Using Tramadol for pain relief

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Greylegs

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Has anyone ever used Tramadol for their dog? Our vet has given our collie/staffie cross a course of this for arthritis and he's been on it for a week. But over the last couple of days he's exhibited some concerning symptoms, so we're thinking we'll take him off it over Christmas and go back to see the vet next week. He seems very bloated in his stomach and has started to drink huge amounts of water (and, of course, to pee huge amounts too!). I know that the drinking thing can be a sign of other conditions such as diabetes for example, but it seems a bit coincidental.

The dog is around 11 years old and seems in good health otherwise, is active and alert so we're not too worried. Just wondered if anyone has any experiences?

Thanks all and a Merry Christmas.
 
ye swe use it for our older collie who is nearly 13. He has spondylosis and when he has a flare up he is so crippled. He usually stays on it for a week until it settles. We have only had benefits tbh other than him being sleepy.
 
My GSD was recently put on it and it really seemed to help her although she was sleepier than usual. Unfortunately she's had to come off it as she would only take it in food and whatever food she was given set off her EPI :( What dosage is he on?
 
We had a little sausage dog staying with us in the summer who was on a daily dose. She'd been on it for some time, but had no side affects that we were told to be aware of or that we observed.
 
Christmas Spirit said:
My GSD was recently put on it and it really seemed to help her although she was sleepier than usual. Unfortunately she's had to come off it as she would only take it in food and whatever food she was given set off her EPI :( What dosage is he on?
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He's on 2 x 50mg tablets a day given morning and evening before his food. He's a chunky lad about the size of a good sized springer spaniel weighs around 25kg if that helps.
 
My old boy was on it for a while but it didn't suit him. Made him lose his appetite and he was very lethargic.
I'd be a little concerned about the symptoms you describe. May be worth a call to your vet. They could advise you over the phone.
 
Christmas Spirit said:
My GSD was recently put on it and it really seemed to help her although she was sleepier than usual. Unfortunately she's had to come off it as she would only take it in food and whatever food she was given set off her EPI :( What dosage is he on?
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He's on 2 x 50mg tablets a day given morning and evening before his food. He's a chunky lad about the size of a good sized springer spaniel weighs around 25kg if that helps.
 
My Clumber was on 4 x 50 a day. Didn't notice any side effects, however during the second episode of neck/pain they didn't seem to work.
 
Those symptoms would concern me.
I would be having a chat with your vets at this stage.unless its constipation-how is his output? I would not be expecting those sort of issuses with tramadol and would be running further tests to check for other issues at this point.
 
Tramadol is a relatively powerful synthetic opioid and could have kidney and liver interactions (or exacerbate conditions that were previously asymptomatic). You have done the right thing by witholding. If he doesn't improve after 24hours, see your emergency vet.
 
q105 said:
Tramadol is a relatively powerful synthetic opioid and could have kidney and liver interactions (or exacerbate conditions that were previously asymptomatic). You have done the right thing by witholding. If he doesn't improve after 24hours, see your emergency vet.
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Thanks for this. We've withdrawn the medication and he's been off it for 48 hours now. TBH we've not noticed any deterioration in his arthritic issues (which is why he was prescribed them in the first place) ... and his water consumption/urination issues are settling down in that he's drinking and peeing more normal amounts this morning. Aru ... his output is normal, neither constipated nor too loose. Eating normally and seems well in himself and less bloated in his abdomen. We will continue to monitor today and if we have any concerns will see the emergency vet tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for your help. Why do these things flair up at Christmas??!!
 
Yes I have used it for arthritis however only on a dog who is sensitive to the better NSAID's that are available. It surprises me that your vet would choose Tramadol over other options unless the dog, like mine, is overly sensitive.

Onsior, Cimalgex or my favourite Trocoxil may be better options to discuss with your vet.
 
I have only ever seen one dog on tramadol, he was a lurcher with bone cancer and he was PTS as soon as he saw a decent vet (mine!) I would never ever want to see another dog on tramadol again, he really did not have any quality of life at all :( :( Horrible stuff in my experience :( :(
 
Mines been on a combination of tramadol and Metacam for several months now and I cant say I've noticed any ill effects. He broke his knee in July and was operated on in September. Unfortunately his lameness hasn't improved much so I'm going to ask my vet if there is something else to try. I'm not sure the tramadol makes any difference to his lameness.

The dog hydro told me tramadol only makes them sleepy if the dose is higher than they need.
 
Thanks all. We've taken him off it and he seems to be returning to normal today. Eating and drinking normal quantities and well in himself. However, his shoulders do seem a bit stiff this evening, so looks like another vet visit to explore other options.
 
One of mine couldn't have metacam, but did well on a combination of onsior and tramadol (at times very large quantities of tramadol).

Greylegs, have you considered physiotherapy for your dog to at least help with some of the pain relief? My last oldie had great relief from an occasional session with a qualified veterinary physiotherapist. He didn't like it to start with, not a particularly touchy-feely dog (never was). But after a couple of sessions he would seek her out when she came to visit and lay there contently while she did her work.
 
PucciNPoni said:
One of mine couldn't have metacam, but did well on a combination of onsior and tramadol (at times very large quantities of tramadol).

Greylegs, have you considered physiotherapy for your dog to at least help with some of the pain relief? My last oldie had great relief from an occasional session with a qualified veterinary physiotherapist. He didn't like it to start with, not a particularly touchy-feely dog (never was). But after a couple of sessions he would seek her out when she came to visit and lay there contently while she did her work.
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This is a good idea and we will certainly look into it. Thanks. The other option is swimming. My BiL has a black lab which has had a catalogue of physical issues over the years and he has recently started taking her swimming once a week with really got results. She's much more mobile now and has a greatly improved quality of life.

It's a tough one when they start to age isn't it? All we can do is keep trying and making sure he has as good a life as possible.

We've had our boy on Metacam but it seems to upset his guts quite badly even though it did seem to help his mobility. Hence trying the Tramadol. Doggy is well today but we're off to the vet again tomorrow for more advice and maybe a change of medication.
 
Lévrier;13445636 said:
I have only ever seen one dog on tramadol, he was a lurcher with bone cancer and he was PTS as soon as he saw a decent vet (mine!) I would never ever want to see another dog on tramadol again, he really did not have any quality of life at all :( :( Horrible stuff in my experience :( :(
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surely the issue there Lev is that it was a dog that shouldn't be under any treatment at all rather than the fault of the drug?
Seems to have been a useful drug for some on here-my old dog had it when I felt he needed it (he was also on lexicon) so not all the time, he was enjoying walks and games up until a few days before I had him PTS.
 
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