Healthy Dogs

I found that many medicines prescribed by vets and also commercial dog food is not healthy for dogs. Just like the doctors and pharmacists who push prescribed drugs on people, the vets have standard drugs that they prescribe to pets as well.

And even though these medications may help in the short run, there are very dangerous and life threatening side effects that occur.

My story

I had two beloved miniature long haired daschunds that passed away. Bonnie, passed away in October 2004 at the age of 12 from an enlarged heart. Barney also, had an enlarged heart, but passed away due to liver failure on June 4, 2007.

I found some things that upset me. Barney who had a been on Phenobarbital (a seizure medication) did allow him to be free of the seizures that started when he was 3 years old. Since being on the medication, he didn't have seizures again. It was recommended that every six months he be tested for liver damage as the Phenobarbital can damage the liver over prolonged use.

Then in early May 2007 I awoke in the morning and Barney was panting and could hardly standup. I immediately rushed him to the vet and they took an x-ray and found out he had an enlarged heart. The vet gave him the recommended heart medications to regulate his heart beat as his heart was beating around 200 beats per minute.

I gave him the heart meds and about 5 days later he was able to walk around and breathe more normally, although he still had an accelerated heart beat of about 145 beats per minute. He was fine for a few weeks then on the weekend of June 2 and 3rd I noticed he started panting more and very lethargic. He didn't want to eat at all and this time, I decided to take him to another vet for another opinion.

This new vet did a complete blood analysis and found out his red cell count was very low and was in liver failure. I was shocked as Barney had a liver test just two months earlier from the first vet and his liver was normal at that time.

This new vet said that the heart meds in conjunction with the Phenobarbital could could have accelerated the damage to the liver.

I then went on the internet and found some veterinarian resources that indicated that Phenobarbital should not be taken in conjunction with the heart meds for it's severity on the liver and can cause liver damage. Another thing I found out is that there is an alternative to Phenobarbital which is Potassium Bromide. And this does not have the side effects for being hard on the liver.

I realized that the first vet I had used never knew this and thus just gave me the heart meds, which were essentially killing off his liver when combined with the Phenobarbital.

By then it was too late as Barney passed away that afternoon.

I was deeply depressed with the loss of Barney as he was my little soul mate.

Looking back I wish I had done more research and not just take the advice from the vet in trusting they knew everything.

I want to advise anyone that has a dog with any heart, kidney, or liver disease to:

1. Get more then one opinion by going to second vet.

2. Get a complete blood test, x-ray, or even better an ultrasound to find out specifically what the problem is.

3. Whatever meds the vet gives you ask about any side effects and how they interact with other meds. If they don't know then go on the internet to do research.

4. Find other alternatives for meds as there are natural herbs and tonics to help your dog's heart, kidney, and liver. I highly recommend finding alternatives instead of drugs prescribed by the vets. The drugs may be necessary if your dog's immediate life is in danger. However, the long term use of most all drugs will have repercussions from side effects.