Tramadol - YorkieTalk.com Forums

SportyBaby · 05-14-2011, 02:43 PM

I was given liquid tramadol for Sport after the surgery he had this week to remove gravel (that he gobbled for some reason) from his tummy. I have tried everything to get this medicine into him and it is completely impossible. I just wanted to help spread the word to other YTers not to accept this medication from their vets, it is as good as leaving without a prescription.

I searched the forum for the word "tramadol" and found another thread where several YTers confirmed that there is no meat, cheese, NutriCal or other trick to get the little ones to take this particular medicine. I came home with one compound that was supposedly chicken flavor and then had my vet prescribe another compound that was supposedly beef flavor. That turned out to be 47 extra dollars down the drain because no matter what flavor they put into it, it just doesn't work. Sport can smell the tiniest drop of it on even his favorite foods like parmesan cheese. It is scary, he shakes his head violently and foams at the mouth in order to spit it out. I have never seen him do anything like that before with any other meds. Last night I went drop by drop trying to get .05 ml into him by dipping tiny pieces of cooked steak in the medicine. He would mostly reject the pieces that had medicine on them but after a half hour or so he had at least licked most of the pieces so I hoped I had successfully gotten a little pain relief for him.

He can't have an anti-inflammatory because that is contraindicated after GI surgery. That's why they are giving me this tramadol but I will never ever accept it for him again.

I also don't know how to tell if Sport is in pain

, because dogs are so stoic. We are now three days out from the surgery and he does seem to be recovering nicely and returning to his normal self, becoming playful again, jumping around on the couch a little (of course I try to stop him from doing this!). He is still sleeping more than usual, but I am happy about that because I think his body needs it right now. We had two short walks today, his first since surgery, and he pooped both times. The first few poops were about 95% gravel and dirt so I think he has passed the last of the gravel that had moved into his colon. So overall he seems to be doing well, but I am still concerned that he is just hiding the pain he feels.

Ellie May · 05-14-2011, 02:49 PM

When he doesn't have somebody's undivided attention, he should be crated to avoid jumping. Tearing part of the surgical site could require a second surgery.

I have also heard a lot of negative things about liquid Tramadol. The pills are said to be too high of a dose for most Yorkies which isn't necessarily true. They just have to be cut small unless the doggie is super tiny.

Also, I assume they could have given him Bupranex. Your vet does probably have other options available. Just have to insist... Three days out of surgery though and acting almost normal, he may not be in much pain.

SportyBaby · 05-14-2011, 03:02 PM

Agreed, which is why he has had my undivided attention since surgery. The jumping is minor but I agree, I would not leave him alone with free run at the moment. I worked from home yesterday to stay with him and canceled weekend plans to stay with him. I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself anyway worrying about him if he were on his own. I am hoping that with three solid days of recuperation under my watchful eye, he will be OK to resume normal or semi-normal routine on Monday.

Foster Mom · 05-14-2011, 03:04 PM

Instead of putting it on his food have you tried getting it into him with a syringe?

Ellie May · 05-14-2011, 03:07 PM

At least 7-10 days of no jumping at all, no running, no chasing toys, etc. I know it's miserable, but I assume it was an intestinal resection and anastomosis which is pretty invasive.

I'd just keep him in a small around where jumping (even minor) isn't a concern. Xpen or something...

I'm sorry about spending all that extra money on the drugs.

That was a big chunk and I wouldn't be happy either!

SportyBaby · 05-14-2011, 03:14 PM

Shannon -- Yes, of course. That was where we started. Even when placing the syringe all the way at the back of the throat, this is the best way to induce the violent shaking of the head, foaming at the mouth, and jumping around that (as Ellie May has pointed out twice) is to be avoided at all costs in the aftermath of major surgery. Seriously, search the forums for "tramadol" if you want to see other YTers' thoughts on this particular drug's challenges.

Ellie May -- Yes, I assure you, I understand the gravity of the situation and am committed to Sport's post-op care. As I said, that is why I am sitting with him 24/7 to prevent the jumping etc. So far he has shown only the slightest interest in chasing toys but I am sure we will get there soon. Thanks for your insights.

05-14-2011, 02:43 PM	#1
SportyBaby Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New York NY Posts: 29	Tramadol I was given liquid tramadol for Sport after the surgery he had this week to remove gravel (that he gobbled for some reason) from his tummy. I have tried everything to get this medicine into him and it is completely impossible. I just wanted to help spread the word to other YTers not to accept this medication from their vets, it is as good as leaving without a prescription. I searched the forum for the word "tramadol" and found another thread where several YTers confirmed that there is no meat, cheese, NutriCal or other trick to get the little ones to take this particular medicine. I came home with one compound that was supposedly chicken flavor and then had my vet prescribe another compound that was supposedly beef flavor. That turned out to be 47 extra dollars down the drain because no matter what flavor they put into it, it just doesn't work. Sport can smell the tiniest drop of it on even his favorite foods like parmesan cheese. It is scary, he shakes his head violently and foams at the mouth in order to spit it out. I have never seen him do anything like that before with any other meds. Last night I went drop by drop trying to get .05 ml into him by dipping tiny pieces of cooked steak in the medicine. He would mostly reject the pieces that had medicine on them but after a half hour or so he had at least licked most of the pieces so I hoped I had successfully gotten a little pain relief for him. He can't have an anti-inflammatory because that is contraindicated after GI surgery. That's why they are giving me this tramadol but I will never ever accept it for him again. I also don't know how to tell if Sport is in pain , because dogs are so stoic. We are now three days out from the surgery and he does seem to be recovering nicely and returning to his normal self, becoming playful again, jumping around on the couch a little (of course I try to stop him from doing this!). He is still sleeping more than usual, but I am happy about that because I think his body needs it right now. We had two short walks today, his first since surgery, and he pooped both times. The first few poops were about 95% gravel and dirt so I think he has passed the last of the gravel that had moved into his colon. So overall he seems to be doing well, but I am still concerned that he is just hiding the pain he feels.

05-14-2011, 02:49 PM	#2
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	When he doesn't have somebody's undivided attention, he should be crated to avoid jumping. Tearing part of the surgical site could require a second surgery. I have also heard a lot of negative things about liquid Tramadol. The pills are said to be too high of a dose for most Yorkies which isn't necessarily true. They just have to be cut small unless the doggie is super tiny. Also, I assume they could have given him Bupranex. Your vet does probably have other options available. Just have to insist... Three days out of surgery though and acting almost normal, he may not be in much pain. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

05-14-2011, 03:04 PM	#4
Foster Mom YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nelliston NY Posts: 383	Instead of putting it on his food have you tried getting it into him with a syringe? __________________ Shannon.... Mommy of Nya , Jake , Riley and Piper .....Also my babies at the Bridge, I miss you and love you so much!!

05-14-2011, 03:07 PM	#5
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	At least 7-10 days of no jumping at all, no running, no chasing toys, etc. I know it's miserable, but I assume it was an intestinal resection and anastomosis which is pretty invasive. I'd just keep him in a small around where jumping (even minor) isn't a concern. Xpen or something... I'm sorry about spending all that extra money on the drugs. That was a big chunk and I wouldn't be happy either! __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

05-14-2011, 03:02 PM	#3
SportyBaby Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New York NY Posts: 29	Agreed, which is why he has had my undivided attention since surgery. The jumping is minor but I agree, I would not leave him alone with free run at the moment. I worked from home yesterday to stay with him and canceled weekend plans to stay with him. I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself anyway worrying about him if he were on his own. I am hoping that with three solid days of recuperation under my watchful eye, he will be OK to resume normal or semi-normal routine on Monday.

05-14-2011, 03:14 PM	#6
SportyBaby Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New York NY Posts: 29	Shannon -- Yes, of course. That was where we started. Even when placing the syringe all the way at the back of the throat, this is the best way to induce the violent shaking of the head, foaming at the mouth, and jumping around that (as Ellie May has pointed out twice) is to be avoided at all costs in the aftermath of major surgery. Seriously, search the forums for "tramadol" if you want to see other YTers' thoughts on this particular drug's challenges. Ellie May -- Yes, I assure you, I understand the gravity of the situation and am committed to Sport's post-op care. As I said, that is why I am sitting with him 24/7 to prevent the jumping etc. So far he has shown only the slightest interest in chasing toys but I am sure we will get there soon. Thanks for your insights.