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Post by shawnna on Jul 16, 2013 16:59:34 GMT -7
My dog, Gizmo, had surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago at Cornell University for a ruptured disc. He was prescribed pregabalin for nerve pain. After his recheck, I was told by the vet that I could discontinue it if there was no pain. I then talked with another vet over the phone that said he would be on the medication for life. It seems like every time I call, I get a different vet with a different answer.
My questions is, has anyone used this medication and for how long? How long should one stay on this medication? From what I've read in humans, this is a seizure medication also used to treat nerve pain. The only information I can find is on human use and they suggest you taper the dose to prevent withdrawals. If anyone has used this drug, did you taper the dose, if so, how and how many days? How long is the dog usually in pain for after surgery?
Thank you for any information that you can give me.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 16, 2013 17:24:26 GMT -7
Shawnna, welcome to Dodgerslist.
Is Gizmo on any other medications at this time? What dose in mg and frequency is he taking pregabalin? What breed is Gizmo and how much does he weigh?
What was Gizmo doing that made the vet prescribe pregabalin? Was he biting on his paws, legs due to abnormal sensations..neuropathic pain? Was the med used with other pain reliever for post op pain? Or does Gizmo suffer from seizures?
In general it is a good policy to use meds only for the time they have something to work on. Otherwise you subject the animal to all the adverse side effects but no benefit since there is no longer a problem for the drug to address. There has been alot written about the withdrawal symptom of Lyrica (pregabalin) if stopped cold turkey with humans. So it may also be a good idea to taper with a dog….ask your vet.
Post surgical swelling and the pain from that usually subsides in about 2 weeks or less. EAch animal is different on pain. Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?
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Post by shawnna on Jul 16, 2013 17:40:08 GMT -7
Hi. Gizmo is a 6 1/2 yo Shih Tzu that weighs 15 lbs. He is not taking any other medications at this time. He was prescribe tramadol and pregabalin right after surgery. We stopped the tramadol after 2 weeks. He does not have any seizures. I'm confused on whether to keep giving him the pregabalin and how to taper the dose and for how long. I have asked the question but they don't seem the have an exact answer. I called my vet today and she said she was going to do some research then call me back, but never did. He was taking 10 mg pregabalin capsules 2 times a day, but the last 4 days I have cut it down to 1 a day. He does not seem to be showing any signs of pain, that I can see.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 16, 2013 18:10:32 GMT -7
Many, many vets are giving gabapentin (chemically related to pregabalin) with Tramadol as they work synergistically to help reduce post-op pain. So from what you are saying pregabalin was given for post op pain relief. Seems like you are tapering it down over the course of a week and not seeing any withdrawal signs… get back to your own vet to confirm the taper. If he is not showing signs of pain, then he obviously doesn't need that drug for post op pain. Some surgeons do taper gabapentin and some do not.
Can Gizmo walk, wobbly walk, does he have bladder control? What did the vet want for PT and for crate rest?
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Post by shawnna on Jul 16, 2013 18:28:50 GMT -7
I'm going to call my vet again tomorrow. He is on 8 weeks crate rest. He can walk some, but he is wobbly. He has bladder control. We are doing PT with him now and going to take him to a physical therapist in 2 weeks.
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Post by shawnna on Aug 5, 2013 8:26:02 GMT -7
Gizmo is doing really well. I was told that I could take him off crate rest. He is walking pretty good and is even able to hike is leg when he goes out to potty. I have a small area setup for him in the living room with my couch blocked so that he cant jump onto it. I haven't let him have full access to the house yet because I am scared. He keeps wanting to run and play. He likes to jump or bounce at this toys. Is it ok for him to play like this after 6 weeks? Does anyone have any advice on what is ok to do after crate rest? He is full of energy and I don't want him to hurt himself. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 5, 2013 11:17:23 GMT -7
Shawnna, congratulations on graduation for Gizmo! Wonderful how well he is walking and back to hike his leg again!!! We do have some very good information on how you reintroduce him back into physical activity with a sample schedule PLUS great ideas on making your home back friendly with furniture blockers, ramps, etc. Please check out the articles in the column on the far right for some great information: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm#afterrest |
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