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