I just clipped her paws and so there does not seem to be a problem there. Tramadol increased her anxiety levels. After a bit of research it seems that these medications increase our chances of having seizures. With Tia's history of seizures which increase it the heat it would be a huge risk. This must be why our vet didn't suggest it previously. I'll keep looking though I do appreciate you wanting the best for her

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Doug

I just sent a long Private Message (Quick Links or top right of the page by your user name). Hope there's something useful there

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Sorry my first PM did not go through -oops!

Thanks again for your well wishes and I look forward to seeing plenty more of clever Andy's antics to brighten our days

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Would Deramaxx be an option? It is very good for arthritis in dogs, though somewhat expensive. Here is a link to info on side effects: Common Deramaxx Side Effects - VetInfo. While seizures can show up as part of an allergic reaction, that's a risk with almost any medication. Charlie took this one for a while and I never saw any sign that it triggered seizures, but it helped him a lot with arthritic pain.

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Lucy, owned by Joker and Sunny, who remember Charlie with me
http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...years-old.html

I just looked up Deramaxx and Metacam, both NSAIDS and none recommended when using steroids.
Between seizures and steroid use, the type of pain meds you can use, are pretty slim.

There is a medication called "Gabapentin". It is also a anti-seizure medication, but also pain medication. I cannot find anything online about how it interacts with Prednisone, though.

A warning given was however, not to be used in dogs with kidney problems.

This might be worth checking into with your vet and getting more info about it. My sister was using Gabpentin for her old GSD when he had bad arthritis and started to have seizures.

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My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa

Thanks Pred has a risk of seizure activity as well... sigh.

When I asked the vet about Gabpentin she said that she has only used it on cats. There does not seem to be a whole lot of solid info out there.

The potential lack of coordination associated with the Deramaxx is a concern for me as we have already been dealing with this for over a year now.

I'll ask our vet again.

We went for a decent walk today along the pretty creek with shady trees and green lawns with lots of ducks which pleased the fur kids and also lots of parrots which pleased me:P

Tia seems to be a lot better now. I guess it is all apart of the mental torture once a terminal diagnosis has been given. I know that things can change so quickly so I am hypersensitive to any small change.

Thanks again for all of your continued support and positive energy!!

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This may sound strange, but all of us have a terminal diagnosis! It's part of life. And I understand the extra layer of anxiety that comes with a particular diagnosis and prognosis.

Here is a site that has useful information about newer medications to treat canine epilepsy: Newer options for medically managing refractory canine epilepsy - Veterinary Medicine. There is good info on gabapentin, including pointers to studies about effectiveness.
Perhaps this will help your veterinarian?

You are doing a great job with Tia. I hope you are also taking good care of yourself, since we hope that she will need your loving support for a long time.

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Lucy, owned by Joker and Sunny, who remember Charlie with me
http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...years-old.html

Hmm interesting. Thanks GG!! The 8 hour dosage would be a lot to handle as it would require a dosage while we are at work. Since this would also be a seizure preventative this would be tricky. She cannot handle the normal dosage of Pheno let alone two anti seizure drugs at once which would be needed to cover our working hours.

When I feel concerned I sit with her and her beaming smile tells me that she is more than ok and then she walks away as if to say that's enough you can carry on with the things you need to do. It is a bit hard to be down when she is so happy and content. As you say she lives in the here and now not in the future.

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Good info!
My sister's dog did great on the Gabapentin for his seizures. The Gabapentin helps with neurological pain as well.
His seizures were most likely related to a brain tumor. He was also on Phenobarb for seizures.

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My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa

I posted before I saw you post. I fully understand your predicament.

Enjoy Tia's beaming smile, obviously she is very happy!

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My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa