Rimadyl For Hind End Weekness?

[macoduck]

A friend's elderly greyhound has hind end weakness. It seems to help. Is there a better medication? Accupuncture is not an option.

This old girl has been losing weight and the owner thinks it is probably time to let her go.

 

Also her 3rd eyelid gets stuck, covering one eye. Vet said it is probably Horner's syndrome.

 

I haven't seen this dog in a few years but will go see her this evening.

[Remolacha]

I had Fletcher on Metacam , but we switched to Rimadyl when that became less effective. It did help, although I combined it with Tramadol, as the max dose wasn't enough for him. The cheapest I found it was at Costco.

[dante2zoe]

For pills that help, Brady gets Gabapentin and Robaxin for his hind end and they help. Please let us know how she is, please!

[GeorgeofNE]

It depends.

 

If the weakness has any orgins involving pain that might be resolved with anti inflammatories, then yes, it will help. If the weakness is due to compressed nerves (as with LS), then no, an NSAID like Rimadyl won't help.

 

Most old dogs have some aches and pains (just like most old humans), so overall, it probably makes her feel better.

[kudzu]

Pain can cause symptoms that resemble weakness. Also, inflammation that increases pressure on nerve roots can contribute to genuine weakness of neurological cause.

[tbhounds]

I would definetly contiue with a NSAID--Deramaxx or Metacam would be a better choice if her liver values are elevated. I would also introduce gabapentin. I have seen some older, weak, owie dogs really, really benefit from the combination.

[Rickiesmom]

I would definetly contiue with a NSAID--Deramaxx or Metacam would be a better choice if her liver values are elevated. I would also introduce gabapentin. I have seen some older, weak, owie dogs really, really benefit from the combination.

My 15 year old whippet is on a combination of Metacam and Gabapentin and is doing well.

 

Although I haven't tried it yet, I am told that Sasha's Blend is a very good supplement. As soon as I run out of the current supplement I will try switching him to this.

[macoduck]

Thanks everybody. I visited "Conni" this evening. I have dogsat for her over the years. She looks old but is not in pain. Her owners were worried that it was time to let her go. I did not see that in her at all. It may happen in a few months since these things are inevitable. A dog who gets up from her bed, remembers me after a few years' absence, and demands some loving, is not a dog ready to go. I understand the owner's concerns all too well.

It was a good visit.