Constipation
Submitted by Maggie Porkchop... on October 24, 2016 - 8:18amOur little girl (almost 13 years old) has arthritis. It is progressing. Our vet just increased her Tramadol (strong pain med) and cautioned that she may become constipated. Have never had a constipated dog. So far so good but I want to be prepared. Anything I can do to hopefully prevent the constipation? If she should become constipated what can I do to help her?
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Maggie Porkchop and Bubba
I have not used it for constipation on my dogs...
But I have heard a teaspoon of plain, canned pumpkin can help with constipation. I have only used it for the opposite, diarrhea, but again, I have been told it can be used for both!
I hope your girl doesn't have a problem with the higher dose of Tramadol, mine never had that issue, but mine weren't quite as old when starting an increase in meds.
It's nice to see you!
Amy and Sophia
Yes, pumpkin is good!
You can also add a little Metamucil to her food if necessary.
Aww....SO good to "See" ya again! :-) I also
recommend canned pumpkin, and I *think* sweet potatoes can help, too. Even if they don't, our 3 LOVE them!
I just microwave one for about 4 minutes, then chop it up as a treat---not too many, though :) And I leave the skin on--more
fiber and nutrients :-) ...
You can also give OTC stool softeners, but I don't know the dose, so you could ask your vet...
....
I hope the Tramadol helpss!!! Our 12-year-old baby needs something for himz arthritis,too. He's going to the
vet Thursday, and I'm curious what the doc will prescribe. ALL meds frighten me a bit,,,,Sophie is on Previcox
for minor arthritis in one hip, plus she has a subluxated patella ("floating" kneecap)----The doc seemed SO
worried about the side effects, (all NSAIDS have that risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers, etc...)
Once she stopped limping, I stopped giving it....maybe I'm a terrible Mommy; but she's been fine....But
since our very elderly guy's limp is getting worse (sooo sad!) I'd rather he not be in pain and not worry
so much about side effects...Ugh, sorry to write a novel....LOL!!!!! Hope the Tramadol works well !!!
Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!
And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!
I found the best remedy for arthritis!!!
Our vet put Chester on Adequan because he has hemivertibrae in his back and arthritis now that he's an old man (9). We started out with two shots a week and after 4 weeks we went to once a month. He is not off the meloxicam which was horrible on his stomach, and seems to be pain free. The vet tech patiently taught us to give the shots and we're pretty good at it now. Newman is also on it. It can be a little pricey at first, but so are the nsaids. Once they settle down to once a month it's reasonable. It has had NO side effects for our guys at all.
That should say he is now off the meloxicam...
not not. : )
Thank You!
Thank you ladies. I think I'll start with the sweet potato...Porkie LOVES sweets! Tramadol was started after we had tried other options which initially worked but then didn't. I thank God everyday that we still have her with us. At her last vet visit a couple of days ago, the vet reviewed her blood work and gave her an extensive physical exam. The vet said everything is perfect EXCEPT for her spinal arthritis. I promised Porkie and myself,come the day we can't control her pain, I will send her on her way to the Bridge. I just pray that will not be any time soon.
Maggie Porkchop and Bubba
I forgot to mention Adequan before...!!! And,
it also helped Sophie :-) She was getting the Adequan injections for a while; and her limping stopped. I realize Porkie's
( I LOVE those names!!! Porkchop AND Porkieeee!!!.....hee hee!) ....problems/ diagnoses aren't the same as Sophie's ; but I still wanted to letcha know that IF it becomes an option, I and MANY doggie people
I know trust Adequan a lot. Meaty, Sophie, Professor and I are praying for precious Porkie!!! ((( hugs ))))
Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!
And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!