i am new - PHENOBARB killed my dog.

Gosh.  I am so, so sorry.  I'm glad you've joined us here.  Just know that your baby is at the Rainbow Bridge.  Once again, I'm so sorry about what happened.  Because of your post, maybe this won't happen to someone else.  Hang in there.

If your baby had true Rage Syndrome (it happens in more than cockers) then honestly if you were able to control it with phenobarb, then honestly you were unusual in how long you were able to control it and have your westie with you.  Typically tho, rage syndrome is a genetic temperament defect ... and I've not heard it being seizure related (and that doesn't mean your dog's wasn't) --most of the time no true 'cause' is identified for rage syndrome. 
 
So much depends on the dose used.  I think, honestly,  phenobarb is typically overused and often over-dosed.  Unfortunately vets often turn to it as the *only* seizure control -- when there are herbals and things like acupuncture that can help control seizures a great deal and can hold the dose of things like phenobarb down and thereby reduce the damage it can do.
 
It's a shame you weren't able to reduce the dose in time, but perhaps it at least bought you some good length of time with your little one.  I am so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Gee thats so sad!  I wish that maybe you had joined us earlier,,,you know there are so many people that have dogs on medicines here on this forum, so many others helping. Callie who posted above is one of the biggest helpers!    But I guess what is meant to be will be.  I'm so sorry. Its so unfair that we sometimes loose our dogs so early.  
Thank you for joining to tell us.   I hope you will go to this link and put your story there. It was started by people that lost their dogs to the 6 month Heartworm Shot and Rimadyl. [linkhttp://www.dogsadversereactions.com/]http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/[/link]

I'm so sorry you lost your dog.  Often the cure is as bad, or worse, than some diseases.  At least you were able to enjoy him while he was with you, and he didn't have to suffer that awful rage feeling.
 
I, too, need a dog around me, and I never think of my new dog as a "replacement" for any of my other dogs.  They all have different personalities.  But, I do hope you are working with a really good, reputable breeder.  It would be a shame to have to deal with any mistakes so soon after losing this dog.  Good luck to you, and stick around.  We' re glad you found us!

Hi Liz....
 
Im sooooooooo sorry for your loss...... My heart breaks for you. Im owned by 3 Westies and 2 Scotties.
PLEASE check [linkhttp://www.petfinder.com]www.petfinder.com[/link] for a Westie... there are so many in need of a loving home. I did Rescue for 5 years but no longer as my heart can't take it and the burn out set in..... But there are still so many that need homes.
Here is my Story and how I got involved with Rescue [linkhttp://www.westierescueofmissouri.com/rescue.htm]Rescue Angels[/link] and the love of Westies....
Good luck in finding your new little companion... and Westie are like potato chips... you can't just have one.... LOL
 
Kim
 

biting and coming after us like a pit bull.

I'm very sorry for your loss, but that's a truly awful thing to say about a whole breed of dogs.

My little Emma was like that at one point. I couldn't touch her. She attacked other animals. Feet. Papers that blew in the wind. It's finally gotten under control, thankfully, and it was her liver that was causing it. It was awful to deal with, and so nice to finally have a relief.

I'm very, very sorry for your loss, and I wish you the best with this new litter that you're meeting.