Rocky Update (Pain management/bloodwork)

[Tanya]

Update from this thread: Pain Management

He started on Omega Alpha Mobility a few weeks ago. He has been off Gabapentin for a week (after discussion with vet). Still on daily Metecam/Rheumacam
Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals - E-Z Mobility

I don't know if it's the weather or what but WOW! He is doing awesome! I mean we are back to 45+ minute walks and he's still at my side (not dragging behind). We had gone down to 30 minutes last month and he was still dragging. He is back on my bed at night (well most nights) and keeps sneaking back upstairs to snuggle up on the bed (It's a very high bed, I've had a step built so he doesn't have to jump). He seems solid on stairs. He is liking his shoulder some but not too bad.

So I may keep this up for a bit longer, maybe the gabapentin isn't doing much. I also wonder if it's making him less energetic (it can cause drowziness). The vet was curious if maybe he needed a higher dosage but not sure I want to try it if he is fine.

I mayyy try reducing the metecam. i still have a hard time using it daily as it's a likely trade off between mobility now VS lenght of time with me But I guess it's more important he be comfortable and happy for the time he does have.

Bloodwork came back good two weeks ago. His blood cell count is almost normal (ok I didn't follow up on that bit). Chemistry showed a mild increase in two kidney values and the rest was normal. We did a follow up urinalysis that came back normal (so he assumes the increase was dehydration).

[Annette47]

FWIW, Scully was on Deramaxx for a good 5 or 6 years at least (I can’t remember exactly when we started her on it). Yes, we did eventually lose her to kidney failure which may or may not have been related, but she was 15 at the time. Mulder was on Rimadyl for at least 2 years, and we lost him to something unrelated at a month shy of 16. Point being, Metacam is supposedly even safer so I wouldn’t assume it’s shortening his life any, so you shouldn’t feel bad about giving it to him if it is improving his quality of life.

[Sue-Ram]

Great news.

[Maxx&Emma]

That is great news Tanya, I am so happy for you and Rocky!! As for quality of life versus quantity, I know I would much rather have a happy, pain free, (or as close as possible!), dog rather than dragging out a painful life that no one enjoys. What ever works for your dog, I hope you and Rocky have lots of quality time left together!

[POPTOP]

Good update!

Can't remember, do you have Rocky on milk thistle and/or salmon oil? When Patch had a reaction to Rimadyl that is what the vet recommended to support liver function. It took a while, but her liver values returned to normal.

[smartrock]

Glad to hear he's feeling perkier!

[Blackboy98]

Great update Tanya. I agree with Maxx and Emma, quality over length of time.

Hope to see more good updates like this one.

[Maxx&Emma]

Good update!

Can't remember, do you have Rocky on milk thistle and/or salmon oil? When Patch had a reaction to Rimadyl that is what the vet recommended to support liver function. It took a while, but her liver values returned to normal.

Milk Thistle is a great supplement when NSAID's are being used long term!

[labsnewfy]

Wonderful news for Rocky, glad the pain meds are working and he is feeling so much better.

[barry581]

Glad Rocky is doing better!