My dog's phenobarbital side effects are worsening. What's happening?

Question

8 yr lab started phenobarbital 15 days ago. The effects of the drug appeared to be subsiding. Wobbly hind end, falling over on hind end. The last couple days they have seemed to get worse. He is dazed, panting, drooling, and still continues to fall over. on metacam as he does have arthritis in his hips. Is this still a reaction to the medication and the arthritis or am I looking at something more sinister. We have blood work on the 27th. Has had seizures since age of 3 just started more recently. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 75 lbs

Daniel Fonza, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. In the initial stages of starting Phenobarbital, dogs develop what we call transient symptoms. These include becoming wobbly (ataxia), drooling, disorientation, panting, etc. These symptoms will eventually subside as the dog's body becomes used to the phenobarbital. If Trapper is no longer having seizures, I would call the veterinarian and ask if the dose can be slightly lowered. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

My dog's phenobarbital side effects are worsening. What's happening?

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