Eye or vision problems after Phenobarbital in dogs

37 reports to the FDA describe eye or vision problems in dogs given Phenobarbital. That is 2.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

37Reports
95%Marked serious
22%Recovered
41%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
5 21%
1–2 days
6 25%
3–7 days
7 29%
1–4 weeks
2 8.3%
Over a month
4 17%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 11%
Still unwell when reported
9 24%
Died
2 5.4%
Euthanised
13 35%
Not known
5 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
12
8–11 years
11
12+ years
4

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Phenobarbital cause eye or vision problems in dogs?
37 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 3 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Eye or vision problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Phenobarbital in dogs · Medicines most reported with eye or vision problems