potassium bromide

[borderbob]

is anyone out there currently using kbr???? the borders are fine but our monster golden was put on this 4 mos. ago.what effect has it done to your dogs???new vet does not believe in pheno.any input will be helpfull.

[juliepoudrier]

BorderBob,

It's been some time since I worked for a vet, but back in the dark ages when I did, usually they would start with phenobarbital, and if that didn't work well enough, would switch to KBr, or use a combination of the two. If it's working for your golden, that's a good thing!

 

J.

[Wendy V]

There are many epileptic dogs who have their seizures managed successfully by KBR. Then there are some who are managed on phenobarb alone, or a combination of the two, when it is a hard to control case.

 

Most vets prefer to start a dog on pheno for 3 reasons: 1) the drug is cheap and very accessible, 2) it builds up in the systems quickly, and 3) it can be easily monitored and adjusted. The negative to Pb is that it is processed by the liver and may cause liver damage if given in high doses over a period of time.

 

KBR, on the otherhand, has to be compounded specifically by a pharmacist, takes several weeks to build up to a therapeutic level in the dog's system, and takes several weeks to make any adjustments to the dosage. It is also more expensive to purchase and to moniter. The upside is that it is processed by the kidneys and most dogs avoid liver damage on it. However, it can have a very aggravating effect on the pancreas.

 

Much information regarding epilepsy and various therapies can be found at the website: www.canine-epilepsy.com.

 

Good luck to you,

 

Wendy V

[Barb Scott]

We had a gbolden in our agility class this summer whose seizures were being controlled on pheno (from the ER Vet); regular vet tried weaning him off pheno and putting him on KBr; first he had ataxia then had cluster seizures and was put down. Our young BC has had her pheno increased almost every 2 months since last February. She's going in for another blood test to test her pheno levels tomorrow.

Barb S

[doubleofarm]

My epi Border Collie is on KBr and now on Pb. The KBr did nothing to control his seizures although it works for many dogs. Actually nothing has worked yet but he has only been on the Pb for 3.5 weeks. We have our fingers and paws crossed. When he started Pb the dosage was quite low but in combo with the KBr the ataxia was so profound that he could barely walk for 3 days. We backed off the KBr a bit and halfed the Pb and he recovered. Still don't know if it will control the seizures though.

 

When I raised the KBr dosage once to try and get control he began leaking urine and having to pee in the middle of the night. Once returned to the lower dosage that went away. Hope this helps.

 

Tina