My old Lab has severe arthritis. What pain relief options help?

Question

14.5 yr old lab healthy except for osteoarthritis. had erlychiosis 3X, 2X hospitalized, in 2015. pretty stiff walking,does not do stairs, have to lift her to car. on glucosamine/chroin for 5 years, rimadyl 100mg for 3. big problems laying down, circles several times, sometimes aborts her lay down and walks away, or gets halfway down and falls the rest. laying down harder than getting up. good appetite, bowel and kidneys fine. what to do? change NSAID? add tramadol? what is best supplement? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 14 years and 6 months old | 56 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

You should take her to your veterinarian for a re-assessment. THis may include changing to another NSAID, or adding other pain medication such as Gabapentin, or even opioids. You may also start with some physiotherapy such as swimming in warm water, to keep her mobile. Unfortunately more and more evidence points to Tramadol not being very effective in dogs for taking pain. I suggest you make an appointment with your vet soon.

My old Lab has severe arthritis. What pain relief options help?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?

Do pet snails need calcium sand in their tank? What about hermit crab sand?

Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?

Share