Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neutropenia and low platelets in dogs after anticonvulsant use
By Jacobs, G et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1998·Department of Small Animal Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in three dogs treated with anticonvulsants.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs became lethargic and lost their appetite after starting treatment with anticonvulsants to control seizures. They were found to have low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), and anemia, along with an enlarged spleen. These conditions can be serious and may increase the risk of infections. It's crucial for pet owners to monitor their dogs closely and consult their veterinarian if they notice any unusual symptoms after starting such medications. Regular blood tests are recommended to keep track of their health during treatment.
People also search for: dog lethargy after seizure medication · signs of low platelets in dogs · phenobarbital side effects in dogs
Abstract
Three dogs became lethargic and had poor appetites within 2 months after anticonvulsant treatment was initiated to control seizures. Dogs were neutropenic, thrombocytopenic, and anemic and had splenomegaly. Sensitivity to phenobarbital and related anticonvulsants may induce life-threatening leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia in dogs. Phenobarbital-induced neutropenia in these 3 dogs may have posed a risk for developing bacteremia. It is important for clinicians to be aware of adverse effects so that adequate precautions can be taken. A baseline hemogram should always be obtained before starting anticonvulsant treatment, and periodic hemograms should be obtained to monitor animals. Furthermore, client education should include instructions on recognizing signs of bacteremia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9524640/