My senior dog took Tramadol. Did it cause her kidney failure?

First off, I'm very sorry you recently lost Millie! Please accept my condolences for your loss, it's not ever easy even if it was the dog's time to go. As for your question, Vomiting is a side effect of the tramadol, and giving her the powder by syringe could have caused that side effect. While it wasn't the best idea to open up the capsules and give her the powder by syringe, it sounds like to me that she was doing poorly and letting her pass away was inevitable. Instead of beating yourself up over it, grieve for the loss of your beloved dog and try to remember the good times you had with her. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss!

It is not likely that there is a connection between her medications for the chronic kidney failure and the synovial sarcoma. Synovial sarcomas are very aggressive soft tissue tumors that tend to metastasize as well. Here is some good information: http://vetsurgicalcenter.com/synovialcellsarcoma.asp Unfortunately at 13 years tumors seem to be the most common cause of death in dogs. I am very sorry for your loss.

Tramadol is metabolized in the liver and its metabolites are excreted in the urine. it is unlikely the smaller dog will be harmed by any tramadol in the urine. greater concern is the drinking of the urine itself. This may lead to stomach upset. Restrict access to dog wastes and provide plenty of fresh water. If the smaller dog seems excessively thirsty, a work up with your veterinarian is recommended. Unless he or she is exhibiting discomfort associated with the hip dysplasia, pain medication is likely not indicated. A joint supplement, weight control and regular exercise would be beneficial.

This could be due to a bulging intervertebral disc which can cause rear leg weakness or paralysis. She may be in pain since she was able to get up a little after a tramadol. I would continue with the diagnostic tests until you get to the cause of the problem. Then she can receive the appropriate treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sweetie.

I’m so sorry for your loss! Depending on the stage of kidney failure, symptoms can include nausea, lethargy, and sometimes pain. However, with appropriate hydration and care, the condition is not necessarily painful or uncomfortable. Seizures are typically not painful, but can be disorienting to a dog. You definitely did the right thing by taking your dog to the emergency room. I apologize again for your loss and hope this helps!

He should be fine but all animals can have a different reaction to medications so just monitor him closely for the next 4-6 hours. Too much tramadol can cause sedation or agitation, wobbliness, disorientation, vomiting, tremors and possibly seizures. He ingested the very top end of the dosage he could have for his weight. I suspect he will just be very sleepy.

Poor Rupert! He sounds like a sweet little dog! I think it is very appropriate to make sure he is on adequate pain medication at this stage, both for the tumor as well as the leg issue. For older dogs I like to use an opiate pain medication like Tramadol, in combination with something like Gabapentin that doesn't have liver or kidney side-effects. Acupuncture and laser therapy are often very beneficial in these older patients as well. Hope that helps!