bummed...Etogesic not working out for us

[boscibo]

I posted earlier about Bandit being put on Etogesic for his arthritis, but it isn't working for us. During the trial period it didn't appear to be helping any more than aspirin did. The vet increased his dosage, but since then he has been experiencing a noted side effect - urination in the house.

I know this is a side effect of the drug, it is noted on the info sheet and he has not had problems of this sort before (other than very rarely having the overexcited pee when he meets someone new - we worked on this problem a lot in obedience class, but never totally solved it).

I will have to call the vet tomorrow and see if anything else is available for Bandit. It seems to be helping him with his arthritis a little bit, although he still has problems getting to his feet. So please wish us luck, I was really looking forward to Bandit getting some relief.

[anna_66]

I've never heard of Etogesic before, but I'm sorry to hear it isn't working for Bandit. I hope the vet will be able to prescibe somthing that will help.
I know it may sound crazy, but have you ever tried the VOM? Angus has only been twice to have this done and it seems like it's really helping him.

[boscibo]

I have never even heard of VOM. I looked on the page and there are a couple vets in my area that practice it.

He did have a therapist/chiro/masseuse a few times when he was injured (nerve damage) a few years ago, I don't know if it was VOM or not. He was also on some powerful drugs so I am not sure if his recovery was due to that or the drugs.

[tatsxxx11]

My Cody was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at age 5. She had a terrible reaction to Etogesic (vomiting/diarrhea) She is now on Glyco-Flex, 1 tab 2x daily and that has helped a lot. She gets a coated aspirin as well when she over does it. New medications for arthritis are coming out every year; hopefully your vet will have some suggestions. Keeping your sweet Bandit in my thoughts...

[lv4dogs]

Have you tried the adequan (not sure if I spelled it right) injections? They work wonders. If I remember right you give a dose once a week or once every other week for the first 4-5 times then after that it is given as needed, ussually once a month or so depending on the severity. It is semi-costly it costs my 78 lb dog $40.00 a shot, but well worth it!
Also massage therapy is wonderful too.

[binka_nugget]

I heard that the BARF diet helped many dogs that had arthitis. It's a personal opinion whether you want to feed your dog that or not....but I recommend looking into it along with that stuff you're getting from the vet.

[tatsxxx11]

I asked my vet about Adequan the other day. He said that the studies show it is very effective in 50% of the dogs treated with it. But if yours is one of those in the 50%, it's well worth it!

[KYS]

I don't remember what was written on the 1st. Bandit post,
(I have a 2 second memory) but Isn't Rimadyl used for arthritis?

Sandra, good to know about Adequan.

[lv4dogs]

Yup rimadyl is used for arthritis but it causes problems with the liver if given for longer periods of time. It should only be used for very short periods of time and never given to any dog that already has existing liver problems. If I remember correctly it also causes something else that I cannot remember. My vet won't even carry it let alone prescribe it because of the effects it causes.

[mruffruff]

I've been hearing good things about Deramax. Just another thought.

Mary

[boscibo]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Yes, Bandit has arthritis but it is not a 'normal' arthritis, a few years ago he came down our backyard stairs too fast and did some damage to a nerve in his back end. He couldn't use his legs at all, couldn't stand or walk. After much vet care and healing time, he managed to regain use of his back end. But he has never been the same since. we were managing it pretty good with aspirin, but as he ages it is getting worse.

We took him off the Etogesic and so far no more urination in the house. We are waiting a few days until it all get s out of his system. We have to be careful what he gets because of his liver problems.

He doesn't seem to be in pain, but he has problems with mobility. His age isn't helping, it is so sad to see him grow old.

[boscibo]

Originally posted by boscibo
He couldn't use his legs at all, couldn't stand or walk. After much vet care and healing time, he managed to regain use of his back end.

This should be "He couldn't use his back legs at all." I shudder to think of him not having use of any of his legs. As it was, we had to wheel him outdoors in his crate and put a towel under his back end so he could pee and poop. ANd the drugs he was on made him drinlk a lot of water, so he had to go out every few hours. I would take him out at 3AM in my pajamas. A tough time for all of us.

[tatsxxx11]

Checking in to see how Bandit's doing. Please update us when you can. Hoping and praying he's doing better. I just saw another new arthritis doggie drug advertised on TV...Can't remember the name! When I see it again, I'll pass it along!

[Sudilar]

Sorry to hear about Bandit. Hope you find a suitable drug to help him.

As you know, Rimadyl and liver dogs don't mix. I've also heard some bad things about Deramax, too.

Please keep us updated. BTW, Bandit is a cutie!!