Neuro Corner Answers
Dr. Jared Galle
DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center
Primary interests include intervertebral disc disease, spinal trauma, wobbler syndrome, inflammatory brain disease, and developmental brain abnormalities (hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation).
Question
BARBARA WONDERS:
If gabapentin given at the same time as tramadol and robaxin would pain relief increase as opposed to giving the gabapentin a few hours after the tramadol and robaxin? I am giving my dog tramadol and robaxin 2 times daily as well as gabapentin 2 times daily. I have been giving the tramadol and robaxin together and then giving the gabapentin about 5-6 hours later as to try to keep some kind of pain medication in his system working toward pain relief. What is your opinion on this?
ANSWER
Hello Barbara and thanks for the question. First, if you feel that your pet’s pain is not being adequately controlled, contact your veterinarian. The medication doses or dosing frequency may need to be changed.
Research studies have found that when when given together gabapentin and tramadol can enhance the effect of each other; therefore, giving the two drugs together may have an advantage for treating inflammatory pain.
You need to keep in mind that not all dogs respond the same way to pain medications. I have had some patients that respond better when staggering pain medications. You should consult you veterinarian if you want to change the tramadol and gabapentin dosing instructions that are on the prescription.
Dr. Jared Galle, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)