Increasing doseage of phenolbarbitone

spottydog

I have a 7 year old Dalmatian with a slow growing brain tumour, under control from epileptic fits by Phenolbarbitone which I currently administer at the rate of 6 a week, 2 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I was told by my vet that I would need to experiment with the dose and probably increase it over time.
Polo is now showing moments of bad temperament which is out of character and due, I believe, to his condition so I feel that an increase in dose is indicated. The question is, by how much? And if I just give himone extra a week, would 1 a day every day be better than 2 every other day?
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Pretty Polly Pavey of Polidot - 06/08/1996 - 13/07/2006 - Dalspa Liquid Gold for Polidot 20/10/1999 - 08/05/2007 - Polly and Polo together again

Maddie

My first dog had what the vet said was probably a brain tumour. She had fits which were controlled for a year by pheno. It is a very powerful drug, as you know, and the doseage really ought to be a. advised by your vet because of the side effects it can have on other organs and b. because your vet, hopefully, is an expert! There is no way he should say "experiment with the dose". Shocked

My dog's behaviour changed - she became more puppylike by the day! Sadly she was 11 when diagnosed and we had to have her pts at 12. Ask you vet for advice, if he says experiment find another who can advise you adn give a second opinion - after all YOU are paying for his services you have the right to some half decent advice.

Good luck.

mommy

I totally agree with Maddie......

I feel only a qualified vet should make this call.....is only fair to the Dallie to get it right first time.

I also am bothered about the ' experimenting ' comment. Having had an eppy GSD I know the damage / upset / distress to the dog if the dose is not enough...or too much

JohnW

As others have said. It is not realy something a layperson can advise on. Phenobarbitone will always need a certain amount of experimentation to arrive at the correct dose, but it should be under the direction of the vet. The normally recomended dose is 2 to 5 mg/kg/day. I'm quite surprised by the "2 Every other day" regime and would have thought 1 every day would have been better, but I don't know what the "Half life" is.

Of course, Dalmatians are not like other dogs, because of their Uric acid problems so this could be the reason. Either way, I think you need to talk to your vet.

Sorry to not be more helpful.

Regards, John

spottydog

littlelab

Gill

JohnW is from LF, he has donkey years of experience with all breeds of dogs from behaviour to medical.

I have been trying to entice him across from LF and asked him to reply to your post.... I hope we can hget him to come back too.

Good luck with speaking with your vet, let us know the outcome. Very Happy

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Natalie and Co xxx