Hi, administered diazepam yesterday for the 1st time in my senior dog. I understand this is doggie valium. I followed the vet’s dosing instructions.
I am thankful the seizure has not repeated, and he is eating, drinking and moving his bowels at regular intervals. But he has a persistent weakness in his limbs, stumbling/meandering gait. His paws slide out from under him like he’s on ice skates.
The vet said the drug would be gone in 4-6 hrs from his system. (We are at the 24 hr mark). Has anyone else experienced these prolonged side effects?
T.i.a
The hind limb weakness is either a residual effect from the seizure(s) or due to original underlying neurologic condition, not the diazepam. Diazepam is valium, and a very safe drug that is metabolized very quickly and isn’t affecting your dog 24 hours out.
You mention that this is a senior dog and that this the first time you’ve administered diazepam, so assuming that this is a new problem. What is your dog’s diagnosis and history?
Ditto what freshman said.
Sudden onset seizures and ataxia in an older dog would have me concerned there is something going on in the CNS, not necessarily tumor/cancer, but something. Might be worth seeking a neurologist ASAP. Even if you do not want to “know” whats happening, they may be able to provide a better drug cocktail than valium which isn’t going to help “prevent” seizures unless they are on a CRI.
I have a sr dog that had a sz about 2 months ago, and used to work in the neurology department. My dog has intranasal midazolam for his rescue protocol, we used to prescribe rectal diazepam. It is given at regular intravels following a sz to prevent a cluster event.
What is your protocol for giving the diazepam? Has your dog seen a neurologist?
My dog has a normal neuro exam, so I have passed on the MRI…old dogs, in addition to rumors can have age related cortical changes or a possible stroke.
I would agree, that after one dose, your pup should not still be showing sedation from the meds. Has he recently been started on anti convulsants?
Thanks for the above info.
This was his 2nd seizure that he’s ever had, so far as i know. He has not been to a neurologist; i will look into that for him. The diazepam was given rectally and that part was easy. Watching the lethargy and weakness after was the hard part, as he is usually a spunky guy. Thanks very much.
Now is your boy doing.
Put me in the club that thinks this is likely from whatever is causing him to seize, not from diazepam. Though I have seen dogs with severe cluster seizures stay pretty doped up for 12-24 hours after ending the Valium CRI
Thank you for all of these insights. I am relieved to report that he is slowly making his way back to his “normal.” 
i will follow-up with a call to a neurologist on monday. Thank you all.
