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apple tree · Mar 22, 2009, 03:24 PM

I have started treating my 13 yr old labs pain with tramadol 50 mg 2 times per day. On the second day I noticed he was having coardination issues and stopped treatment. He is still not able to stand and walk normally? Has anyone ever had this issue with this drug? And if so what did you do about it?

league · Mar 22, 2009, 04:26 PM

I have taken this myself. I haven't had any issues, though a question did your son eat prior to taking this medication, if not isuggest he does. And call the doctor to get there opinion as well

shazamataz · Mar 23, 2009, 04:45 AM

Was this medication prescribed by your vet?
Tramadol is a pretty hefty drug, 50mg seems like a lot for a dog, my mum took a 50mg tablet and slept for 2 days.

apple tree · Mar 23, 2009, 04:50 AM

Yes this was from my vet. 1 50 mg tablet every 12 hours for pain.

shazamataz · Mar 23, 2009, 04:53 AM

Maybe the dosage needs to be lowered, you should tell your vet about the side effects, they should just talk to you over the phone. Like I said it is pretty strong and would probably make him feel a bit woozy.
:)

apple tree · Mar 23, 2009, 09:12 AM

I am taking him back to the vets this afternoon. I hope everything is going to be OK.

shazamataz · Mar 23, 2009, 09:23 AM

Good to hear. Let us know what happens :)

starbuck8 · Mar 23, 2009, 10:32 AM

Do you have your dog on other supplemental herbal or holistic meds or treatments as well, such as condroitin and glucosamine, as well as calcium. Of course this should always be cleared with your vet, but there may be some supplements that could help also. There are some dog foods that have this, as well as fish oil, and many other things for bone health.

He is a senior, so should be eating a senior food specifically designed for his bone problems. I am assuming this is what he is being treated for, as Tramadol is most often prescribed by vets for joint pain.

Have you also considered taking him for water therapy, or even just learning massage techniques that can help him with his pain? I know this can be very helpful, and sometimes the dosage can be lowered by doing some phyical therapy, just as it can with us. Heating pads (on low) or a "warm" hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel so there isn't a hot spot, can also ease his pain.

I sure hope the little guy gets the dosage of Tramadol adjusted, and he gets to feeling better soon. Please let us know how his vet visit goes.

Here's a link to a site about Meds for dogs.

Tramadol

shazamataz · Mar 23, 2009, 11:09 AM

Couldn't give you good rep yet starbuck but good advice, a lot of holistic treatments and diets don't cure pain but it certainly eases it a lot.

apple tree · Mar 24, 2009, 11:39 AM

Thanks so much for your answers to my post... The vets had no idea what was going on. They were so stumped. Thought it was neurologic but, No ruled that out with tests. The poor old man has cushings and congestive heart failure. They took him off the tramadol and put him on prednisone 20 mg 1 time a day for 5 days then every other day. I asked the vet flat out if this were her dog would she put him down? She said give the pred a try first. I never want him to suffer. I have been there since he was born and he will be 14 in October. This dog has been through and seen it all up and down the east coast. And yes thank you Starbuck 08 I do have him on Gluc and Chon it has seemed to help through the years.

Thanks all

This is just so hard. I just have to know I have given him the best life I could and know so many people just don't care and tie there dogs to a tree. Some people just should not have any animals.

Sorry Emotional

starbuck8 · Mar 24, 2009, 11:51 AM

I understand. Don't appologize for being emotional. I would be a mess. I sure hope the new drug helps him a little. A least neurological things were ruled out. That's some good news. I know that he knows you love him and are keeping him as pain free as you can. My little fur babe is with me pretty much 24/7, so I know what you mean.

You are so completely right about some people who should NOT be awarded the privilege of caring for animals. Just take a look at the other questions on the forum. It gets my blood boiling sometimes. People just want them because they are "cute." Then they want to breed them so they can have cuter ones! Meanwhile, the shelter dogs die, so they can experience their "cuteness."

Then they come here with no knowledge, and ask what to do when the mother is giving birth. Uuuhhggg. They haven't got a darned CLUE how to care for them, or about what loving your animals really means. It makes me wonder what their relationships with people are like?

Sorry, I got off on a tangent there. I wish your big boy all the best, and hope he's with you pain free for as long as it's possible. Good luck to you!