Dr Carol was recently contacted by a dog owner who was concerned regarding the pain medication prescribed by her veterinarian for her arthritic dog. The 14 year old Lab had a host of medical problems in addition to arthritis which complicated what medications could be given. Should Toby the Lab be taking Tramadol for arthritis pain?
Tramadol is the generic form of a human medication called Ultram. Tramadol is not recommended to be given in dogs with a history of kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorders and lung problems. Tramadol side effects may include sedation, anxiety, bloating and gas, constipation, convulsive movements, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, hallucinations, indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, tremors, vomiting and weakness.
As a traditionally trained veterinarian with several years of additional training and experience in holistic natural therapies, I have found that certain natural pet vitamin supplements provide safe and effective arthritis pain relief for arthritic dogs that are also affected with thyroid and kidney issues.
Various combinations of glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and essential omega-3 fatty acids are safe and extremely effective to relieve pet arthritis pain. There are also natural herbal kidney products that we have wonderful results with in our older canine patients with kidney failure that have helped their kidney values, BUN, and creatinine and kidney function return to normal
Hi Dr Carol
Thanks for sharing this useful info.
My 9 year old Black Lab has very bad arthritis in his hips. He was spending all his time laying around and had to be forced to even get up to go out to the bathroom. My vet gave me 100 mg twice a day for him (he’s 100 lbs) and he’s like a puppy again. We do have 3.75 mg of Meloxicam 1 time a day AS NEEDED but not daily. With the Tramadol, he’s eating well, playing so has lost a few pounds, seems happy….. the only side effect we’ve noticed is about once a week he wanders the house at night and wants company so I’ve started with his 2nd dose several hours before bedtime. I found in internet here an article about tramadol for dogs and toxicity risk..
What do should I do? Please help.
Thanks again.
Regards
Heida,
The best way we could help you is if you give me a call. We can discuss a few options for you, and could also set up a consult with Dr.Carol where she could discuss natural products and how they could be of help, so you would not have to use the toxic products anymore.
440 247 5901 or 1 866 372 2765