Ketamine for Chronic Pain in Dogs: Can It Work for Your Tripawd, Too?

It’s not uncommon for a three-legged dog to suffer from chronic, long-term pain caused by osteoarthritis. Long-term phantom pain is another common issue. So if your Tripawd’s pain has not responded to conventional treatments, you may want to talk to your vet about the possibility of trying low dose ketamine therapy.

Ketamine: Another Option for Some Tripawds with Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain

For decades this low-cost anesthetic drug has been used as an analgesic in human and veterinary medicine surgeries. Today some veterinary pain management experts like Dr. Lindsey Fry in Colorado are discovering that regular, low dose ketamine therapy outside of the surgical suite can help dogs with severe osteoarthritis pain, too.

Although there are just a few studies about how ketamine helps dogs with chronic pain, the anecdotal evidence is currently showing that it’s worth a try in dogs who have not responded to other therapies.

“Ketamine is such a powerful component of pain relief when added to other analgesics that consensus statements for its use in humans with both acute and chronic pain have been developed.”

Veterinary anesthesiologist and pain management expert Dr. Tamara Grubb.

Ketamine and Amantadine: One in the Same?

Ketamine and the Parkinson’s medication Amantadine are closely linked in how they work to alleviate chronic pain. Amantadine is the oral counterpart to Ketamine. We often mention Amantadine as being a good option for Tripawds with severe osteoarthritis or phantom pain (or both!). And Tripawds members often report it as a game changer.

• See the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) article “Pharmacological Agents in the Treatment of Chronic Pain.”

Although Amantadine is used off-label to treat chronic osteoarthritis pain in dogs (it’s technically only studied to treat Parkinson’s patients), many veterinary pain specialists like Dr. Mike Petty use it for persistent, untreatable pain.

How Does Ketamine Work to Help with Chronic Pain in Tripawds and Other Dogs?

Ketamine works to alleviate chronic pain by stimulating neuroplasticity. This is the process of re-training the brain to adapt to changing needs in the body. When given in low dose treatments, ketamine may not only relieve pain but simultaneously change the brain’s response to pain. The result creates a new “map” that teaches the brain how to perceive pain.

An added benefit of ketamine therapy is that low dose ketamine therapy can help chronically painful dogs sleep better, without the side effects of opioids.

A Tripawd story of ketamine success

Some Tripawds members have used Ketamine for chronic pain in their dog’s pain management protocol. The most detailed account of how it worked was provided by Meg’s mum, Clare.

The introduction of Ketamine is the only thing that has changed for quite some time now, so I feel confident saying that it does seem to be having a very positive effect. Meg has advanced arthritis and her movement is obviously limited (she uses a buggy to get around) but in herself she is on top top form, really perky and full of it, constantly getting herself into trouble and loving every minute of it. Clearly, as with all medication, individual responses will vary and it may not be suitable for everyone, but for Meg its been amazing. —

Ketamine for Arthritis, @megstamum

Is Ketamine Safe?

When used under strict veterinary supervision, it is safe for most dogs with pain that is unresponsive to other treatments. Ketamine works in dogs just minutes after the first low dose injection by a veterinary professional.

Ketamine is NOT a medication you can administer yourself.

A dog can receive ketamine in the clinic. Or if they don’t do well in that setting, the dog can receive via a small wearable device known as Rx Actuator. This ketamine release device is prescribed by a vet. It sends out small amounts of the drug over a day or two.

Ketamine is metabolized by the liver and excreted by kidneys, and has very low risk of side effects. However dogs with any form of heart, kidney, or liver disease, hypertension, seizures, or larynx disorders should not take it.

Share with Your Vet: Information About Ketamine for Chronic Pain in Tripawd Dogs and Other Pets

The following material is not for the layperson. But it is a good starting point to have a conversation with your veterinarian and/or veterinary pain management specialist.

Download these scientific Ketamine papers for your veterinary team: “Ketamine: A Novel Approach with a Familiar Tool—Part 1 Review of Ketamine and Chronic Pain,” and Part 2, by Dr. Lindsey Fry, DVM, cVMA, CCRP, CVPP

You can also refer your vet to this YouTube video with Dr. Fry:

Find a Veterinary Pain Management Specialist

If you don’t know a pain specialist and want to see one, check out the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. This month they are celebrating Animal Pain Awareness Month, and we are happy to help share this important campaign to our community.

Find a Veteterinary Pain Management Specialist

If you and your vet decide that ketamine is worth a try for your Tripawd, please comment below or join the Hopping Around Discussion Forum topic to let us know how it goes!