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Post by sullivan06 on Aug 19, 2013 7:24:50 GMT -7
Our 6 1/2 yo Male Lhasa, Sully, was just diagnosed with IVDD about 1 week ago. Since that time, we have had him to the vet twice and the emergency room once. At first, the vet prescribed Temaril-P - 1 tablet 2x day, Tramadol -1/2 tablet every 8 hrs and Robaxin-V 1/4 tablet every 8 hours. Sully wasn't getting any relief. In constant pain, squealing and crying and arching his back. Now the vet has him on
Termaril-P - 2 tablets 2x per day
Tramadol - 1 tablet "as needed"
Robaxin-V 1/4 tablet "as needed". These meds do not seem to be doing anything for our dog. He is panting constantly, arching his back, tail between his legs and shaking. We have him crated and the only time he gets out is for potty break and to eat. This weekend was especially horrible. I am ready to call the vet again this morning but I feel like they will just prescribe more meds. Any help anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated.
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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 19, 2013 8:43:08 GMT -7
Sullivan, welcome to Dodgerslist. First thing the meds are not YET right. How much does your dog weigh? Temaril-P is a combo med of prednisolone, a steroid, which is what is used to help get swelling down in the spinal cord. Temraril also contains another med for relief of itching and coughing. Does your dog have itching and coughing? There are no safe meds only safer use when meds are used in a safe way and the owner also has read up on each med to know why and what the dog is being given. So let us know more about Sully's problems with coughing and itching. Pain meds are NOT given on an as needed basis with a disc episode. They need to be promptly given as prescribed at the mas dose and frequency to keep pain at bay. How often are you giving Tramadol and Robaxin? If you are giving promptly every 8 hours and pain is still not kept in control ask about Gabapentin. Vets are finding very good success in adding it to the tramadol/robaxin mix for pain control. With any anti-inflammatory, a stomach protector is in order. Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not to take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlYou should go for a 2nd opinion if you are not confident your vet is IVDD knowledgeable. You can learn about the meds use for pain and for inflammation here so you will be in an advantageous position to discuss things with a vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm [pain meds used with IVDD] www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm [the two classes of anti-inflammatories not to be used at same time] |
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Post by sullivan06 on Aug 19, 2013 19:51:10 GMT -7
Thank you so much. Sully weighs 23 lbs and has no coughing or itching. We have noticed he has gas. I called the vet and asked about Gabapentin and they called in a prescription for it. I am hoping to find a vet with more experience in IVDD as mine seems to not be so knowledgeable.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 19, 2013 21:50:53 GMT -7
Hi Sullivan, Usually Tramadol is given 3 times a day or every 8 hours as Paula mentioned, same with Robaxin. They are very effective given 3 times a day but sometimes needs Gabapentin in cases of hard to control pain. You didn't mention what the dosage was on the Tramadol or the Robaxin. Please let us know so we can tell if the dosage is correct. When pain in under control dose to dose Sully can begin to heal. Temeril P is for Allergies and itching. It has Prednisolone in it but not enough most likely. He should be on Prednisolone or Prednisone instead to combat the swelling in the spinal cord. Please do get a second opinion from a vet more experienced in IVDD. That would be the best thing for Sully. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm |
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Post by sullivan06 on Aug 20, 2013 10:41:46 GMT -7
Sully's doses are as follows -
Tramadol-50mg - 1 tablet every 8 hours
Temaril-P 5mg. 2 tabs twice a day for 7 days, then 1 tab twice a day for 7 days then 1 tab every other day for 21 days.
Robaxin-V 500 mg 1/4 tab every 8 hours. Now Gabapentin 100 mg - 1 capsule twice per day. Seems like a lot of medicine.
Peptic [Pepcid AC?] 10 mg. 1/2 a tablet every AM 1/2 hr before the other
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