Can canine urinary incontinence be caused from Rimadyl and Tramadol?
My 7 year old German Shepherd Max had TPLO surgery three days ago. He is on Rimadyl and Tramadol for pain plus the antibiotic Cephalexin. Today we noticed that Max is leaking urine especially when he gets up from laying down. His appetite has not returned either which I expected would by now. Max has been on the Rimadyl for three weeks before surgery with no signs of side effects, but now is also on Tramadol. Does anyone know if this is a common side effect from these pain medications. Our personal Vet is out of town and the Vet that did the surgery was very evasive, almost defensive on my concerns about Rimady and Tramadol side effects at the time he was prescribing them. We have found numerous horror stories on the Web about these drugs, but nothing relating to urinary incontinence as a side effect. Has anyone experienced this with their dog while on pain medications?
Filed under: Dog Training
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I deal with Tramadol, Rimadyl, and Cephalexin everyday and I have never heard of these medications causing a loss of control of the bladder.
I would wait until your vet returns to office because he is familiar with your case/history and recent surgery.
Are you sure that this is something that just started? Or did you just notice this because you are paying a lot more attention to him? It might be a secondary infection even, but I really doubt that the meds are the cause.
call another vet asking questions over the phone is free
My 11 yr old pug is on Rimadyl.
He did not suffer from incontinence until after being on it.
I’d talk to your vet.
He could have a secondary infection from the surgery. UTI and Bladder infections are common after surgery.
No. They are not side effects of these drugs. I have 2 dogs on Rimadyl and has been for years. Rimadyl can damage the liver, though after years of use.
You dog had some serious surgery and it was just a few days ago. Don’t expect his appetite to return to normal this fast. Give it some time and the leaking of the urine could just be a result of the after effects of the surgery.
Check with your vet as soon as you can.
And everything in this world has horror stories.
I work at a vet clinic. An upset stomach or anorexia is a side effect from rimadyl and tramadol. I have not heard of any problems related to incontinence. We put a warning label on our prescriptions pain meds that reads "Discontinue use if upset stomach or stops eating." So, I would be concerned about that part. The incontinence is something I haven’t heard of, but probably is not an emergency and you can wait until monday and discuss it with your veterinarian (hopefully they’ll be back by then). Otherwise, give another local vet a call and see what they say.
The package insert that I found online for rimadyl reads this: Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools or blood in vomit as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Rimadyl and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives); muscle cramps, open sores in the mouth, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention; seizures, abdominal cramping. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Rimadyl and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
And the package insert I found for tramadol reads: Do not give tramadol if you are giving your pet any of the following drugs; a narcotic pain medicine, sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium), or medicine for anxiety. Seizures have occurred in humans taking tramadol. Your pet’s risk of seizure may be higher if your pet has any of these conditions; a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a metabolic disorder, or if your pet is being given an antidepressant, muscle relaxer, or medicine for nausea and vomiting. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to any medications, or if your pet has kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach disorder. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
Cephalexin: Stop giving cephalexin and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash; or fainting), severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Other less serious side effects such as mild nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infection may be more likely to occur. Continue to give cephalexin and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
Sorry if you already had found and read that information. I wish you the best for you and your dog!
Rimadyl for pain or the Tramadol (ultram) also for pain would not cause the urine leak.The antibiotic Cephalexin would not do this either.The type of surgery he had though on his leg I was wondering if he is emptying his bladder as he seems to be well drugged and the fact he can’t put pressure on his leg to empty the bladder all the way.This might be why he is leaking as that when he goes to move it puts pressure on his still full bladder.I would still give the vet a call tomorrow to see what he says.I ask loads of questions when my dogs are sick so maybe he just had a long day..You payed for the surgery now it’s his job to answer any and all of your questions.