PHENOBARBITAL IN COMPARISON TO CBD FOR EPILEPSY
I used several searches for the following information. For most of the description of phenobarbital I used an article written by Stephanie Howe, DVM from the petMD website.
Phenobarbital is an anti-convulsant, barbiturate (sleep-inducing) medication used for humans and for many animals suffering from “epilepsy, brain tumors, infectious disease processes and even some toxins.” These include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, cattle and ferrets. Although it is approved by the FDA for human use, it has not been approved as a veterinarian medication for animals. However, veterinarians can legally prescribe human medications to pets in certain circumstances like epilepsy. Because it is considered a prescribed substance, it is illegal to share or give away Phenobarbital.
Phenobarbital is generally given at the same time every day. Taken with food may reduce the risk of stomach upsets. If you miss a dose, talk to your vet, but never double dose. Other side effects may include lethargy (especially when beginning treatment), vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, agitation, increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, liver toxicity with prolonged use and in cats, particularly, excessive itching of the face. Usually administered in pill form, cats can get a compound liquid form (Reef pharmacy) or a gel that is applied to the hairless section of the inner ear. Pills or tablets should be stored at temperatures between 68-77 F, while the liquid version of phenobarbital should be stored at temperatures between 59-86 F. “Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect the contents from moisture and light.” Overdoses can be life threatening. Contact your vet immediately or call the Pet Poison Hotline (855)764-7661.
ON THE OTHER HAND…..the anticonvulsant effect of CBD has been confirmed for both humans and animals. The studies have been so promising that The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation is conducting their own research on CBD’s effectiveness at treating seizures in dogs through Colorado State University. Cannabinoids have been used medicinally, including for epilepsy, since about 2700 BCE (before the common era) which translates to about 5,000 years ago, near the time the Egyptians built their first pyramid. It has only been in the last decade that recognition of its efficacy in humans and animals has been explored and has been used to supplement phenobarbital or to replace phenobarbital. What is even more “radical” is the fact that there are NO BAD SIDE EFFECTS, as there are with phenobarbital.
The body is full of receptors, and CBD is like a magnet pulled by the areas where your pet may be suffering. LACK OF APPETITE (I give it nightly to Zoey who has Addison’s Disease,) SEPARATION ANXIETY, EXCESSIVE BARKING, NAUSEA FROM CAR RIDES OR STOMACH UPSET, GI TRACT ISSUES, LACK OF VITALITY OR ENERGY, TRIPS TO THE VET OR GROOMER (I give it to Ebby nightly to lessen her fear-biter instincts,) MUSCLE SPASMS, PAIN FROM CANCER OR ARTHRITIS, (I give it to one of my old cats, Mystery,) RECOVERY FROM SURGERY, INFLAMMATION, PACING, FEAR OF THUNDERSTORMS, FIREWORKS, LOUD NOISES, GRUMPINESS OR AGGRESSION TOWARD ANOTHER ANIMAL It also acts as a NEUROPROTECTANT, protecting cell dysfunction and cell death.
At The Wagging Tail we sell-VERY SUCCESSFULLY-products by KING KANINE (liquid) and PET RELEAF (treats or liquid.) I use both. I only use a treat with Ebby when she is getting groomed.
Thank you for helping to keep a small business in business. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
