Thanks for the additional information,

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. The drugs that you have listed are not known to have fatal interactions. The drug names are XXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX, Methocaramol (Robaxin), Tramadol and Hydroxyzine (Atarax). Each drug can cause sedation and can increase the effects of the sedative effects of the Phenobarbital. This would have shown up as each drug was introduced. Sedative effects would decrease the nervous system response which would decrease the likeliness of a seizure. Based on this information, I do not believe that the drugs are the cause for the death.

Please know that seizures take many forms. While some dogs are epileptic, others have underlying medical conditions that are the cause of the seizures. The side effects from the seizures (stress on the body) can be life threatening which is why people and animals are placed on the medications. While phenobarbital and other medications used to control seizures can have side effects that include liver damage with prolonged use or overdose, the benefits of preventing seizures far exceed the risks of side effects.

Sometimes seizures that are managed can suddenly become unmanaged. This may be because an underlying medical condition or stress progresses. Some dogs can have "cluster seizures" or multiple seizures in the same day. These are more dangerous as the body has not recovered from one before going into another. It is not uncommon for dogs with multiple seizures to die from the episodes. Besides bringing him to the vet for treatment, there is nothing you would have been able to do.

I have included a few websites for you on medications and seizures if you so wish to view them. Once again I am so sorry to hear about your dog. He clearly was well loved and cared for. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that you did all that you could and that based on what is described, there is no way you could have prevented this.

http://www.canine-seizures.freeservers.com/index.htm

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_tramadol.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_hydroxyzine.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_phenobarbital.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_methocarbamol.html

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need aditional information.

Best wishes,
Amy