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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 28, 2017 15:07:27 GMT -7
Original subject: Drug conflict My 8 year old dachshund was recently diagnosed with back issues. She has been prescribed Carprofen (which I believe to be an NSAID) for pain and prednisone. It appears on this site that the two should not be given at the same time. Should I switch to Tramadol for pain?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 28, 2017 16:33:50 GMT -7
Nellie has Roxanne taken the NSAID without a 5-7 day washout before the start of Prednisone? If no washout was given, then TWO stomach protectors need to be on board PRONTO! Pepcid AC from the grocery store tonight and first thing in the AM phone your vet and strongly insist on an Rx for sucralfate. If pred has been given, give no more carprofen. Prednisone can't be cold turkey stopped, Carprofen can be abruptly stopped. Monitor for (not wanting to eat, vomit, loose stools, bleeding ulcers, blood in stool, deadly perforated stomach lining) If you know of no health issues, start the famotidine right away AND as soon as you can contact your vet let him know of any adverse side effects + that you have famotidine on board. The usual dose during a disc episode is Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. Give the anti-inflammatory with a meal as added protection. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html Sucralfate not only “bandages” the ulcer but accumulates healing tissue factors in its bandage; it not only protects the ulcer but actively assists in the healing procss. In order to be most effective, this med should be given: 1. 30 minutes prior to Pepcid AC 2. Give on an empty stomach at least one hour before feeding. Read to know which meds do NOT work well with sucralfate and to be fully knowledgable on why you are advocating for a prescription for sucralfate: marvistavet.com/sucralfate.pmlWhen this emergency has been taken care of, please fill us in on all details. The more we know the better our comment can be. Please help us when answering: • Use exact name of all meds. • Give the dose in mgs. • Give the frequency of dosing 1x/day, 2x/day, etc. • Use the date rather than Tuesday, last week, etc. Because it will help us work together, please share a bit more information: ★1 How much does your dog weigh? A.. Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given. ★3 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc? -- Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)? ★4 What was the date you saw the vet for conservative treatment or date of surgery? The hallmark component of conservative treatment is the crate rest part. With little blood supply discs are much slower to form good scar tissue than it takes a blood rich broken bone to heal. That 6 weeks of a cast for a broken arm to heal is similar to the recovery suite being a kind of cast for the disc. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks provides limited movement to allow good strong scar tissue to form. Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times. Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on! ★5 Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can't find a comfortable position. Arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If not in control your vet needs to know asap to adjust meds. ★6 Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood? ★7 Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk? ★8 Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine which is bladder control - OR- do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted which are indication of an overflowing bladder and loss of control?
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 28, 2017 17:23:20 GMT -7
Just started her on these meds yesterday. Have given her Pepcid twice today. Will not give her Carprofen tonight (prescribed for pain). Can/should I give her Tramadal instead....or should there be a waiting period? Will contact vet in the am to get the other medication.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 28, 2017 18:18:01 GMT -7
Post by Roxanne & Nelli on 15 hours ago Just started her on these meds yesterday. Have given her Pepcid twice today. Will not give her Carprofen tonight (prescribed for pain). Can/should I give her Tramadal instead....or should there be a waiting period? Will contact vet in the am to get the other medication.
----- Meet Nelli! She's a long haired black and tan dachshund, weigh's 13.5 pounds. On Wed, Aug 23, we noticed she wasn't willing to walk up the steps but nothing else out the ordinary. We thought she was having stomach issues so took her to the local vet (general DVM). The vet couldn't find anything wrong with her given her breed, she thought it could be her back and prescribed Carprofen "for pain" 12 mg 2x/day. The next couple days she appeared lethargic with occasional episodes of trebling and tight tummy but no obvious problems with walking. On Sun, Aug 27, she was in the yard and shook (like after a bath) and yelped and lunged forward as though something bit her. That's when I was fairly certain it was a back issue (I had three prior dachsunds all required back surgery). The vet told me to give her her 7.5 mg of prednisone on Sunday, then 5 mg 1x/day and gradual reductions in dose.
[13.5 lbs Carprofen as of 8/23 12mg 2x/day for 5 days STOPPED 8/28! Prednisone: as of 8/27: 7.5 mg ?x/day for how many days? then test-for-pain Prednisone taper ]
She has been crated since Sun, Aug 27. At this point, she has not had an Xray or MRI. She can walk but doesn't want to (so I'm wondering if it's due to pain). She's not moving much in her crate and seems comfortable. Her feet aren't knuckled and she can re-position her back feet when flipped back. She is able to urinate on her own and wags her tail. She has a good appetite but has not pooped for two days (since Aug 26).
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 28, 2017 22:35:34 GMT -7
Hi Roxanne! So sorry about all that Nelli is going through. The Vet should have told you to discontinue the Carprofen.. It isn't a pain reliever, what it does is work on swelling and inflammation. After the swelling goes down, the pain is then relieved. It can take from 7 to 30 days to get the swelling down. Tramadol and also Gabapentin can relieve the pain within one hour. Methocarbamol is used for muscle contraction pain.. Please contact your Vet and advocate for pain meds, ASAP! Pain should be in control from one dose to the next. If pain happens between doses the meds are not yet right and need adjusted. More info here: dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmNelli is showing several signs of pain..Have no patience with pain as it slows down healing. Make sure he doesn't prescribe another NSAID as they should absolutely not be used with Prednisone. Very dangerous as Paula posted. dodgerslist.com/literature/medcardSM.pngGlad she is now on Pepcid AC! Please make sure to get the prescription for Sucralfate when you speak with the Vet.. Here is an article that tells how to find a vet that is experienced in treating dogs for IVDD: dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmIt is common for the medications to make them constipated. Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato. Healing thoughts and prayers!
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 29, 2017 10:36:51 GMT -7
How long does it usually take for the pumpkin to work. Gave it to her at noon. It's Tues, Aug 29. She hasn't pooped since Sat night, Aug 26. Should I give her an enema or be patient?
Started her on ✚TramadAL last night. Also got ✚sulfacate from vet and will start today as directed, prior to her ✚Pepcid AC and prednisone.
[Moderator note, please do not edit 13.5 lbs Carprofen as of 8/23 12mg 2x/day for 5 days STOPPED 8/28! Prednisone: as of 8/27:: 7.5 mg ?x/day for 1 day, then test-for-pain Prednisone taper ✚Tramadol 12.5 mgs 2x/day ✚Sucralfate 500mgs 2x/day ✚Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day ]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 29, 2017 10:50:06 GMT -7
No enemas as these usually cause a dog to move their back way too much. HELP US when you post about medications: • Use exact name of all meds. • Give the dose in mgs. • Give the frequency of dosing 1x/day, 2x/day, etc. • Use the date rather than Tuesday, last week, etc. Tramadol ? mgs ?x/day sulfacate ? mgs ?x/day when you get the bottle to read Prednisone: as of 8/27: 7.5 mg ?x/day for how many days? then test-for-pain Prednisone taper starts Pepcid AC ? mgs ?x/day
What date was carprofen last given?Did you soak and equal amt water as kibble in the refrigerator to rehydrate the kibble and then add in the 1 teaspoon of pumpkin once a day.?The other kibble meal also needs to be hydrated but no additional pumpkin. Is she also drinking water herself during the day. It may take a day or two for the hydration to reach the intestines.
Since Aug 26 has Nelli been eating a normal amount, or not so much food?
Is pain fully in control with only one pain med on board. Usually it will take 2 or 3 to cover each of the 3 sources of pain.
◻︎shivering-trembling ◻︎yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎slow to move ◻︎tight tense tummy ◻︎arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ not eating due to too much overall pain ◻︎not their normal perky selves
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 29, 2017 12:52:20 GMT -7
Tramadol 12.5 mgs 2x/day (started administering PM, Aug 28).
Sulfacate 500 mgs 2x/day (started Aug 29) Prednisone (started 8/27) 7.5 mg 1/day for 1 day; then [taper] 5 mg 1/day for 5 days; then 2.5 mg for 5 days Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day
Carprofen last administered Mon AM, Aug 28.
I have been feeding her chicken and rice with water. I added pumpkin at her noon feeding. Usually feed her 2x/day. Have been feeding her less 3x/day. Her appetite is good. She is not drinking water other than what I am adding to her food.
Pain seems pretty much under control. Her only symptoms are slow, reluctant to move much when outside or in crate and not her normal perky self. No more trembling, panting, tight tummy. She seems to walk normally--not wobbly--but her back left foot seems weak. She still rights it when flipped back but does so slowly.
How long can she go without pooping?
Thanks Romy n Frankie (not sure who's who!)
Just talked to vet...she said double ▲Tramadal to 25 mg 2x/day. Will start with her next dose at bedtime.
[Moderator note, please do not edit 13.5 lbs Carprofen as of 8/23 12mg 2x/day for 5 days STOPPED 8/28! Prednisone: as of 8/27: 7.5 mg 2x/day for 1 day, then test-for-pain Prednisone taper Tramadol ▲25 mgs 2x/day Sucralfate 500 mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day ]
She's sleeping like a baby. If only she'd poop! She hasn't gone since Saturday late afternoon....
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 29, 2017 13:44:55 GMT -7
I think Nelli is still in pain. Reluctant to move is a sign of pain. There should be no pain when the pain meds are right.
Her dose of tramadol is lower than we usually see for a 13.5 lb dog. Tramadol does not last long in the body so it almost always given 3X a day. There are other meds that can be given along with the tramdol for best pain relief. The typical ones are gabpaentin and methocarbamol. We are not vets and do not know the specifics of each dog's health. We are making these suggestions based on what we've seen qualified vets prescribe in the past and only as a basis for discussion with your vet. Please call your vet and let him know that Nelli is still showing signs of pain. Pain will only slow the healing process.
She can go a while with not pooping. Hopefully the pumpkin will help her.
I am Romy. Frankie is my handsome avatar.
I am glad that you were able to get the tramadol increased. Hopefully this will take care of her pain. If not the vet has other things she can do to help Nelli.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 29, 2017 16:34:31 GMT -7
Hi Roxanne,
Don't worry she will poop, it took Tyler 5 days to poop when he had his first episode. The Pumpkin with equal parts water and food will help.. Don't expect quick action.. The medications cause constipation.Tyler's surgeon told me not to panic, that he will poop and sure enough he did at day 5 and after that there was no further problems with constipation. Nelli's body will get accustomed to the meds and her system will get back to normal. No enemas as Paula posted.. that will cause too much movement to her back..and disrupt her early healing disc.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 30, 2017 8:42:36 GMT -7
Wed morning update. I gave Nelli her morning Sulfulcate and Pepsid (30 minutes apart) but about 30 minutes later she threw up what looked to be last nights dinner (no blood, etc.) Good news though, she finally pooped. I fed her breakfast and she's resting now. She s eems much more active and alert this morning probably due to increase mg of Tramadol. She's still able to walk (not wobbly). Hoping and praying that I got in front of this for total recovery. Thank you so much for helping me get the meds straight. You are truly angels!!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 30, 2017 10:45:04 GMT -7
Roxanne, Neilli has been given a one day course of Pred. above the anti-inflammatory dose (7.5mgs) So she is now in the taper...a test for pain. The usual with a course is to give it at maybe 5 or 7 days, some prescriptions are even as short as 3 days. The usual with the test-for-pain Prednisone taper, is at the start of the taper is to stop the pain meds. Because your job at home is to monitor for any hint of pain surfacing. Kinda hard to get a prompt and accurate assessment about pain when Tramadol is masking pain. Pain= another course of Pred + all pain meds back on board. No Pain= take pred taper to conclusion... finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal. The use of prednisone can take anywhere from 7-30 days on the anti-inflammatory dose (5mgs 2x/day). Taper days are below the anti-inflammatory level and thus are not working on the swollen spinal cord! So with the doubling of tramadol it is clear that the one day course of prednisone was not long enough. Before discussing this topic with your vet you have a much better chance to be clear with some information under your belt. Here is is how prednisone is used with a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmChicken and rice is a temporary thing for a couple of days. It is not a balanced diet complete with all the protein, minerals and vitamins needed to support all the repair jobs the body is doing. When possible slowly transition Neilli back to her normal kibble food over the course of 3 days. Let us and your vet know if there is any more throwing up of food.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 30, 2017 13:57:09 GMT -7
Prednisone is only being given 1x/day. First day was 7.5 mg. Now getting 5 mg.
She may still be dealing with pain issues since, when I put her in X-pen to urinate, she takes a few steps, does her business and then sits down and waits for me to put her back in the crate. Thoughts?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 30, 2017 14:18:08 GMT -7
Reluctance to move is a sign of pain. When we are not certain if there is pain we can look for another pain sign to confirm. Are you seeing any of these other signs;shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, restless, can't find a comfortable position. Ears pinned back, arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves. If you are seeing another sign of pain then it is not the time for a pred taper. When there is pain during a taper the dog should go back on the full dose of pred. As Paula mentioned one day at the anti-inflammatory dose is much shorter than we usually see. Is she still on the same dose of pain meds? Tramadol 25mg 2x a day?
You know Nelli best. Even if she is not showing two signs of pain if you feel she is in pain let the vet know right away and ask about returning to the full 7.5mg daily dose. Pain will only slow her healing.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 30, 2017 14:33:57 GMT -7
Reluctance to move (in or out of her crate) and not her perky self are the only two things I'm seeing. Yes, still on 25 mg of Tramadol.
Is 5mg 1x/day of prednisone not an anti-inflammatory dose? What is?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 30, 2017 15:29:21 GMT -7
Nelli is showing two signs of pain reluctance to move and not her perky self. With two signs of pain we can be highly confident she is in pain. Please call your vet and advocate for an anti-inflammatory dose. There is no reason for Nellie to be in pain. Anti-inflammatory doses range from 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound (0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg) up to twice daily. Dr. Dawn Ruben Prednisone / Prednisolone www.petplace.com/DrugLibrary/prednisone-prednisolone/page1.aspxDr. Reuben's information on prednisone is in line with what we see many, many vets on this Forum using for a disc episode. For a 13.5 lb dog this would be 4 mg. Because pred comes in 5mg tablets, vets will usually go ahead and prescribe the full 5mg tablet 2x/day.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 31, 2017 3:36:19 GMT -7
Last night before bed, I put Nelli out and she had a wobbly, criscross, leg experience which was definatly a deterioration in condition. About an hour prior, I had given her her daily dose of 5 mg of prednison. Referencing your prior post regarding pain and inflammatory dosages of prednisone, I gave her an additional 2.5 mg. (In the prior post, it was suggested that 5 mg 2x/day would be an appropriate dose) When I woke up this morning, she is walking normally again. Not sure what's going on or what to do.
I will be talking to the vet at 8 but would like to be as informed as possible. Also, I'm inclined to give her a second dose of prednisone this morning. Yes/No? Would it hurt to give her 5 mg since I gave her 7.5 mg 12 hours ago??
Should I be seeking surgery immediately or can I continue on this path? That is, I don't want to miss the 24 hour window for surgery if it comes to that.
How long can a dog be on prednisone before it becomes a problem?
Based on what you know from this site, what percent of dogs treated conservatively recover (can walk, urinate and poop)?
PS...I had two prior doxies that had surgery. Both lost complete use of legs in very short order. I seem to recall the neurologist saying that the speed in which the condition came on was a good thing and that disc problems that present themselves over time are more problematic. Have you ever heard this? And since this has been going on for a week now, is that what I'm dealing with or rather just not medicating properly yet?
Thanks from me and Nelli!
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 31, 2017 6:01:35 GMT -7
More from prior post....
I just got home from new vet who I am totally good with. He has increased her prednisone to 5 mg in the am and 2.5 in the pm until Tuesday. Will reduce dosage then. I'm comfortable with that. He also said, based on her behavior (walking normal, tail wagging, and brighter eyes, that she doesn't need surgery (but if she digresses, to do so ASAP...problem given a holiday weekend. She's in the crate. Praying we won't have another relapse!
[Moderator note, please do not edit 13.5 lbs Carprofen as of 8/23 12mg 2x/day for 5 days STOPPED 8/28! Prednisone: as of 8/27: 7.5 mg 1x/day for 1 day as of 8/31: 5mgs a.m/2.5mgs p.m. for 6 days, then test-for-pain Prednisone taper Tramadol 25 mgs 2x/day Sucralfate 500 mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day ]
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 31, 2017 7:18:28 GMT -7
It is hard to give a percentage of dogs that have regained the ability to walk and bladder and bowel continence because there are so many factors involved, but there have been many, many we have seen on this list. Nelli does not have serious neuro deficits, so she would be an excellent candidate for recovery with Conservative treatment. When a dog is treated conservatively neuro functions may or may not improve over the 8 weeks of Strict crate rest, What the 8 weeks of crate rest is designed to do is to heal the disk so it's no longer pressing on the nerves of the spine which causes the pain and neuro deficits. One damaged nerves take a long time to heal. We often have to think in terms of months and in some few cases even years. But if you see her neruro functions getting worse, like more wobbly walking the vet should be called right away. In order to heal a damaged disk, it can take up to 30 days of pred at the full anti-inflammatory dose. Tapers are usually tried at the 5 or 7 day mark to see if there is still pain. Stella has not been on an anti-inflammatory dose of pred for anywhere near this amount of time. Many neurologists would not operate on a dog that can still walk, but if Nelli should lose that ability time is of the essence if you are considering surgery. Surgery is often considered in these cases • If your dog can't walk OR with STRICT crate rest, neurological functions worsen and are lost (legs and bladder control) • STRICT crate rest is employed and after several attempts to go off of the anti-inflammatory, the pain returns • If 100% STRICT crate rest has been employed and pain medications have been adjusted (dose, frequency, and mix of pain relievers) yet the pain can’t be brought under control • if a dog is experiencing similar signs of neck or back pain, or mild neurological deficits for the 3rd or 4th time, meaning it may be the same disc is involved. Dr Issacs, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology) has an article about surgery here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmI am glad that you were able to get the pred increased, although it is still not at what is usually considered an anti-inflammatory dose. Pred is a very powerful medication. When you are giving it to Stella do not deviate from the instructions the vet has given by increasing a dose. Pred is one medication where all instructions should be strictly adhered to. Is Nelli now pain free?
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Aug 31, 2017 9:43:12 GMT -7
Thanks Romy for all the information. Nelli is much better today and is finally seeming to be pain free based on her activity level in the crate and xpen, as well as her alertness and tail wagging! Keeping her inside and calm.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Sept 1, 2017 12:03:50 GMT -7
I'm beginning to feel like I'm on a roller coaster. New vet yesterday morning. Revised perscriptions in line with recommendations made on this site. Had to be away for a couple hours yesterday and Nelli was excited to see me when I came in. Today started out okay but as the day goes on she seems to be sliding backward. Just took her out to pee and she just stood there before taking a few steps and stopping...not her perky self. Must mean we still don't have the pain under control. Holiday weekend.
Current meds: Sulfacate 500 mgs 2x/day on an empty stomach (started Aug 29) Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day 30 minutes after admistering Sulfacate Prednisone (given with food) 5 mg mornings; 2.5 mg evenings through Tuesday morning then step down. ▼Tramadol 12.5 mgs 2x/day (started administering PM, Aug 28)
[Moderator note, please do not edit 13.5 lbs Carprofen as of 8/23 12mg 2x/day for 5 days STOPPED 8/28! Prednisone: as of 8/27: 7.5 mg 1x/day for 1 day as of 8/31: 5mgs a.m/2.5mgs p.m. for 6 days Tramadol ▼12.5mgs 2x/day Sucralfate 500 mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day ]
Thinking maybe I need to increase night time dose of Prednisone to 5 mg and possibly increase Tramadol to three times per day. Thoughts?
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Post by John & Marley on Sept 1, 2017 12:14:21 GMT -7
With my dog when he was under tramadol wasnt enough, so we got him on Gabapentin as well and let the two drugs over lap, ( one was given at 1pm other at 4pm) so there never was a lull in pain meds. Holiday weekends - tough when you cant reach a Vet. I also tried to get the pain meds in before bed time so he could sleep most of the night it depends on your schedule . Also on the Tramadol I went to 3X a day instead of 2x, you still have Sat am to reach out to Vet to make sure you have what you need. Good Luck
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Sept 1, 2017 12:20:33 GMT -7
Thanks John. Just called my (new) vet and he's out until Tuesday! Vet tech said vet commented that "I had good handle on it" (thanks to input on this site, thank you) and based on that, suggested I use my best judgement. Did you have Marley on Prednisone 5 mg's two times a day initially?
Another question: I was initially giving her NSAID then added Prednisone. I stopped NSAID after one day of giving her both and started her on Sulfacate a couple days ago to deal with potential stomach issues created by having her on both drugs at the same time. I also started adding pumpkin to her food to deal with constipation. Now her stools and frequent and loose (not full scale diahreaha (sp?). Is it possible she just doesn't feel good in her tummy??
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Sept 1, 2017 12:30:55 GMT -7
Another question: I was initially giving her NSAID then added Prednisone. I stopped NSAID after one day of giving her both and started her on Sulfacate a couple days ago to deal with potential stomach issues created by having her on both drugs at the same time. I also started adding pumpkin to her food to deal with constipation. Now her stools and frequent and loose (not full scale diahreaha (sp?). Is it possible she just doesn't feel good in her tummy??
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 1, 2017 13:40:21 GMT -7
Has this been going on all day? Have you seen any blood in the stool? Blood is a sign of damage to the GI tract. If you see blood contact a vet right away.
Definitely no pumpkin for now.
Tramadol works best when given three times a day. It is short-acting, does not stay in the body long. You can speak to your vet about increasing.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Sept 1, 2017 14:11:20 GMT -7
Hi Romy. Today started out okay but as the day goes on she seems to be sliding backward. Took her out about 3 pm to pee and she just stood there before taking a few steps and stopping...not her perky self. Must mean I still don't have the pain under control. Holiday weekend so vet is gone now until Tuesday. I've decided to up her ▲ to 3x/day.
New vet prescribed ▲Prednisone--5 mg in the morning and 2.5 mg in the evening. Will be bumping up her evening dose to 5 mg and see how she is tomorrow.
[Moderator note, please do not edit 13.5 lbs Carprofen as of 8/23 12mg 2x/day for 5 days STOPPED 8/28! Prednisone: as of 8/27: 7.5 mg 1x/day for 1 day as of 8/31: 5mgs a.m/2.5mgs p.m. for 1 day as of 9/1: ▲5mgs 2x/day for ? days, Self prescribed by owner! Tramadol 25 mgs ▲3x/day Sucralfate 500 mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day ]
No blood in the stool that I can detect but I see pumpkin...stopping that.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 1, 2017 14:22:13 GMT -7
When you say sliding backwards do you mean more pain or are her neuro functions worsening? Neuro functions worsening would be considered an Emergency and you will need to see a vet right away even if you have to take her to an Emergency Clinic.
Pred is very powerful and should be given as prescribed.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Sept 1, 2017 14:48:21 GMT -7
She's still walking and standing...she just doesn't want to (and she's not a peppy as she was yesterday). Acting much like a couple days ago before her Prednisone was increased. We're two hours from the nearest emergency clinic. Can you tell me more about what kind of emergency you're talking about?? What signs should I be looking for?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 1, 2017 14:56:49 GMT -7
If she is still standing and walking and not getting more wobbly, no emergency. If her neuro symptoms got worse that would mean there was more nerve damage. Nerves take a very long time to heal. That is why I said emergency. I did not mean to alarm you.
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Post by Roxanne & Nelli on Sept 1, 2017 15:11:20 GMT -7
Thank you for your quick clarification! No wobbly legs! I increased her Tramadol to 3x/day and she looks like she's feeling a little better.
If I understand all I'm reading though, it's the prednisone that should be reducing inflamation in the disc and alleviating pressure on the spinal cord thereby reducing pain. If that's correct, how is increasing Tramadol (pain med) helping the problem...other than relieving pain?? Not sure this makes sense to me!
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