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My dog is lethargic after pain injection for injury. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 8 years and 6 months old

My dog has had an injection for pain relief this evening as he has a possible slipped disc or ligament injury, we have oral pain relief too for the weekend .. He is very lethargic since the injection, is that a normal side effect? . He's not interested in any food so there's no chance of him taking any tablets. He doesn't want to get up . Could it be the effects of the injection Many thanks in advance

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2018

It is impossible for us to predict if this is a normal response to a sedative / pain medication, progression of the condition or a different issue entirely without knowing exactly how much and what type of injectable pain relief he was given. I recommend you contact with the vets office and inform them of the change in his status and they can confirm id this is a temporary and expected response to a strong opioid pain killer or if he needs to be reassessed
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