Pain Killers

[Stacia]

Rourke is unable to take Metacam and any medication of that ilk. He is on half a paracetamol twice a day, but I don't think that is effective at the moment. I am wary of trying any of the other drugs as I don't want him to feel 'drugged up'. Does anyone have personal experience of good pain killers without side effects with their dog?

 

[kateincornwall]

Maybe ask your Vet about Gabapentin , it seems to be effective for many dogs , poor Rourke xxx

 

[Jacqui-S]

I'm sure you can increase the paracetamol dose, we give lilly 1/2 tab 3 times a day if she has a more active day, but that isn't the max (she is 24.5kg).
Have you tried tramadol? Wasn't hugely beneficial for lilly though.

 

[HAH]

Echo @Jacqui-S , Kipper’s on 3 Pardale a day and I think that’s not top whack for his weight - definitely talk to your vet about other options. There’s also longer term neurological pain relief like Memantine that Kipper’s also taking that might be appropriate.

 

[Stacia]

Echo @Jacqui-S , Kipper’s on 3 Pardale a day and I think that’s not top whack for his weight - definitely talk to your vet about other options. There’s also longer term neurological pain relief like Memantine that Kipper’s also taking that might be appropriate.

Is Kipper on PARDALE V or is there just a PARDALE which I could buy from chemist? I had a look on Google for Memantine and not fond of that from the description? Had to do it in capitals as it kept changing to Parade!!!

 

[Stacia]

I'm sure you can increase the paracetamol dose, we give lilly 1/2 tab 3 times a day if she has a more active day, but that isn't the max (she is 24.5kg).
Have you tried tramadol? Wasn't hugely beneficial for lilly though.

I looked on Google and it said dogs can't take Paracetamol! Rourke is 3i kgs so I guess I could increase it to three times a day. His elbow joint is grossly swollen, I think I let him run around too much a couple of days ago. I did wonder about Tramadol but didn't want him drugged up and as you say it didn't do much for Lilly perhaps I will leave that idea.

 

[Stacia]

Maybe ask your Vet about Gabapentin , it seems to be effective for many dogs , poor Rourke xxx

Not sure about Gabapentin, has anyone tried it on their dogs?

 

[Selina27]

Not sure about Gabapentin, has anyone tried it on their dogs?

I think you would have to go through the vets to get this. Have you spoken to them? Every case is different.

 

[HAH]

Is Kipper on Parade V or is there just a Parade which I could buy from chemist? I had a look on Google for Memantine and not fond of that from the description?

I think it’s straight up Pardale (brand name Pardale V), which is only from our vets. Pardale is 400mg of paracetamol with 9mg of codeine (details here), but often if there’s a shortage vets will suggest human paracetamol at a different dose. With Memantine, this is prescribed in humans for mild to moderate dementia symptoms and is off license for dogs. It’s commonly used in OA as adjunctive pain relief alongside other drugs - there’s a recent review here that covers current evidence thoroughly, with the usual finding that mechanisms of action are highly under-researched in dogs, and large scale randomized controlled trials are needed.

It’s definitely a conversation to have with your vet - and if that’s not satisfactory, I’d talk to a different vet. I know you’ve been trying to do this for a long time, so you have every sympathy that this must be frustrating.

 

[Jacqui-S]

OTC paracetamol was suggested by our vet rather than continuing with the Pardale V. We didn't think the codeine added much.

Both Tramadol and Gabapentin are controlled drugs and prescription only - part of the CD status is you can only get 4 weeks at a time, which fankly I wasn't organised enough for.
I thought tramadol made Lilly a bit "twitchy/trembly".

 

[Emily]

Not sure about Gabapentin, has anyone tried it on their dogs?

Ella has this, along with Trazadone, when she goes to the vet. For her, it's to help with her anxiety rather than pain so there is a possibility it might have a "drugged up" effect.

 

[M.F.]

Have you spoken to your vet about a cortisone shot into the joint? I know of humans who have had it and got great relief.

 

[Stacia]

I think you would have to go through the vets to get this. Have you spoken to them? Every case is different.

Gabapentin had been mentioned but am reluctant as OH took it and it really upset him.

 

[Stacia]

Have you spoken to your vet about a cortisone shot into the joint? I know of humans who have had it and got great relief.

No I haven't, will mention that when I see her for his librela in a few days, thank you.

 

[MellowYellow]

No real suggestions, other than to say I am thinking of you and Rourke.

 

[Atemas]

I thought tramadol made Lilly a bit "twitchy/trembly"

Horrible stuff - Sky had it for her last year - vet wanted to increase dose but we said no.

@Jelinga - I’m sorry I can’t advise anything but I am really hoping you can get Rourke‘s pain right down

 

[edzbird]

I think you really have to try the drugs with Rourke, Tramadol is great for some and not others - Belle tried it and she was off her legs after each dose. (I'm not even sure she had any pain), but others have success with it. I imagine it's the same for all drugs, but it's stressful trying to find the one that helps. I hope you can have a good chat with his vet

 

[Stacia]

Horrible stuff - Sky had it for her last year - vet wanted to increase dose but we said no.

@Jelinga - I’m sorry I can’t advise anything but I am really hoping you can get Rourke‘s pain right down

It is very useful to read your experience with Tramadol.