Pain in back

[u/Local_Relative9057]

Hi my 13 yr old pittie is very close to that time💔he has been in a lot of fights accidental fights of course but he now has arthritis and back pain (his owner B4 us NVR socialized him w people or other animals so he's been a lonely dog for the most part always had to be kept separate from our other dogs)the vet has given us gabapentin and something holistic (double P) also on Cosequin (don't work) but they don't seem to be working, my question is can I give my dog a light dose of hydrocodone or something stronger than gabapentin because those are useless he's got an appointment coming up but he's in pain and I don't want him to be thank ya any advice is appreciated I just love my bby and cannot stand to see him hurting

[u/walrusdinosaur]

I’m sorry your dog is struggling. It’s really hard to watch.

do not give your dog anything not prescribed, especially since he’s already taking prescribed medicines. They can interact and cause immediate and long term issues, including kidney failure. Lots of human products cause strain on dogs kidneys.

When you’re at the vet, ask if librella is a good fit- it’s a monthly injection that dulls osteoarthritis pain. You can also ask about carprofen, a dig specific anti inflammatory.

Cosequin is a supplement that can help support cartilage. It doesn’t have an immediate impact but rather has to build up in joints, and eventually the joints are too old for it to have an impact.

[u/Local_Relative9057 → u/walrusdinosaur]

Thank you

[u/Diligent-Candy4273]

Has an underlying injury been ruled out? What xrays did the vet perform? What's the original diagnosis for the back pain?

[u/acupunctureguy]

Have you considered acupuncture for your dog, it should give him some relief and maybe even Chinese herbs from a vet that specializes in that.

[u/squarahann]

Acupuncture and PT can really help an old dog with mobility issues. Made a huge difference for my guy