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8469365 tn?1398388053

Any other alternatives to Phenobarbitol for my Chihuahua?

My chihuahua was DX with Seizures about 1 1/2 months ago. I am a Registered Nurse, I did all the medical book and online searches first before I agreed with the medication choice by the Vet. However, now I am really questioning this choice, and my Vet. I was not counseled on the possible side effects, warnings, long term effects etc. and have only recently began finding all this out. He has not returned to his jovial self. He has gained weight and become lethargic. I asked for a 2nd opinion from another Vet at the same clinic and he cut his dose in half and suggested Milk thistle. I asked about alternative medications and he did not agree with this so I let it go. He also said he did not think he needed to have blood levels checked, just keep an eye on any changes in behavior. Does anyone know of a Natural or OTC medication that mimics that of Phenobarbitol? Has anyone else tried a Natural Rx? Is the risk of Liver Disease and having a totally different dog worth the risk of keeping him on or off meds? I really miss my lil man.....he is not the same dog :-(
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462827 tn?1333168952
At the very least, start with ruling out anything he eats as the culprit! Check your packaging (Ingredients) on all food and treats....

The No-Nos are By-products, artificial preservatives, any dyes, coloring agents, chemical preservatives such as Ethoxyquin, BHT & BHA......

All Grocery store foods & discount center foods will contain some or all of these ingredients.....These alone  can cause seizures, liver & kidney problems &/or cancer......Make sure none are in his diet.......Karla

Helpful - 0
8469365 tn?1398388053
He is 6yrs old and no, I cannot rule those out. He is allergic to almost everything including flea/insect indoor and outdoor treatment. He also has had a few head injuries and I think possibly they may be connected. The only way to rule that out is an MRI. I'm considering discontinuing the Phenobarb and seeing how things go? Thanks for your time and consideration!
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
Just curious...How old is your chi? Again, have you ruled out poisons, toxins, chemicals, dyes, foods, flea/tick products, toxic shampoos, yard chemicals, etc.  Thank you

P.S. Your second vet was correct to add the Liver support. In Chinese medicine, the Liver is always connected w/brain function.....Supporting the liver to dispense toxins is the place to start....

If you will give us more information about your Chi, we may can help you figure this out....Thanks, Karla
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462827 tn?1333168952
Hello & welcome to the forum....How old is your Chi? Have you done a lot of investigating to possibly determine what is causing the seizures....Starting with any toxin that could be triggering them? To my knowledge, there isn't a so called natural alternative..

Here's a thread that may help you with your decisions.....Please, let me know what you think......Karla

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dogs/Phenobarbital-side-effects--how-long/show/1525013?page=1
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