amanda and Quinn]

Oh that is WONDERFUL news! So glad to hear it!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Great -

It is wonderful to hear "seizure free". 

 

Andy

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for the update, so glad Jasper is doing well!

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Unfortunately Jasper has had a break through seizure last week. We nearly hit 5 months seizure free. I came home from work and all the "signs" were there. It looked like it was just a mild, short one this time. He wasn't that slimmy around his mouth, only a very little pee and no loss of bowel control either. Just that anal gland smell. Rrrh. For the first time ever he didn't vomit prior to the seizure. So hopefully the Pheno will continue to work for him. He is due for PB level and liver bile acid tests in November. If he has another seizure till then and the levels look low we might have to up the PB a noch?

Last test showed low therapeutic range. I am happy about this long break, but as most of you was hoping FOREVER.

Kirsy & Jasper

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sorry to hear this, Kirsy. Here's hoping Jasper will not have any more seizures. Hugs to you both.