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View Full Version : 7-year old lab - seizure --- Weedbegone!


capj_823
Aug 20, 2008, 12:39 PM
I have a 7-year old Yellow Lab, Jo. On Sunday I used Weedbegone in the back yard. I waited until the yard was dry to let the dogs out. On Monday, Jo had 2 seizures. After the second seizure I called the vet. He prescribed phenobarbital for the seizures. I started reading about seizures in dogs.. . I am hoping my dog will be OK, but I neglected to tell the vet about the Weedbegone (because it did not occur to me that it could be a problem). Has anyone had this problem. Could my dog have the seizures because of Weedbegone and not hopefully she does not have to take phenobarbital for ever?? Very concerned and upset with myself.

jcdill
Aug 20, 2008, 02:09 PM
Weed-B-Gone is generally considered to be safe for pets once it has dried. It is unlikely that the seizures are from the Weed-B-Gone and that their appearance right after you sprayed your lawn is just an unfortunate coincidence.

You can read a PDF file of the Weed-B-Gone label online (http://www.hardwarestore.com/media/pdf-misc/281253.pdf). The label includes this number for Ortho: 1-800-225-2883 for questions, comments, or medical information. If you call that number they will have someone on staff who can give you a more detailed and specific answer about this product and your pet's condition.

Good luck!

jillianleab
Aug 20, 2008, 02:15 PM
Is this the first time your dog had a seizure? How long did they last? Did the vet do bloodwork? I ask because it is strange for a vet to put a dog on phenobarb after the first incidence of seizures; my dog had multiples over two years before she was medicated. I would consult another vet if I were you. Your dog will have to be on phenobarb for the rest of her life to prevent future seizures, but if they only occur once in a blue moon, there may be no reason to medicate her at all. Phenobarb can cause other problems for your dog's system... most vets prescribe it as a last resort.

Seizures are common in labs; I doubt the weed killer had anything to do with it, especially since it occurred the next day.

gctts
Aug 23, 2008, 11:11 AM
I doubt very seriously it was the weed product - very likely just a coincidence. Phenobarbital is very sedating and will drug your dog heavily. I certainly do not think a dog should get this on a daily basis unless the seizures are happening often. I had a chihuahua that had occasional seizures her entire life and our vet did not think any medication was necessary for her. If the seizure is prolonged it should be taken to a vet to get it under control, and if they are occurring often it will need daily medication. If they are short duration and just occasional, most vets will not medicate for them. Drugging that dog with pheno will affect the quality of its life and should only be done if absolutely necessary.

beccacable
Aug 23, 2008, 10:26 PM
Hope it works out :\