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upper respiratory distress question

Bandit

Hello. Can potassium bromide or a combination of potassium promide and phenobarb cause upper respitory distress in dogs? Thank you!

Symptoms: Breathing

• Veteran Advisor David says:

  November 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 PM

  Typically, if you notice any side effects, this will be in the first few weeks of starting Phenobarbitone therapy and also when the Phenobarbitone dosage is increased. Side effects usually reduce over time and these are sedation, ataxia (loss of coordination), and the 3 P's as we call them. These are polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination) and polyphagia (excessive eating). Gaining weight is very common for many dogs taking phenobarbitone and this is one side effect that may remain unfortunately. After long term use of phenobarbital the body can become refractory to the drug and will usually need a greater dosage to maintain control. Bromide is generally well tolerated in dogs. However, some of the side effects are the same as with Phenobarbitone (sedation, ataxia, polyphagia, polydipsia, polyphagia & polyuria). In a few cases, I have seen dogs develop a skin rash or itchy skin. I have checked the literature and there is no obvious link to these drugs causing upper respiratory disease. It may be wise to get this checked by your veterinarian as it could be another condition. Hope that helps

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• User says:

  November 24th, 2007 at 02:37 AM

  Thank you Dr. Brooks- I have read much on the side effects and have not found much on upper respiratory side effects in dogs, but a side effects for cats. I also found some info on megaesophagus being a side effect of potassium bromide. His distress does seem worse after drinking and eating and he seems to be doing a throat clearing kind of cough/wheeze. This can cause aspiration into the lungs which could also cause respiratory distress. He did not have any breathing issues prior to the bromide. His ataxia has also got much worse since the addition of the bromide. Our vet has just gone on maternity leave and the substitute Dr. has not returned my call. On a positive note he has had only one seizure since taking the bromide and it was much less severe. His quality of life has diminished greatly, however, since taking the bromide. Thank you for your help and for any thoughts or ideas you have. M.Martell and Bandit

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• Veteran Advisor David says:

  November 24th, 2007 at 05:36 AM

  In my clinical experience megaesophagus is very rare associated with potassium bromide but you are right it can happen and may be worth a screening xray of the chest to rule out this and other respiratory related problems. Aspiration problems are very common with megaesophagus.

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  Every day I see pets come into my clinic injured and unwell. Its always so upsetting knowing that treatment could be taken a lot further only if the owner had taken out pet insurance. You have health insurance, so should your pet... Dr Brooks

  

• Veteran Advisor David says:

  November 24th, 2007 at 05:28 PM

  I think you need to review the benefits of taking bromide for the seizures vs the benefits of better quality of life with your veterinarian here. I think it is always important to ensure quality of life for our pets.

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  Every Pet Should Have Pet Insurance

  Every day I see pets come into my clinic injured and unwell. Its always so upsetting knowing that treatment could be taken a lot further only if the owner had taken out pet insurance. You have health insurance, so should your pet... Dr Brooks