Does Phenobarbital Cause Liver Damage?
A. Ned Patterson DVM (Canine Epilepsy Network, University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine) says that about 20% of dogs eventually develop some liver damage from phenobarbital therapy. There is only one way to protect your dog’s liver from possible damage: have necessary tests run frequently. This means having a chemistry panel with the liver enzymes Alt, GGT and Alkaline Phosphatase done every 3 to 4 months. If these levels are more than slightly elevated, a urine bile acid or a pre and post bile acid will show if there is actual liver damage. It is also important to be aware of the signs of liver damage, although not all dogs exhibit signs before significant damage is already done. Signs can include: weight loss, abdominal pain, orange urine, yellow cast to skin and eyes, GI upsets (loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation), swollen belly, pale gray feces, increased drinking and urinating, depression/lethargy, neurological signs (behavioral changes, seizures,
