Seizures

[SheltieFan]

My dog started having seizures a couple months ago, and it was determined it was idiopathic epilepsy and phenobarbital was prescribed. She did fantastic on it for a month and a half then started seizing again, and they have become more frequent the past few weeks. The vet increased her dosage by half tablet a couple weeks ago, but she still keeps having seizures (lasting about a minute or so) and lately, they've been accompanied by temporary blindness, disorientation, hiding in tight spaces and pacing. Just started potassium bromide yesterday, but it could take 3-4 months to get regulated in her system. No one can seem to explain how the phenobarb would work for a month and a half and then the seizures return. Has this ever happened where the meds seem to be working and then, suddenly, they're not effective? Please help! We both need some rest!

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

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[Cliff Redford, DVM]

Retractable seizures are a very serious concern as you have discovered. When a dog seizures there is a risk of neurological damage due to a lack of sufficient oxygen going to the brain and blindness, other sensory losses can occur.
I am concerned that the phenobarbital never really worked that first 1-2 months but instead the epilepsy simply wasnt that severe yet. also when someone has a seizure, especialy the first one, the body essentially "uses up" the neuro-chemicals that caused the seizure and it takes time for those chemicals to elevate out of control again. Has the blood  phenobarbital level been checked? Occasionally a vet will prescribe phenobarbital and follow the dosage instructions and not check the serum levels. It is very common, especially within the first 3-6 months to have to drastuically change the prescription levels as the dog's body becomes accustomed to the drug and metabolizes it quickly.
I would have your vet double check the blood phenobarbital levels and if everything looks fine then seeking a referral to a neurologist would be recommended. Epilepsy can attack any breed however shelties are known for being more susceptible to the more serious forms.