What kind of pain meds can be prescibed for pre cushing dogs

[jnoe]

Hello all-my name is Jean. My 7 yr. old lab/pit has recently(May 2015) been diagnosed as pre-cushings. She also has hip dysplasia and arthritis. Though we have known of the hip dysplasia since she was two, it only recently became a problem. The vet was going to prescribe Dermaxx for the pain, however blood test were required to insure there were no liver problems. This is when we discovered the pre-cushings, only symptom at this time is pot bellied. No treatment recommended at this time for cushings, she is on 300mg Gabapentin for pain. My husbands career has required a move 3 times in as many years, JoJo has been my constant companion. We have recently moved back to Colorado where I had a wonderful "rural" vet who took a holistic approach, unfortunately she now works in the typical assembly line office. She assured me that the Gabapentin was a good choice and also recommended no treatment for Cushing's. I am not sure if it is the medication or the onset of the Cushings that has caused such a personality change. She is a very sociable dog, loved playing with her friends at doggie day care. She now rarely will actually play, she has acquired a new habit of simply lying down and barking.
My question to the forum users:
Is there anyone using a different med (tramadol did not work for us)
for treatment of pain?
Has anyone seen a noticeable personality change as
Cushings progressed?
Any recommendations for holistic treatment to delay full blown onset?
I have seen in other threads the need for test results, I do not have them readily available. Having the same opinion from two vets, I trust the "borderline" Cushings diagnoses to be accurate.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Jean,

Welcome to you and your girl! Getting copies of all those test results and posting the abnormal values would be a great help to us in providing meaningful feedback. Was her thyroid checked recently? A thyroid issue can cause a dog to behave differently from what was their usual.

Gabapentin is a good pain reliever,however dogs can become tolerate to the drug and their dose needs to be increased. Adequan is one injectable medication that I have seen some members use for their arthritic dog, is your girl taking any type of fish oil? Fish oil, especially wild salmon oil, have anti-inflammatory properties. I found this article to be informative regarding canine arthritis and treatments: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_3/features/Canine-Arthritis_15910-1.html

We also have a thread where natural anti-inflammatories are discussed: Joint support supplement (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5005)

Cushing's is when a dog's system produces an excessive amount of cortisol, which has inflammatory properties. As far as holistic medications, unfortunately I don't know of any truly effective alternatives to Rx medication when one wants to lower cortisol levels significantly.

Please know we are here to help in any way we can, and do not hesitate to ask all the questions you want. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[jnoe]

Thank you Lori-the links were very informative. JoJo did not have a Thyroid test done. It may be a coincidence but her disinterest began shortly after stating to take the Gabapentin. It is a great pain reliever, but difficult to see her unhappy. She always had a big smile and loved greeting people, dogs, cats, just a big lover !We have recently moved back to CO, I visited her previous vet, bringing her health records with, unfortunately I did not get a copy back. She is a wonderful vet, treated several unusual health issues, parasites, rattle snake bite along with Squamish cell tumor on her foot and fatty tumor on her back, yes she is the million dollar mutt! Unfortunately the vet now has joined the main stream, multi vet office, so answers to my question were rushed. The vet is located a little over an hour away, I have requested the records be sent by mail.
And yes she is on Glucosamine and Fish Oil. I have also changed her diet a bit. I have minimized the dry foods and added fresh cooked chicken, carrots and sweet potatoes.
Just so difficult to see a once active, happy, companion change so rapidly!
Thanks again Lori! Good to know there is someplace to turn to for some helpful information!