Phenomav is prescribed for animals that are diagnosed with neurological conditions like seizures, convulsions, epilepsy or status epilepticus .

 

Neurological disorders in pets

Pets can suffer many of the same neurological disorders that humans do, as their nervous systems are similar to ours.  Sometimes the cause of these disorders can be identified (trauma, congenital defect, autoimmune disorder, infection etc.), but sometimes they are idiopathic disorders, meaning no cause can be found. 

Obviously, it is incredibly distressing to watch your cat or dog have a seizure or epileptic fit.  You may have seen your pet collapse, move involuntarily, or lose consciousness. Some other symptoms that may indicate a neurological problem include circling, disorientation, head pressing or weakness in one or more limb.

What do I do when my pet is having a seizure or epileptic fit?

If your pet is having a seizure:

  • Follow any advice that your vet has previously given you
  • It’s important for you to remain calm, to try to calm your fur-bay down as well. 
  • Animals, like humans, who are having a seizure are not in pain, even if they sound or act like it.  Also, neither animals nor humans swallow their tongue during a seizure - don’t ever try to grab a pet’s tongue whilst they are having a fit.
  • Talk to your dog or cat softly, to reassure them.
  • Make sure the space around them is as safe and quiet as possible - block any stairs, and if possible, cushion their head.
  • Take a video.  This may not be your first impulse, but video evidence can provide your vet with lots of information about the seizure.

There are treatments to help your dog or cat!

You’ll be pleased to know that many neurological disorders can be managed.  Whilst every case is different, veterinary medicine has made big progress, and it is possible for your pets to enjoy many years with a good quality of life, after being diagnosed with epilepsy, seizures or other neurological conditions. 

What is Phenomav?

Phenomav is effective in treating a wide range of seizure disorders and neurological disorders.  The active ingredient in Phenomav is Phenobarbitone, which is a long acting barbiturate with sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties. Phenobarbitones (or Phenobarbital) works by decreasing and stabilizing neuron activity in the brain, as well as decreasing the neurotransmitter glutamate, which causes nerve stimulation.

 

Generally, Phenomav is considered the “first line of therapy” for pets with seizures, because it is effective, safe (if used responsibly), reasonably priced and conveniently dosed. 

What can I expect when my cat or dog starts on Phenomav?

  • It can take a few weeks before the full effect of Phenomav is seen, but there should be gradual improvements after the first few doses.
  • The goal of seizure therapy is to control the seizures, not to sedate the animal.  Whilst some pets may seem sedated when you start Phenomav, this is generally temporary, as the patient gets used to the medication.  If this lasts more than a fortnight, consult your vet, who may adjust the dose.
  • After two or three weeks, your vet will probably assess your pet’s response to the drug and its dosage.  This may involve monitoring blood tests.
  • Your pet is likely to require medication to control their seizures for the rest of their life.  Your cat or dog may develop a tolerance to Phenomav after prolonged use, so the dosage may need to be increased over time.

How to give Phenomav to my dog or cat?

Phenomav comes in tablet form,and is given either once or twice per day.  If possible, you should give the dose to your pet at approximately the same time each day.  It can be given with or without food.

What if I give too much Phenomav? What if I miss a dose of Phenomav or give the wrong dose of Phenomav ?
Administration of drug issues

Whilst it is important that you give your pet the correct dose at the correct time, if you miss giving a dose of Phenomav, don’t worry - just give the normal dose next time.  Don’t give a higher dose to “make up” a missed dose.  

 

If your animal has taken too much Phenomav, or you suspect an overdose, call your vet. Overdose of phenobarbitone can result in nervous system depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, trouble breathing, jaundice, sedation, coma and even death.

Storage of Phenomav

The manufacturer of Phenomav recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees).

Who should NOT take Phenomav?

  • Vets are likely to be cautious in prescribing Phenomav to pregnant cats or dogs, as they are more sensitive or responsive to depressant effects.
  • It should NOT be given to pregnant animals.
  • There are many other drugs that will not work as well, if your pet is also taking Phenomav.  Also, there are drugs that cannot be taken with Phenomav.  For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements and herbal therapies.  

Can I buy Phenomav online?

Phenomav is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

 

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

 

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.