Hi Yvonne,

Thanks for your question.

It sounds like you have tried many of the treatments that can have a positive effect on the clinical symptoms of arthritis. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or NSAID, can have side effects on kidney function and it sounds like your veterinarian has identified a problem there. Tramadol is a painkiller that is an opioid, similar to morphine, so it will reduce the pain that Gracie feels, but it will also allow some of the inflammation to continue in the joint which will further degenerate it and it may also cause some sedation. At this point, it’s ideal to consider using multiple treatments to address this problem. When you employ this strategy, it’s more likely that you can use lower doses of each medicine but when used in conjunction, it will still address the condition and reduces the chance of side effects of any one medicine.

I recommend you consider that use of PGAGs, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans. This drug is safe for the kidneys, rarely causes side effects, is very cost effective and can have a positive impact on the arthritis.

I also encourage you to check out our videos on arthritis one of which discusses “Signs of Arthritis in Cats and Dogs & 4 Key Factors to Prevent Any Lameness or Stiffness”, “Alternative Therapy for Pain and Arthritis in Dogs and Cats” as well as article “7 Strategies for Treating Arthritis in Pets” that I hope you find helpful.

All the best,

Dr. Clayton Greenway