Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama 
Again Dwerten, it's not the main PAIN medication used after surgeries.
NSAIDS are anti-inflammatories. NSAIDs work on a chemical level. They block the effects of special enzymes -- specifically Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. These enzymes play a key role in making prostaglandins. By blocking the Cox enzymes, NSAIDs stop your body from making as many prostaglandins. This means less swelling and less pain. This is a good thing after orthopedic surgery.
But depending on the type of surgery, other pain meds are more commonly prescribed. Tramadol being one. These pain medications work by changing the perception of pain. I'm sure everyone here has given their dog something OTHER than an NSAID for pain. So to jump on this thread, which is very sad, and turn it into an "anti-NSAID" campaign was just so wrong, IMO. Perhaps the mods here could split this topic into two distinct threads.
ALL medications have the potential for side effects. For that matter so do ALL alternative treatments, too. Glucosamine, for example, also has reported side effects of GI disturbances and allergic reactions. It's just that traditional medications have been more thoroughly studied (in this country) and their manufacture is standardized. Alternative meds don't have any regulatory oversight, so at this time the quality of one brand may not match the quality of another. As for studies, yes, there are more and more studies being done in to alternative treatments. But until the studies are larger and the results are REPEATABLE, it's really unfair to say that giving them is the ONLY way to go.
Everyone should be aware of ALL the treatment options available. That includes the potential risks versus the potential benefits of any medication, supplement or treatment. And, IMO, the best person to help you wade through all of that is your vet. If you truly believe that your vet is only pushing medications or a treatment because they are A) lazy B)ignorant C) getting a kick back from the pharmaceutical companies or D) it's the "flavor of the week" than perhaps you should find a new vet.
Now, I want to apologize to the OP. I'm sorry this thread got hijacked. I'm very sorry your friend lost her dog. No matter what the circumstances, it's never easy. You are a good friend to her to realize that she is hurting and this isn't "just a dog" to her. I'm sure just being there and listening to her will be a big comfort to her
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but it is sadly and up to owner to ask for tramadol sadly
Kellie can tell you as she worked for an orthopedic and LJ can tell you as well as she deals with fosters - Nsaids are the main drug given as they have an anti-inflammatory agent in it where as tramadol does not.
I will have crystal start a poll on this because I believe that rimadyl, deramaxx and metacam are the choice for most vets following surgeries due to anti-inflammatory agent. I do not know how to do the polls sorry or i would start myself as we can ask what was your dog prescribed after spay or neuter for pain medication and that should be very telling just like the poll on vaccinating annually is very telling on here.
Now many specialists like the board certified dentist will not use nsaids as he said it is not safe so when demi had 27 teeth extracted he gave her torbutrol not an nsaid as i questioned it and mainly why i chose him as he was against nsaids saying they are not safe. He gave dee dee tramadol as she only had 5 teeth extractions.
But this thread could be about nsaids causing a death as the op stated after surgery given pain meds then died. So i think this info is very important to know what happened to this dog