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Post by Julian & Charlie on Aug 27, 2022 10:08:44 GMT -7
[Original subject line: CHARLIE - Tapering Meds? ] Our 14 year old Chihuahua mix Charlie has been on strict crate rest for IVDD since August 5th (3 weeks). We reupped his meds after week 2 [date?].He’s also been on: Gabapentin Methocarbamol Tramadol Carprofen [MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
Weight? 14 y..o.
Carprofen as of 8/5: ?mgs ?x/day for 14 days, then a test STOP for: ?_pain / _neuro
as of 8/19: ?mg ?x/day for ? days then test STOP for: _pain /_neuro Gabapentin ?mg ?x/day
Methocarbamol ?mg ?x/day
traMADol ?mg ?x/day
Charlie needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board for duration of Carprofen! ] He’s looking like he’s in much, MUCH less pain than when he started these (couldn’t move his neck much without screaming). What’s the process for tapering him off of these medications? He’s been presenting with a cough that we think might be heart-related and might be aggregated by if of these meds. Our vet is gone until Monday. Any help is helpful! Thanks! |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 27, 2022 13:15:10 GMT -7
Generally, the anti-inflammatory is prescribed for 7-14 days. At this point, an NSAID type anti-inflammatory, like Carprofen, can be stopped and pain meds can be stopped or cut back. If pain is then seen, more time on all meds is needed.
However, any change in medication should be done with your vet's advice. This would be particularly true if Charlie has any heart issues. Does your vet have someone who covers for him when he is unavailable?
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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 27, 2022 16:24:38 GMT -7
Julian, "much less" pain is not good enough. Does sound as though it is NOT is time to STOP the carprofen as it has not yet completed its job of getting rid of all spinal cord swelling. INSTEAD phone your vet to report pain is still not yet fully under control with the current pain meds. Med details allows us to have the correct picture and make comment specific for your dog. So in general report the signs you observe that makes you diagnose as pain. In general, ask the vet on duty to refer to Charlie's file and adjust his meds according to his health history to get him fully out of pain. There can be a number of reasons in general that would cause a dog to cough. Did your vet specifically voice a concern or diagnose Charlie re: his heart? What was the concern/the diagnosis?
in general all pain meds last about 8 hrs. Thus gabapentin (nerve pain), methocarbamol (muscle contraction pain) and traMADol (general analgesic) are Rx'd for every 8 hrs. If not Rx'd for 3x/day, then advocate for every 8 hrs for each pain med.
What are your observations?
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned bac ⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions ⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves ➕if a neck disc: ◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
Advocate for a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC (Famotidine) to protect against the side effects of the anti-inflammatory. Pepcid AC is used for the duration of any anti-inflammatory including carprofen. ASK YOUR VET specifically if Charlie has any health issue to prevent use of Pepcid AC from the grocery store.
Getting up to speed on meds used with IVDD: -- Learn about Carprofen. An informed owner is a dog's best defense when taking an anti-inflammatory. What your job is, how to arrange for a Plan B with your vet.
Fill us in on the med detail, please re: ?mgs dose? how many times a day?Gabapentin
methocarbamol
traMADol
Carprofen: for how many days was the 2nd course that stated on 8/19 prescribe for?
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