What's good for dog?

[uncle D]

Okay, got a question.

I have a dog that is a Black Russian Terrier, (I'll post a pic if you don't believe me). her name is "Ebbie". She's long legged, which frames my question.

When auntie D and I get Ebbie and Hurricane together for a walk, they get excited. Hurricane, (the Lab) needs a good shocking I know, but he get's going w/ Ebbie.

He was in his state of excitement and went between Ebbie's legs which splayed her out ( back legs) after he knocked off balance, (legs some what hyper extended). She yelped, I helped her up. Yet she was eager for a walk.

She seemed fine then, (2 days ago).

Now she's somewhat lathargic (less excitable). She's kinda moping and she's not too excited about eating, but she'll eat. She seems to be favoring her hips/legs.

I want to know if ibuprofren is okay for dogs or is it asprin?

(Sorry about the extende intro, but it keeps the Vet page alive.)

Duke

[g8rvet]

There are published doses for both ibuprofen and tylenol (acetominophen) for dogs, but I really do not like either one very much. The reason is that the margin of safety for dosing is pretty narrow. There are just better alternatives out there. Buffered aspirin is one of them.

The proper dosing for aspirin is one adult buffered aspirin per 75 pounds of dog. May be given twice daily with food, but I prefer once daily. Always err on the lower side (if the dog is 60 pounds, give 3/4 of an aspirin, if it is 50, give 1/2). I like the aspirin not because it kills the pain (which is a good effect), but because it is an anti-inflammatory - so give the whole 5 days even if she is better acting after one dose. Watch for side effects - vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, loss of appetite - all the ones seen in humans.

I assume she is not limping on either leg, correct? As long as that is the case, maybe 5 days of aspirin and a week of total rest followed by a week of restricted activity seems warranted. If this does not do it, a trip for a radiograph is indicated. Let me know how she does.

[uncle D]

thanks Doc.

I went on line and Googled it also. They recommended 10mg/ per lb for aspirin.

They also said that ibuprofen could be toxic.

I went w/ 5 mg per lb. last night.

She seemed in better spirits this morning. Little or no limp.

Duke

[g8rvet]

5 mg/lb is the dose I use as well. Let me know how she does.