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Rimadyl & Prednisone in dogs..
My dog has a potential disc injury in her back.
Last Saturday, she was in a lot of pain. Gave her a Rimadyl and it didn't help. Took her to the emergency vet and they prescribed Tramadol and Robaxin (pain and muscle relaxer). Took her to our normal vet on Monday and he said to continue those meds and also gave her a steroid shot.
She did well throughout the week... still stiff but seemed to improve. Last night, Thursday, she seemed to be in pain again. She wasn't as bad as she had been on Saturday but was walking stiffly and holding her head oddly again.
This morning she seems better - called the vet and he suggested prescribing Prednisone to see if that helped. My questions:
1) I gave Kally a Rimadyl last night at 5:45. Vet was not clear about how long I need to wait to start the steroids -- should I wait 24 hours since her last Rimadyl (meaning 6pm tonight?) or 48 hours? Or is it ok to go ahead?
2 Basically any experiences with this would be helpful. Vet tech said on the phone that if Prednisone didn't help we would need to look at a specialist and surgery. I've read that surgery isn't advised unless the dog really can't walk??
Thanks for your help. We live in a small town and our vet is "okay" but I don't feel he is super invested. I couldn't even get him on the phone and had to pass all my info through the vet tech.
Thanks again for any help!!!!
Last Saturday, she was in a lot of pain. Gave her a Rimadyl and it didn't help. Took her to the emergency vet and they prescribed Tramadol and Robaxin (pain and muscle relaxer). Took her to our normal vet on Monday and he said to continue those meds and also gave her a steroid shot.
She did well throughout the week... still stiff but seemed to improve. Last night, Thursday, she seemed to be in pain again. She wasn't as bad as she had been on Saturday but was walking stiffly and holding her head oddly again.
This morning she seems better - called the vet and he suggested prescribing Prednisone to see if that helped. My questions:
1) I gave Kally a Rimadyl last night at 5:45. Vet was not clear about how long I need to wait to start the steroids -- should I wait 24 hours since her last Rimadyl (meaning 6pm tonight?) or 48 hours? Or is it ok to go ahead?
2 Basically any experiences with this would be helpful. Vet tech said on the phone that if Prednisone didn't help we would need to look at a specialist and surgery. I've read that surgery isn't advised unless the dog really can't walk??
Thanks for your help. We live in a small town and our vet is "okay" but I don't feel he is super invested. I couldn't even get him on the phone and had to pass all my info through the vet tech.
Thanks again for any help!!!!
COMMUNITY LEADER
It's quite common for a vet to be busy when you call to ask a question. They could be in surgery or treating an emergency....
But however, he/she should call you back when they have a moment, or at least suggest a good time for you to call back, during that day.
I am quite surprised the vet couldn't advise you about medication. It would have been fairly easy for the tech to have just buzzed him, asked your question -and even if he was operating he would have been capable of sending back a quick answer.
Somehow it doesn't seem quite right, and maybe you have it. He isn't 'invested' fully.
I also question his (or the tech's?) idea that surgery is only advisable when the dog cannot walk any longer!
In my opinion, though of course it will be epensive, your dog needs a full assessment -X rays/scan etc, and surgery if needed or advisable, should be given as an option. The risks -if any -also should be dfully understood. But you and your dog ought to have that option.
I wish I could answer your question, but I have no knowledge of Prednisone, having never used it, and have no idea about how long to wait before using it after a dose of Rimadyl. Hopefully, someone else here will know.
I really would suggest seeing another vet. Preferably if you can, someone with Orthopedic experience, or who can refer you to a specialist. There might not be someone immediately near you which is inconvenient, but for good treatment, a journey is worth it.
If of course, all that is beyond your means, and/or your dog is not even fit enough for surgery, then good pain relief is essential, an the vet should be 100% invested in your dog's care.
But however, he/she should call you back when they have a moment, or at least suggest a good time for you to call back, during that day.
I am quite surprised the vet couldn't advise you about medication. It would have been fairly easy for the tech to have just buzzed him, asked your question -and even if he was operating he would have been capable of sending back a quick answer.
Somehow it doesn't seem quite right, and maybe you have it. He isn't 'invested' fully.
I also question his (or the tech's?) idea that surgery is only advisable when the dog cannot walk any longer!
In my opinion, though of course it will be epensive, your dog needs a full assessment -X rays/scan etc, and surgery if needed or advisable, should be given as an option. The risks -if any -also should be dfully understood. But you and your dog ought to have that option.
I wish I could answer your question, but I have no knowledge of Prednisone, having never used it, and have no idea about how long to wait before using it after a dose of Rimadyl. Hopefully, someone else here will know.
I really would suggest seeing another vet. Preferably if you can, someone with Orthopedic experience, or who can refer you to a specialist. There might not be someone immediately near you which is inconvenient, but for good treatment, a journey is worth it.
If of course, all that is beyond your means, and/or your dog is not even fit enough for surgery, then good pain relief is essential, an the vet should be 100% invested in your dog's care.
My dog has had quite the journey with some spine compression issues and a bulging disc in his neck. Last March he wasn't acting himself. Our vet sent him to a neurologist. Surgery was recommended but he is 13 and has a heart murmur so we opted for the alternative of steroids (prednisone) and strict bed rest for 4 weeks. He was weaned off his steroids and we had a great summer.
About a month ago, we put him on a short course of steroids after he was seeming painful. He developed pancreatitis and had a trip to the animal hospital for 2 nights. With his heart murmur they had to delicately balance fluids. He got pain meds, anti-nausea and fluids and was put on a low fat diet. He eats several small meals a day.
After about a week or so, for his back and neck pain we tried Dexamethasone, which was a terrible mistake, his pancreatitis came back with a vengeance and led to a three night trip to the ER. He was building up fluid so was put on lasix and 2 heart medications.
He can no longer use steroids. We use Tramedol but it doesn't take care of the inflammation and makes him loopy. He can hardly walk, is lethargic (weak from his bought of pancreatitis). He doesn't wag his tail, or play. He just sleeps and moans sometimes. He was eating very well until today. He doesn't drink as much as he was. His breathing is usually normal except for the pain so the lasix is doing it's job for now.
The vet is suggesting we now try Rimadyl for his inflammation. In reading about it, it doesn't seem like a good option given his heart condition.
I would just like him to be comfortable and not be in so much pain. Anything else out there? He has had two acupuncture treatments. I can't tell if they have helped.
I appreciate the help. Thank you.
About a month ago, we put him on a short course of steroids after he was seeming painful. He developed pancreatitis and had a trip to the animal hospital for 2 nights. With his heart murmur they had to delicately balance fluids. He got pain meds, anti-nausea and fluids and was put on a low fat diet. He eats several small meals a day.
After about a week or so, for his back and neck pain we tried Dexamethasone, which was a terrible mistake, his pancreatitis came back with a vengeance and led to a three night trip to the ER. He was building up fluid so was put on lasix and 2 heart medications.
He can no longer use steroids. We use Tramedol but it doesn't take care of the inflammation and makes him loopy. He can hardly walk, is lethargic (weak from his bought of pancreatitis). He doesn't wag his tail, or play. He just sleeps and moans sometimes. He was eating very well until today. He doesn't drink as much as he was. His breathing is usually normal except for the pain so the lasix is doing it's job for now.
The vet is suggesting we now try Rimadyl for his inflammation. In reading about it, it doesn't seem like a good option given his heart condition.
I would just like him to be comfortable and not be in so much pain. Anything else out there? He has had two acupuncture treatments. I can't tell if they have helped.
I appreciate the help. Thank you.
1 Comments
Is he taking Vetmedin (pimobendan) for the heart? It's done wonders for my doxie with both back and heart problems
I have had two fosters dog which required knee surgery (not at the same time) and the crate to potty was absolutely horrible. I put the dog bed in my half bath, put up a baby gate so they didn't feel isolated. There was enough space for me to go in and cuddle with her and get my homework done. It worked GREAT, as a matter of fact the surgeon has since recommended recovery in a small space verses crating, especially for a a long recovery time. A small closet would work as well so long as a baby gate is used, not closing them in.
Are you still out there? I need some info, my dog was given rimadyl for suspected back pain, then 2 days after being on rimadyl for 6 days, she was given prednisone, I would REALLY like to talk with you about this, if you get this can you PLEASE email me at ***@****
I know your post was about a year and a half ago but if you are anything like me - you are still grieving for the loss of your dog. I see that you felt you may have caused the loss because of the meds. There's probably nothing that can make you feel any better about the loss but I would like to offer that it was not the meds and that you were so very kind and mothering to give the meds to try and help. We make the best decision we can based on what we know and what information we get. Maybe there was more wrong internally that you did not know about yet. Well, I hope this brings some level of comfort for you. Your dog was lucky to have had you for a mom :) ***@****
I know your post was about a year and a half ago but if you are anything like me - you are still grieving for the loss of your dog. I see that you felt you may have caused the loss because of the meds. There's probably nothing that can make you feel any better about the loss but I would like to offer that it was not the meds and that you were so very kind and mothering to give the meds to try and help. We make the best decision we can based on what we know and what information we get. Maybe there was more wrong internally that you did not know about yet. Well, I hope this brings some level of comfort for you. Your dog was lucky to have had you for a mom :) ***@****
hi I have a question my dog took a shot of rimadyl and she has pups she wont stop crying for them ..will it be harmful to let her back wither pup an how long does rimadyl get out of the system
My dog just died with Rimadyl. He bled to death. Took him for treatment of a swollen sore joint. Prescribed Carprofen and tramadol. He was ill from the beginning and getting worse by the day. Bled from mouth, nose and his stool was digested blood. This was my clown, my goof ball and my love. I killed him by insisting he take his anti-infammatories. He died a horrible,painful death by my hand.
My dog just died with Rimadyl. He bled to death. Took him for treatment of a swollen sore joint. Prescribed Carprofen and tramadol. He was ill from the beginning and getting worse by the day. Bled from mouth, nose and his stool was digested blood. This was my clown, my goof ball and my love. I killed him by insisting he take his anti-infammatories. He died a horrible,painful death by my hand.
Many thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it. The xray was showing what the vet thought was a slipped disc but previously she had us ref'd to a orthorpedic surgeon for xrays on legs and we werent happy with him but she asked him to look at her xrays and he said not a slipped disc but spondylosis. She now said today on the phone to put him back on full meds but doesnt know why his front paw his hurting so much when the xray showed a bit of arthritis in paw & shoulder, she thinks he may have a nerve from the spine effecting the paw. I'm giving it a couple of weeks and then will see another vet for a second opinion. Hes making into the garden for wees tonight and couldnt do that yesterday so needs the pain killers. Not sure how long she will let him have the steriod for though..Thanks again
Hello Frankie....If this is indeed a Disc injury, your dog should not be walking around on it's own.....Complete cage rest is Vital for weeks to let the disk heal......That information is posted above in this thread......
Read everything you can on IVDD (Above)....Yes, this can be reversed, but you must do it correctly.......Steroids are the first line of defense, but you also need PAIN medication along with them.......Shaking is a sign of pain......
Also, the side effects of Steroids is frequent thirst & urination...Thus, the accident in the floor....Very common......
It doesn't sound like your Vet is exactly sure of a diagnoses, so that may be a problem.....Did anything show up on the xray? Disc problems are almost impossible to see on an xray........Good luck & let us know how he's doing........Karla
Read everything you can on IVDD (Above)....Yes, this can be reversed, but you must do it correctly.......Steroids are the first line of defense, but you also need PAIN medication along with them.......Shaking is a sign of pain......
Also, the side effects of Steroids is frequent thirst & urination...Thus, the accident in the floor....Very common......
It doesn't sound like your Vet is exactly sure of a diagnoses, so that may be a problem.....Did anything show up on the xray? Disc problems are almost impossible to see on an xray........Good luck & let us know how he's doing........Karla
Hello,
My 7 year old choc lab male 37kg has suddenly struggled to walk as long as normal. Been to vets had xrays and has slight hip dysplasia at back and a bad front paw. Also now saying spondylosis of the spine. He had been on previcox until spondylosis diagnosed with not much improvement at all. He was shaking, couldnt put his feet on the floor, not wanting to try and do anything. Been given 2 tabs 25mg prednisone a day for the last 7 days and on 7th day was like his old self. Took him to vets and pulled on lead in surgery to try and get to a *****. Vet said great improvement and to reduce dose to 1 day, yesterday he weed on kitchen floor. Never ever has he done anything in the house. Today sunday he cant walk outside so hubby carrying him. I've upped the dose again and will ring the vet tomorrow and see what she says but wanted to know if anyone has had anything similar to this with their dog and was there a good outcome. feel sick with worry...Many thanks in anticipation for any replys
My 7 year old choc lab male 37kg has suddenly struggled to walk as long as normal. Been to vets had xrays and has slight hip dysplasia at back and a bad front paw. Also now saying spondylosis of the spine. He had been on previcox until spondylosis diagnosed with not much improvement at all. He was shaking, couldnt put his feet on the floor, not wanting to try and do anything. Been given 2 tabs 25mg prednisone a day for the last 7 days and on 7th day was like his old self. Took him to vets and pulled on lead in surgery to try and get to a *****. Vet said great improvement and to reduce dose to 1 day, yesterday he weed on kitchen floor. Never ever has he done anything in the house. Today sunday he cant walk outside so hubby carrying him. I've upped the dose again and will ring the vet tomorrow and see what she says but wanted to know if anyone has had anything similar to this with their dog and was there a good outcome. feel sick with worry...Many thanks in anticipation for any replys
Hello Rita's Mom & welcome......You need to call your Vet and ask for a few days worth of Tramadol....It is specifically for pain & will do nothing as an Anti-inflammatory.....The Pred. will be the Anti-inflammatory.....Both of these can be mixed, safely......Good luck and let us know how she's doing.....Karla
I could have been the 1 writing about your dog neverpromised, except he thought that the disk giving Rita the problem was in her neck... the same thing happened to my Rita weekend before last and we've been on rimadyl this past week and yesterday he switched her to prednisone. she had her last pill of the rimadyl at 1030 the morning of the 24th. the vet told me to wait 12 hours before giving her the prednisone, but he wasn't convincing when he told me so I came to the internet to find out how long to wait now I don't know what to do if she has to go another 2 days without any kind of pain medication. any suggestions missfits4me?
STOP!!!!!!! Rimadyl & Pred. CANNOT be given together....It's dangerous....I'm surprised that the Vet gave your dog the steroid injection when he knew your dog was taking Rimadyl.....That should not have happened!
However, your girl was feeling alittle better BECAUSE of the Steroid injection......
The Rimadyl has a wash out phase of 3 days......Then you can start the Pred. In the meantime, the Tramadol can still be safely given.....It is specifically just for pain.....
Prednisone is the first line of defense for these kinds of injuries....What breed & age is your girl?
This disease is labeled IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). Your dog should be under complete cage rest and SHOULD NOT be walking around....That means only carried out to potty & then brought back in and put into a crate....The length of confinement should last at least 4-6 weeks in order for the disk to have time to heal.....If the disk/disc ruptures, you are looking at paralysis and emergency surgery is required.....What your trying to do is keep this from happening.....Thus, the complete cage rest with nothing else.....
Please, google IVDD and read up on it.....I hope she gets better & let me know if you have any other questions.....I HAVE a dog with IVDD....He HAS been paralysed & had the Emergency Surgery....(On a Christmas Eve of all times!) ;( That was over 3 years ago...He receives Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs for his pain management......This has been a life saver for him!! Good luck & keep us updated.......Karla
P.S. Welcome to the forum!!!!!!
However, your girl was feeling alittle better BECAUSE of the Steroid injection......
The Rimadyl has a wash out phase of 3 days......Then you can start the Pred. In the meantime, the Tramadol can still be safely given.....It is specifically just for pain.....
Prednisone is the first line of defense for these kinds of injuries....What breed & age is your girl?
This disease is labeled IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). Your dog should be under complete cage rest and SHOULD NOT be walking around....That means only carried out to potty & then brought back in and put into a crate....The length of confinement should last at least 4-6 weeks in order for the disk to have time to heal.....If the disk/disc ruptures, you are looking at paralysis and emergency surgery is required.....What your trying to do is keep this from happening.....Thus, the complete cage rest with nothing else.....
Please, google IVDD and read up on it.....I hope she gets better & let me know if you have any other questions.....I HAVE a dog with IVDD....He HAS been paralysed & had the Emergency Surgery....(On a Christmas Eve of all times!) ;( That was over 3 years ago...He receives Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs for his pain management......This has been a life saver for him!! Good luck & keep us updated.......Karla
P.S. Welcome to the forum!!!!!!
COMMUNITY LEADER
No this is no good. The vet SHOULD know how long you have to wait after giving Rimadyl to start the steroids! You shouldn't even need to have to come on here to ask!
I wish I could help you, but I don't know for sure. But certainly a good vet should know!
Please call another vet a.s.a.p.
I wish I could help you, but I don't know for sure. But certainly a good vet should know!
Please call another vet a.s.a.p.
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