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What are the side effects of phenobarbital in a cat?
Potential side effects are impaired coordination, sedation, lethargy, or restlessness. 2 These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few weeks of starting phenobarbital. Longer lasting signs include an increase in thirst, an increase in urine volume, and an increase in appetite.
What are the side effects of phenobarbital in animals?
Common short-term side effects of phenobarbital are mild sedation and some incoordination. Longer term side effects may be increased appetite, and, occasionally, increased thirst and urination. After 7-10 days, these effects wear off and your pet should appear normal again.
What common concern occurs with phenobarbital?
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, excitation, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How long can a cat live on phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital was given to all treated cats either alone or in combination with diazepam (6) or levetiracetam (12). Median survival time of treated cats was 2.3 years (range 0.1 to 11 years), and 65% were still alive at the time of follow-up.
Does phenobarbital cause liver damage in cats?
Chronic phenobarbital use can lead to scarring in the liver and liver failure that can be irreversible. In most situations, serious liver damage can be avoided by keeping drug levels in the therapeutic range and close monitoring. Liver toxicity is seen rarely in cats compared to dogs.
How long does it take for a cat to adjust to phenobarbital?
Once phenobarbital therapy is initiated, it usually takes a few weeks for the medication to build up to a therapeutic level in the blood. Most veterinarians recommend that a phenobarbital level test be performed 2 to 4 weeks after the pet begins receiving the medication.
How much phenobarbital can you give a cat?
Dosing Information of Phenobarbital for Dogs and Cats In cats, phenobarbital is dosed at 7.5 to 15 mg per cat every 12 hours. Based on response, the dose may be increased up to 8 mg per pound (16 mg/kg) per day.
Can phenobarbital cause breathing problems in cats?
USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO CATS – Risk and severity of side effects, mainly respiratory depression and labored breathing, increase when Phenobarbital is given to cats. Do not use without the approval of your veterinarian and use exactly the dose your veterinarian recommends.
What are the long term side effects of phenobarbital?
Long-term Effects
- Moodiness/irritability.
- Confusion.
- Insomnia.
- Impaired judgment.
- Memory problems.
- Increased aggression.
- Blistering on the extremities.
Can a cat’s personality change after a seizure?
Since seizures tend to be very brief, you may not notice your cat having one. Alternatively, you may notice abnormal behavior after a seizure, during what’s known as the postictal phase. Your cat may exhibit excessive tiredness or excitement, binge eating and drinking, or abnormal pacing.
Is phenobarbital hard on the liver?
Introduction. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that is widely used as a sedative and an antiseizure medication. Phenobarbital has been linked to rare instances of idiosyncratic liver injury that can be severe and even fatal.
How much phenobarbital can a cat take?
In cats, phenobarbital is dosed at 7.5 to 15 mg per cat every 12 hours. Based on response, the dose may be increased up to 8 mg per pound (16 mg/kg) per day. The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects.
What are the long term effects of phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital and phenytoin have good antiepileptic effect, but clinically significant untoward effects occur during their long-term use. Phenobarbital may cause hyperactivity, behavioral problems, sedation, and even dementia; these effects are dose related to some extent.
How long does phenobarbital take to work in cats?
Do seizures cause brain damage cats?
It is important that a cat having regular seizures (more than one every six to eight weeks) receives treatment even if the cause is not understood. This is because each seizure can lead to further brain damage and increase the likelihood of more severe seizures and complications.
Do cats feel pain during seizures?
Key takeaways: Cat seizures can look dramatic, but the animal is typically not in pain. Seizures can last anywhere from seconds to a few minutes, and it may take your cat time to regroup afterward.
Can a cat overdose on phenobarbital?
May see staggering, sedation, loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, jaundice (yellow gums, skin, eyes), decreased breathing and heart rate, coma, and death. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinary care immediately.
Is phenobarbital safe for cats?
In dogs and cats, the barbiturate phenobarbital is probably the first choice to suppress seizures. It is effective, safe if used responsibly, reasonably priced, and conveniently dosed, all of which makes it a popular choice.
How much Phenobarb is fatal?
The reported fatal dose of phenobarabital in literature is 10 g with serum concentration of 80 mg/L [7]. Our patient took approximately twice the fatal dose was hemodynamically stable likely due to long-term tolerance to phenobarbital.
Is phenobarbital a good tranquilizer for a cat?
Phenobarbital is most commonly used to treat seizure disorders including epilepsy in dogs and cats. It has also been used as a sedative. While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, phenobarbital can cause side effects in some animals.
Can the side effects of Baytril in cats go away?
This side effect of Baytril is temporary and will subside once treatment with this medication ends. Dogs or cats receiving treatment with this medication may exhibit poor coordination, also called ataxia, as a side effect. Pets may also experience seizures, which can result in involuntary body spasms or loss of consciousness.
What are the side effects of Catnip on cats?
Moving to a new location
Does phenobarbital cause weight gain?
You want to look for a T-4 reading . The phenobarb can cause weight gain but not this much. You want to be sure that the thyroid was checked as not only can this cause seizures but also cause them to be overweight , lethargic, exercise intolerant and abnormal heart rhythm.