I am concerned the dosage is too strong?
Vet prescribed tramadol 50 mg for 11 pound dog?
Question posted by Leslie McCullah on 22 Feb 2020
Last updated on 22 February 2020
Added 22 Feb 2020:
13 year old Papillion jumped out of large SUV onto concrete. His legs immediately went limp. I put him back into the car and hurried off to his vet. He was placed on an I-V drip for several hours. When he was released, he was wobbly, but mobile. He has been taking prednisone 2X for the last 2 days. He has no broken bones, but the vet feels there may be some nerve damage. Today, the dog seems to have regressed. He is now knuckling. The vet seems to feel that he should now start Tramadol. I am concerned that my 13 year old dog will be overwhelmed by the dosage of 50mg.
Answers
WildcatVet
22 Feb 2020
Hi, Leslie!
The usual dosage of tramadol to treat pain in dogs is 0.45 to 1.8 mg per pound of body weight given every 8 to 12 hours. Tramadol is available in 50mg tablets... verify that your veterinarian prescribed the full 50mg dose BEFORE you give the drug. It most likely was a miscommunication.
Do NOT crush or split the pill without your veterinarian's instructions.
I'm sorry that your little buddy was injured and I hope all goes well for him in his recovery.
Best regards,
WildcatVet
Leslie McCullah
22 Feb 2020
Thank you so much for your response. I am afraid to give my dog more Tramadol than his little body can handle. I will wait for the vet's office to open to administer the first pill. My dog only cried when he fell to the cement, but his other behavior tells me he may be suffering in pain (periodic quivering and occasional rapid breathing) . A Pharmacist once told me to never crush or cut a pill without a score mark on it, as it indicates that the drug may not be evenly dispersed throughout the capsule. This information has kept me from going ahead with the Tramadol. I have read the dosage on the bottle is for a dog 2 (25#) to 4X (50#) his size. Again, thank you for your time and concern.
WildcatVet
22 Feb 2020
You're welcome! Good for you for catching this before you administered the medication. Animals are very good at hiding pain and what you describe sounds as if he's hurting.
bestpup
22 Feb 2020
Hi Leslie
First off, you have done a great job getting your papillon to age 13. Be proud, not too many dogs live to the age of 13.
I believe your vet it's correct by prescribing the 50 mg tramadol.
Nerve/tendon injuries can be very painful, especially for an older dog. Also, you mentioned knuckling. Knuckling is a sign of wobbling. If your dog is dragging their rear paws then I believe your Vet has the correct diagnosis.
Anyway, you know your dog best. If you do feel that the 50 mg of tramadol is too high you could cut the pill in half as long as it's not tramadol ER (extended release).
If you do give your dog the tramadol the signs and symptoms of an overdose are: Labored breathing, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors (seizure) and restlessness.
Remember, the dog will still be in distress because of the pain.
Hope all goes well!
bestpup
Leslie McCullah
22 Feb 2020
Thank you for your response. I will check with the vet's office when it reopens this morning.
Related topics
tramadol, dosage, prescription, veterinarian, dog
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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