Treating Dog Arthritis with Prescription Pain Killers Part 1 - Tramadol

Tramadol is a safer alternative to NSAIDs. Although the use of Tramadol in dogs has yet to gain approval from the FDA, it has become a standard practice among veterinarians to consider the drug as an option for pain management. The efficacy of Tramadol is undeniable. However, science has yet to fully understand its ability to suppress pain. Theoretically, Tramadol supposedly works like morphine. It is believed that it blocks the pain receptors of the brain.  

Giving Your Dog Tramadol 

Unfortunately, Tramadol is not available in all US state and countries. The use of Tramadol in humans has been marred by drug dependency, which is why in some areas it has been listed as a controlled substance. In areas where in the drug is available, you would still need a vet’s prescription. Also, be very discreet when purchasing and using the drug. You do not want to get the attention from the wrong type of people.  

Tramadol comes in different forms, yet, its taste is unpalatable for most dogs. It would be best to mix the drug in the dog’s food. The standard dosage for dog arthritis pain is around 0.45 to 1.8 milligrams per pound of the dog’s body weight for every twelve hours. The dosage for chronic cancer pain is the same dose but given more frequently, every six hours.    

Tramadol Safety Issues 

Tramadol is considered by vets as a safer alternative to NSAIDs. Nevertheless, it does not mean that Tramadol does not have side effects. Tramadol has been known to cause fatigue, a decrease in appetite, breathing difficulties, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and insomnia. An over dose should be avoided as it can result in the shutdown of the heart and lungs.  

There are also certain drugs when taken with Tramadol that may cause seizures. Hence, when your dog is being given Tramadol, it would be best to avoid these drugs: Selegiline (Anipryl), Mitaban, Amitriptyline, Clomipramine (Clomicalm), Fluoxetine (Prozac, Reconcile), Acepromazine, Warfarin (Coumadin), Digoxin (Lanoxin), and Ketoconazole (Nizoral). 

Lastly, Tramadol is not safe for the following dogs: 

• Dogs being treated with narcotics, sedatives, or anxiety drugs.
• Dogs that have epilepsy or other seizure or metabolic disorders;
• Dogs with kidney, liver or stomach disorders.
• Female dogs that are pregnant, lactating or breeding should avoid the drug. 

 Dog Arthritis Pain Killers - Tramadol  (PDF)

Dog Arthritis Treatment Options Part 5 - Aspirin

Aspirin, generic name acetylsalicylic acid, is an NSAID manufactured by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. Aspirin is used to treat minor pains, fever, and inflammation. The drug is even used for people who are at risk of heart attack and stroke because Aspirin can actually prevent blood from clotting. In veterinary medicine, Aspirin is used to manage dog arthritis pain and inflammation. It is an effective analgesic because it can inhibit the pro-inflammatory COX enzymes.    

Talking to Your Vet about Aspirin 

Aspirin is an over the counter drug, but using the drug without the supervision of the vet could be dangerous for your dog. Right now, there are products such as Vetrin Aspirin, which claims to be safer on the dog’s gastro-intestinal system. However, one should have a thorough discussion with the vet before considering using Aspirin as there are many safer alternative NSAIDs. The following are some of the questions you should ask your vet: 

• What are the side effects of Aspirin? Aspirin can have the following side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dark stools and changes in behavior. Any of these side effects could mean ulcers, intestinal damage or kidney failure, so it is very important to keep an eye out for these side effects. When your dog does exhibits any of these side effects, take your dog to the nearest animal hospital or clinic.
• Is Aspirin safe to use with other drugs? The following are some of the drugs that should not be administered together with Aspirin: Corticsoteroids or NSAIDs such as Rimadyl, Methionine or high doses vitamin C, Furosemide, Phenobarbital, Heparin or Warfarin, Aminoglycoside antibiotics, and Tetracycline products. If you have administering drugs to your dog and the drugs are not in the list, you still need to inform your vet.
• What if my dog has a pre-existing condition? Aspirin is not safe for dogs allergic to NSAIDs; dogs that have bleeding problems such as von Willbrands disease; dogs that have pre-existing gastro-intestinal problems; and female dogs that are breeding, lactating or pregnant.

Use of Aspirin 

The dosage will differ from dog to dog, so only follow what your vet has prescribed specifically for your pet. Nonetheless, the standard dose (assuming that your vet prescribed Vetrin Aspirin) is usually around 8 to 12 milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight every twelve hours. For small dogs it is best to use the 100 milligram tablet but for large dogs the 325 milligram tablet is recommended. Aspirin should always be administered with food.  

Because Vetrin Aspirin is flavored to be more palatable to dogs, it must be stored securely to prevent an accidental overdose.  

Dog Arthritis Treatment -  Aspirin (PDF)

Learning More about Dog Arthritis and Prescription Pain Killers 2 - Gabapentin

Gabapentin is the generic name of the drug Neurontin. Although the drug was initially used to treat epilepsy, Gabapentin is now used as an anti-depressant and pain killer. Gabapentin is effective in controlling epileptic attacks because its chemical structure is similar to a neurotransmitter that is responsible for calming nerve activity in the brain. As a pain reliever, there is much left to be understood as science has yet to reveal the true mechanisms behind its analgesic properties.    

Using Gabapentin Safely 

Gabapentin requires a vet’s prescription before it can be purchased. Although the drug is not yet FDA approved for dogs, it has become an accepted practice among vets to consider Gabapentin for treating dog arthritis pain. Nevertheless, it is very important that you have discussed important points relating to the drug with your vet:

1)      Side Effects. Gabapentin is generally safe. There are very few reports on the drug’s side effects. Nevertheless, Gabapentin may cause vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, loss of balance, and lethargy. There are not many studies regarding Gabapentin’s side effects, as the drug has only been used as a pain reliever for a relatively short period of time. Hence, report any changes in your dog’s physical or behavioral condition during treatment to your vet. 

 2)      Drug Interactions. There are only a few drugs that have been proven to affect Gabapentin’s action. Antacids should never be given at the same time with Gabapentin as they prevent the dog’s gastro-intestinal system from absorbing the drug. Also, narcotics should be avoided since they can exacerbate any side effects.

 3)      Your Dog’s Current Condition. It is best to avoid Gabapentin when your dog has a liver or kidney disorder. Also, studies have revealed that the use of Gabapentin may be a contributing factor in dog miscarriages. Hence, female dogs that are breeding or pregnant should not be given the drug.  

Preventing an Over Dose 

Gabapentin is available in 100 milligram and 300 milligram capsules. The standard dosage of the drug for treating seizures requires a higher dose of 4.5 milligrams to 13.5 milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight every eight to twelve hours, but for the treatment of dog arthritis pain, a lower dose of 1.4 milligrams per pound just once day is preferred. 

 The use of Gabapentin should not be immediately stopped as this will result in the pain rebounding and can cause withdrawal symptoms. Vets tend to recommend a gradual reduction of the dose over a time span of approximately three weeks.

 For correct storage, keep Gabapentin in a very secure place. For security reasons, keep the drug discreetly as it has been reported to be taken for drug recreational use.

 Dog Arthritis and Prescription Pain Killers 2 - Gabapentin

Dog Arthritis Treatment Options Part 4 – Deramaxx

Deramaxx, generic name Deracoxib, was first developed by Novartis. It is a prescription drug that comes in the form of an artificially flavored tablet. Deramaxx is a COXIB class NSAID.  This means that Deramaxx is able to selectively suppress only the effects of the pro-inflammatory COX-2 enzyme while allowing sparing COX-1 enzyme, which is involved in the protective lining of the stomach and intestines and also needed for proper blood circulation through the kidneys.

Talking to Your Vet about Deramaxx 

 When considering the use of Deramaxx, it is important to have a thorough discussion about the dangers of the drug. The following are some of the questions you need to ask your vet. 

• What are the side effects of Deramaxx?  Deramaxx can cause gastro-intestinal damage and renal failure in dogs. Dog owners should be monitoring for bloody, black, or tarry stools; bloody vomit; unexplained weight gain; lethargy; skin rashes or constant itching; jaundice; or unusual bruising or bleeding.  If your dog develops any of these side effects, take them to the nearest animal hospital or clinic and have your dog examined by a vet so the right treatment can be given.
• Is Deramaxx safe to use with other drugs? Your vet should inform you of the drugs that are known to have harmful reactions when taken alongside Deramaxx. Some of these drugs are other NSAIDs, steroids, methotrexate, diuretics, Phenobarbital, and antibiotics.
• Is it safe for all dogs? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Deramaxx is not safe for dogs that are allergic to NSAIDs or those with pre-existing stomach, intestine, or liver conditions. As a precaution, Deramaxx should not be given to pregnant or lactating dogs.

 The Use of Deramaxx

It is always important to follow your vet’s instructions, especially when it comes to administering the right dosage.  

For Deramaxx, 0.45 to 0.91 milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight once a day is normally recommended for the management of dog arthritis pain and inflammation. The drug is also helpful in the suppressing of post-operative pain. Here, the dosage is usually 1.4-1.8 milligrams once a day for a maximum of seven days 

Deramaxx can be administered with or without food. Just make sure your dog has enough water to drink.  

For proper storage, the drug should be kept in room temperature and protected from direct sunlight.

 Dog Arthritis Treatment Options Part 4 – Deramaxx  (PDF)