My dog has liver problem with phenobarbital

HI MY VET TOLD ME THAT MY DOG IS ON PHENOBARBITAL lhasa apso/maltesse has low protein 1.5 gm/dL and vet told me that my dog will die soon ,because her liver is small .She prescribe Metronidazole and Denamarin WHAT IS DANGER PROTEIN LEVEL ?CAN MY DOG SURVIVE?What about Metronidazole why?when metronidazole should'nt be used with liver problems nor seizure. Thank you Jerry

  • Vetinfo

    By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    Jerry, A low protein level combined with a small liver may indicate that your dog is in liver failure. It seems that this is what your veterinarian believes considering the bleak prognosis that she gave you. I can not justify the use of Metronidazole as I have very little of your dog's medical history and test results. It could be that your veterinarian is trying to prevent an infection from the intestines migrating into the liver. I also can not advise as to the accuracy of the prognosis due to my limited knowledge. I would recommend that you have a frank but relaxed discussion with your veterinarian concerning the treatments she prescribed and the prognosis she gave you. She should be open to discussing these things with you until you understand her rationale and your dog's prognosis. -Erika, DVM

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