Phenobarbitol is the first drug of choice when treating epliepsy in dogs. It is what we started with on Rose, and she still takes it, 15mg twice daily. It is supplemented with another drug, potassium bromide (KBr). I would have liked to have gotten her on solely KBr, because phenobarb can affect the liver over time, but just KBr doesn't work for her. You may want to ask your vet about using KBr, especially if the phenobarb isn't effective without going to a high dose. The catch with KBr is that it has to be made up specially - compounded - and you would need to get it at a compounding pharmacy which you may or may not have in your area.

You're right that she'll have to visit the vet more often now - they'll want to keep an eye on Josie's liver function tests. I hope that you find a med or meds that will work for her.

Check out this link for more people's experiences: www.canine-epilepsy.com