Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm curious to hear how others handled getting off painkillers post-surgery. The surgeon who did the amputation basically gave exit orders that Roxy should be on high-dose painkillers forever due to orthopedic issues with her remaining bowed back leg. However, the vet we've been seeing for normal checkups said to stop all painkillers now (19 days post-surgery) because of the potentially bad side effects.
I'm definitely in favor of getting her off the painkillers, but I don't want Roxy to "crash". She's 100 lbs post-surgery and has been on 200 mg of Rimadyl, 300 mg of Tramadol, and 900 mg of Gabapentin a day. Any advice on how long it should take to be drug-free, and is it too soon to start weening her off? She doesn't seem to be acting like she's in much pain, but it's hard to tell since she's drugged up!
Thanks!!!
Tiffany
Gabapentin should never be stopped cold turkey, a dog needs to be weaned off it over the course of a couple weeks. Many dogs do take Rimadyl their entire lives but only with careful monitoring and periodic blood tests by their vet. The tramadol can also be weaned off but as far as know, doesn't take as long as the Gaba.
Please ask your vet how to gradually withdraw the meds if you aren't sure. But remember, if she IS in pain, the appropriate pain management is a good thing. Activities like rehab therapy, massage and gentle stretches (as we discuss in Loving Life on Three Legs) also go a long way to help avoid a life of pain medications.
Let us know how it goes for you OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the reply. So far we've weened her off the rimadyl completely and cut her tramadol dose in half. She seems to be doing great and is acting more and more playful.
Woot! Woot! Fantastic!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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