Yes, phenobarbital has some potential side effects. But the overall incidence of those side effects is very low (less than 1%). They can be monitored for with regular blood work, and IMO, are less worrisome than the danger of seizures themselves. It's important to keep in mind that phenobarbital may not be needed for a long period of time. Sometimes it's only for a rather brief timespan ( a few months to a year).
Normally I am all for alternative treatments, but seizures are something I take very seriously. I would get my dog in to a veterinary neurologist for another opinion on the cause and likelihood of a repeat appearance.
__________________  Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny. |