Phenobarbital-induced blood dyscrasia in a Shih-tzu.

摘要

A case of phenobarbital-induced blood dyscrasia and its remission in a four-year-old Shih-tzu within two weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital treatment and beginning of an alternative anticonvulsant therapy with zonisamide is reported (Germany, date not given). Severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia developed within ten weeks of anticonvulsant treatment with phenobarbital. Two weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital and introduction of an alternative anticonvulsant therapy with zonisamide, all affected blood parameters were within the reference range. In addition to several other adverse effects, phenobarbital treatment can induce severe blood dyscrasia even at low anticonvulsant dosages. In addition to regular analyses of blood chemistry to rule out hepatotoxic effects of phenobarbital, complete blood count should be performed to detect blood dyscrasia in epileptic dogs. There is an urgent need to test newer anticonvulsant agents with reduced side effects for their suitability in dogs as well as to develop anticonvulsants specifically for this species..