Can phenobarbital cause liver damage in dogs?
Abstract. Long-term administration of phenobarbital has been reported to cause hepatic injury in dogs. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, and it may be difficult to distinguish the effect of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activities from actual hepatic damage.
Can phenobarbital cause liver problems?
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.
Why would a dog’s liver be enlarged?
For example, infections and/or inflammation may lead to generalized symmetrical enlargement of the liver, whereas tumors, hemorrhages, cysts, or rotation of liver lobe may lead to asymmetrical or focal enlargement. That is, only a part of the liver may be enlarged. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause.
Does phenobarbital affect liver enzymes?
Long term administration of phenobar- bital increases the activities of enzymes located within the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the liver cell, an effect referred to as “enzyme induction.” 1 Phenobarbital increases the amount of the hepatic cyto- plasmic organic anion binding protein Y2 and microsomal protein …
Can dogs recover from liver toxicity?
Livers are regenerative, so if liver disease is caught early enough, dogs can recover and live a happy, healthy life. But in severe cases, your dog may require more intensive treatment and in extreme cases, liver disease may even be too advanced to be treated.
Can seizure meds cause liver damage?
Indeed, several commonly used anticonvulsants (phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine) are consistently ranked in the top causes of clinically apparent drug induced liver injury and are frequently listed in causes of drug induced acute liver failure.
What does phenobarbital do to the liver?
Phenobarbital causes a marked proliferation of the smooth-surfaced membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum in the liver cells. And, like many other compounds, it is an inducer of drug-metabolizing enzyme systems in the hepatic microsomes.
What drugs cause liver damage in dogs?
Many drugs have been suspected of causing hepatic injury in dogs and cats. Most adverse hepatic drug reactions are associated with acute hepatic injury. However, some drugs, most notably Phenobarbital, lomustine, oxibendazole/DEC (and possibly carprofen and amiodarone) may be a cause of chronic hepatic injury.
How do you repair liver damage from medication?
Usually, drug induced liver injury starts to resolve within a few days to a week of stopping therapy. In some instances, the resolution is quite rapid (acetaminophen, niacin), but in most cases, the injury does not fully resolve for several weeks or months.
How can I help my dog with an enlarged liver?
Treatment
- Fluid therapy to treat or prevent dehydration.
- Antibiotics to eliminate a bacterial infection.
- Medications to control symptoms such as vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, or inflammation.
- Surgery to remove cysts, gallstones, or cancerous portions of the liver.
How to get my dog off phenobarbital?
– Increased appetite, which may lead to weight gain – Increased thirst and urination – Anxiety – Anemia
How much phenobarbital should a dog take?
The usual dosage of phenobarbital to treat seizures in dogs is around 1 – 1.8 mg/lb every 12 hours, but it depends on how bad the seizures are. If seizures are severe, a “loading dose” may be required where a larger amount of around 9 mg/lb is injected intravenously (at a maximum rate of 60 mg per minute).
Does phenobarbital make dogs aggressive?
Your veterinarian will adjust your dog’s phenobarbital dose based on blood level testing and seizure control. Some dogs on phenobarbital become hyperactive and aggressive. Other adverse effects include diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, and itching. During prolonged use, phenobarbital in dogs can damage the liver.
Can I take my Dog off phenobarbital all St once?
Phenobarbital is a seizure medication! If you take your dog off the medication without careful monitoring by a vet then your dog will have seizures. Don’t do it unless you are switching to a new seizure medication!!! If you have to because you can’t afford it, then try asking pharmacies for assistance.