NSAID and upset tummys

J

Jingleballs

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My old boy is nearly 13 now and has been on various NSAIDS for the last 10 months.

Started with metacam but it made him sick, tried Rimadyl but it didn’t seem to make a difference and then went onto Previcox.

He’s been on Previcox since about February and has had to come off of it a few times due to and upset stomach. He’s got quite a sensitive tummy and we (myself and the vets) are confident that the previcox isn’t causing the issue but when his tummy is upset, the Previcox can make it worse so on these occasions we put him on Tramadol.

He’s had a bit of an iffy tummy for about 3 weeks now – it’s not that he’s going more often but his stools are very loose and vary between bright orange, yellowish and very dark brown (sorry TMI).

He’s been on antibiotics for about a week to try and help with his tummy issues but nothing has changed and he is really struggling with just the tramadol (he’s getting 3 a day).

Vet has advised that there are other NSAIDS that might be worth trying such as Onsior – I’d also like to get bloods done just to check that there are no underlying issues.

Does anyone else have experience of keeping a dog with a sensitive tummy on NSAIDS? He really can’t do without them now but I don’t want to treat his arthritis only to leave him with a constantly upset stomach!
 
I can't help, sorry, except to say that one of my mine was on Trocoxil and it made a big difference. Trouble is, it's a once fortnightly pill (I think?) so any ill effects can't be stopped quickly. According to the studies, it affects tummies less so possibly an option.

I think a big chat with the vet about what to give is the way forward and something to support his digestion, maybe some really bland food that won't affect him or be exacerbated by meds. I hope you find a solution soon.
 
My boy is on long term Metacam for arthritis and I switched his food to Royal Canin Sensitive (on my vet's advice) and (touch wood) his tum has really settled down. Very expensive but I have found I don't need to feed as much so doesn't work out too bad. He also has Seraquin tablets daily.
I almost lost him 2 years ago after a week on Previcox :( . We didn't want him on Metacam permanently so decided to look at other options but after the extreme reaction to Previcox I am too scared to try anything else. I'm sure the Metacam will shorten his life but all is good right now :) He has 6 monthly blood tests to check his organ functions.
I hope you find a food your boy can settle with.
 
My old lady has been on metacam following foot surgery. I give a probiotic powder on her food and if she is loose then tree barks powder from dorwest herbs.
 
A lot of our old rescues do best on metacam when given Ranitidine (zantac) alongside - I agree that probiotics would probably be helpful too, especially after the antibiotics.
 
Thanks for all the replies - we were back at the vets today for some blood tests - results should be in tomorrow but vet is pretty certain that the NSAIDs are not the cause especially as he's been off then now for about 3 - 4 weeks.

Will await tomorrows results but it looks like a diet change/pro biotic is the answer - current diet is chicken and rice - I didn't think you could get more bland than that but apparently chicken isn't considered to be ideal and turkey/lamb/duck may be better.

Fingers crossed all the bloods come back ok.

Out of interest, what pro biotics do you guys use?
 
So we got the bloods back today and it's not good - ALT has risen from 400 in December to 1100 now so there are definite issues with his liver.

We've got an appointment booked in 10 days time for bile acid tests and also a scan of his liver to see if we can pinpoint.

Vet suggested sedation but I've said not - my dog is 13 and I'm not willing to risk sedation so they are going to try an concious scan as it's relatively non envasive.

I'm feeling a bit sad - he seems fine in himself other than his sore tummy but clearly he's quite poorly :(
 
For probiotics try "pro soluble" available over the counter from vet medic or manor pharmacy. It is a soluble powder that you can either put on food or in water
 
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