Pain management

[bizzylizzy]

Can‘t believe I‘m posting in the Oldies section already! ( Humphrey hit 9 last Friday)
As most if you know, Humple had to have back surgery a couple of years back which left him with permanent nerve damage effecting control of his back leg which is, unsurprisingly, steadily getting worse and he either hops or just drags his foot, so he now wears a shoe to protect the claws.
We went to the vet this week to see about pain management as I often get the feeling lately that he‘s uncomfortable or in pain,  >  :(he‘ >:(s restless and constantly moving position when he‘s resting.  Its hard determine if its neurological pain or joints and the vet wasn’t terribly helpful, he seemed to accept that it was to be expected, particularly at this age , he  asked me what sort of pain killers I wanted  and in the end he gave me Prednicomb, ( I can’t find this on any UK Info but it apparently contains  Phenylbutazon 50,0 mg Prednisolon 1,5 mg, if that means anything to any of you, they contain a very small amount of cortisone apparently)
I’m obviously reluctant to  give him painkillers on a permanent basis unless necessary, but if they improve his quality of life, we‘ll have to accept the possible long term consequences, - the ones he‘s prescribed are likely to cause increase in weight apparently, - not ideal for back and joint pain , I think if he was 12+ I probably wouldn’t be quite so anxious but at 9, I‘m hoping he‘ll be around for a good while yet.
Are any of your dogs on permanent pain killers? I’ d be really grateful for any input anyone can give me, I know a lot of the brand names for the medication differ here, but I can compare the ingredients and look for an equivalent. He has Yumove Senior every day, I give him a very small amount of brewers yeast and have just started with a bit of tumeric, which is supposed to help his joints, he also has a teaspoon of Linseed oil.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any advice or comments anyone can offer.
Xx Jayne

[Mudmagnets]

Sorry to read of Hump's problems,

Minstrel is in very much the same boat, not had the surgery but he will be 11 at the end of this month & vet thinks his muscles are wasting and he is arthritic, He is on 1 Yumove+ for joints and also 3/4 (.75) Carpodryl daily which does seem to help, they do carry a warning to report any sickness or diarrhea to vet, but he has been on them now for nearly a year with no problems & will probably remain on them for the foreseeable future.

I hope you can sort out something for Humphrey. Nobody like to think of their pooch in pain

[Finvarra]

Can't help unfortunately, am so sorry to hear Humph is not so good. 9 is not old for a spaniel. Dylan will be 9 on the 10th, and thankfully seems to be fit, though he's never been a particularly manic lad, and I think he's slowed down a bit, especially since his 'snip' for testicular cancer.
It's always a balancing act with long term medication, can't really comment on his prescription. Just wishing him well and hope you get something that helps him feel better.
Dylan sends birthday wishes.

[bizzylizzy]

Many thanks both   
I‘ve just looked up Carpodryl and according to the description, it seems to be more suitable for long term use than the one my vet has prescribed, as its  not cortisone based, so I shall go back next week and see what he thinks.
I do try to avoid questioning everything the vets say and do but poor old Humph‘s problem only really arose from a misdiagnosis in the first place so I suppose I am a bit paranoic sometimes. [which is why its a relief to be able to
turn to COL! ) Oh if only our babes could talk!
Thanks again, and cuddles to Minstrel and Dylan! 

[pinkmarshmallow]

 Oh poor Humphrey!  Give him big hugs from Benji & Snoopy.  He’s coped for quite a while now.  Hopefully you’ll find the right medication for him.  How are you?  As you know, Benji and Humphrey went through similar problems at the time.  Benji is still on Gabapentin daily and Metacam (ibuprofen) daily.  Also started taking Librellla injection monthly for arthritis.  Still doing monthly physio but thinking of stopping that!  He will be 10 in September and won’t be off any of these drugs now but they’re keeping him going and we keep our fingers crossed. 

Don’t hesitate to email me
Xx to Humphrey & you from the boys & me

[bizzylizzy]

Thanks !! I‘ll mail you tomorrow, I think our posts just crossed! 

[Jaysmumagain]

Oh poor Humph...where do the years go.  I feel for you - vets don't see the whole picture like we do!  My only conclusion with to the present medication might be to quieten down inflammation - just a thought.

Librella injection monthly was a tricky one for me with Ollie (who was 14 and struggling with other things) for Ollie it helped, it was remarkable the improvement in the first few weeks, and so it went on for about six months.  It wears of as the month progresses maybe 3rd to 4th week, but it's action works differently than pain killers.  Worth a chat with Pinkmarshmallow!!

Would it be worth searching for a specialist vet for a second opinion.

Sending love and cuddles to Humph

[Jaysmumagain]

Jayne - the penny just dropped - the Phenylbutazon is Nsaid drug Phenylbutazone also known as Bute used widely in the US for horses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylbutazone

 

[bizzylizzy]

Thanks Julie!!! 

[pinkmarshmallow]

Hi Jayne.

How is Humphrey doing?  Any update on any pain meds you’re trying him on now?  I’d be interested. 
Hope you’re well

Hayley. Benji. Snoopy x

[bizzylizzy]

Hi, sorry Hayley , just realized I hadn’t replied! Have just mailed you!

Humph took the prednicom for about 2 weeks which did seem to work, its often difficult to determine how much pain he’s in especially when he limps anyway but he was a lot more chirpy after the initial course and was less reluctant to go for walks. Since then, I‘ve given him one or two occasionally if he appears to be uncomfortable but am trying to avoid him taking them more than necessary , (should he need permanent painkillers, I shall probably ask for a second opinion.)
On the whole, he‘s ok, he hates this warm humid weather but come evening, when its a bit cooler, he’s pestering me to play so I gather he‘s not feeling too bad!    The warmth is certainly better for his back than the damp cold weather. We‘ve had to reduce his walks quite a lot, half an hour twice a day is as much as we dare do now,  after that he gets very „wobbly“ on his legs. As a result, I‘ve had to cut down on his food (weighed him last week - 17 Kilos!  )  which isn’t going down too well  !! but hopefully a bit of weight loss will help.
Xx