Tramadol in pets- any experiences?

[bull996]

My German Shep has been on Tramadol for 12 months now.

he takes 2 x 50 three times a day.

I suppose looking back he was quiet for first 2 weeks, but he was always a quiet dog anyway. He is soooooo much happier with no back pain now and becomes like a puppy most days while on his walks!!!

[Thevet]

Asked a few ?s today, tramadol not great in cats due to psycho effects, but pain killing good. MB I've missed some posts but why does Fritz need such a potent painkiller?

[bexVN]

Hi. Fitz is 17 now and has had arthritic changes occuring for almost 7 years. Initially managed with neutraceuticals then Meloxicam. Last year he stopped tolerating Meloxicam and developed pancreatitis, management in his case was with steroids so definitely no more Meloxicam. He has been coping with the steroids but his stiffness etc has got noticeably worse in recent weeks as well as weakness. I didn't fancy oral buprenorphine for him so Tramadol was suggested (we now stock 5mg tabs) as we didn't really want him on 10mg preds every day.

So far he is doing ok on 2.5mg Tramadol bid. At the weekend I am going to see how he copes with 5mg bid as the lower dose isn't enough to make a huge difference to his comfort and mobility.

My priority is to ensure he is as pain free as poss but not permanently off his head! Hopefully I'll find a balance for both. Still need to look into this willow tea aswell!

[Thevet]

Bex, are you continuing the neutraceuticals? Not sure if tramadol can be used with pred but might be an idea to look at combination treatment, include the willow tea in that as well, often get good results when a problem is attacked from several sides, as it can lower the dose of all for effect but also reduces side effects. And apologies for mis-spelling Fitz's name

[bexVN]

No, I stopped thd neutraceuticals after his pancreatitis, looking to restart it now. Why would pred and tramadol not mix, may have to ck that one.

No worries re his name, he's not offended

Thanks for the help. I agree lower doses of all treatments much better.

Edited by bexVN on Friday 20th July 20:27

[Jasandjules]

How are you getting on?

[bexVN]

Not well, son's had ckn pox and he's had it quite bad so been a bit distracted. I've not had chance to look into the Willow Tea but to be honest I'm not sure what to do. He's not good and it doesn't seem to make a difference if he is on pain relief or not. He seems to be spending his days keeping himself to himself, sleeping, drinking more than ever, still eating but he just looks miserable 90% of the time etc

Truth is I don't know what to do for the best, what I do know is I do nothing but worry about him and watch him trying to decide what to do.

Knowing him he'll bounce back next wk and I'll have been worrying over nothing (or am I kidding myself :'()

[Jasandjules]

I think we still have some in a bottle or two which you can have if it's still ok and hasn't gone off. Will let you know and if you want to try some I can put it in a smaller bottle and post it to you.

[bexVN]

Thank you so much, I would be very grateful, you're making me cry (I think I'm a bit emotional at the mo!) If it is ood don't worry and I will get onto getting some.

I will obviously reimburse the cost if you do send any.

[Jasandjules]

Just send me your address via e-mail and I will get that squared away (will check it first though!!) and don't worry about it.

[bexVN]

Jasandjules said:

Just send me your address via e-mail and I will get that squared away (will check it first though!!) and don't worry about it.

YHM

[Jasandjules]

I am told that the e-mail has arrived, so will check the stuff tonight and should be able to post it out tomorrow.