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My dog's seizures returned on phenobarbital. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boerboel | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 90 lbs

Hello. Kindly assist, I have a male boerboel 5years old. He started having seizures about 2 years ago. We were told to put him on 8 tablets a day(4 in the morning and 4 in the evening) of Phenobarbitone BP 30mg. The seizures got less and sometimes none at all but recently they started again. It is a very painful sight please recommend what we should do. Thank you very much. Amanda

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2019

The dose of Phenobarbital may need to be increased or a second medication may need to be asked. In these cases it is essential to perform a blood test and measure the phenobarbital levels as a first step. Once you know what the levels are and if the liver is tolerating the medication well, then viable treatment options can be discussed.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi Amanda! I'm sorry Chaka's seizures have started again. I know it's a terrible sight to see. I'd take him back into the vet. He many need his phenobarbital dose increased, or another anti-seizure medication added. I hope this helps!

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