Buddy was 16 in April. Many of you know he is a tripod and has been since he was a week old pup. After so many years, his back hip socket is virtually gone. Worn away from so many years of working alone.

Buddy has been on Rimadyl for at least two years, tramadol for one year. They are no longer enough. His front legs work double time, he uses them to pull himself forward to leave as little weight as possible on his won't back leg.

Important: anything I do at this point to keep my happy boy comfortable will be short term. While I hope this stage is a long one, I am all too aware our time together is winding down.

Buddy's only other medical need is thyroid medication, which he has been on for several years.

He gets blood work regularly, at least twice a year and more often if indicated.

Today we are adding gabepentin, hoping the combo will help. He has been licking his front legs until the hair is red. No sores. He pants rapidly with no exertion, indicating pain. After a week, if there is no change, we will do chest and abdominal xrays and run blood work again.

Amazingly, Buddy is otherwise remarkably healthy. His appetite is is great, he is loving, enjoys an occasional car ride and has adapted to losing his long time friend Skye in January.

So, with all that in mind, knowing that for a three legged, 16 year old golden retriever this will be short term have any of you used gabepentin? I know it's uses for dogs are are relatively new and originally used for nerve damage, with some success as a seizure med. Buddy's case is of course different and we will be in close, almost daily conversations with the doctors.
Thanks for reading all this. Your thoughts?

This xray is from a couple years ago, so you can see how tough this guy is.




My boy.

Risa has been on gabapentin since February when she diagnosed with IVDD. I've tried to wean her off it a couple times but she tends to do much better with it. Since she has nerve injury and pain from the blown disc, this doesn't surprise me.

From what I hear, gabapentin is pretty safe and doesn't have many side effects. Risa gets 100mg twice a day (recommended dosing is three times a day but she gets by fine with just two). At this point in the game, I'm with you. It's about quality of life.

Hugs to Buddy!

Bonnie, I am so saddened by this news. My heart goes out to sweet, lovable Buddy and you.

When Sean had to be medicated for his seizures we looked into Gabapentin. I understand that you would be using it for a different purpose but thought the info. on this site that I used might be helpful.
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/gabapentin.htm

Sending special thoughts and lots of hugs you way.

Much love to Buddy! I have no experience with Gabapentin but if it is something that may help him and any hindrances are monitored I would think it is worth a try. xo

What a beautiful old guy! Enjoy the time you have left with him! A Warrior, for sure!

Thanks, all. I appreciate hearing about the experiences of others.

It does seem pretty trouble free.

Marlene, thanks for the link. Buddy is on 300 mg once a day. His Dr suggested giving it in the morning since he is up and down more often during the day. She wasn't sure if it might take a few days to help, we'll see.

I'm not sure of the cost. We were so busy at the clinic yesterday, she got the capsules ready after we had already shut down for the day. Guess I'll find out Monday what I'm paying. If it helps, it won't matter.

I'll update as we go forward.

In my experience, it's pretty cheap. I pay $15.50 for 90 pills at the vet's office. You can also get it at a human pharmacy where it might be cheaper.

Thanks, Jamie. I'm a receptionist at my vet's office and get discounts, so I'm sure it will be a fair price.

But that's good to know since I had read it can be expensive. I just couldn't remember pricing.

I also learned that in the human world you can get a liquid form. But, it has xylitol in it so it should never be used for pets.

Luckily, with a little peanut butter, Buddy will take anything.

Hey Bonnie, Buddy is in excellent care with you! Gabapentin hopefully will bring him relief and comfort. I'm glad Buddy gets regular blood work, too. It's great that Waggy Boy takes melds with peanut butter! He is such a trooper! I can see how very loved he is from his pictures.
I can imagine Buddy will be feeling much better on the gabapentin. I know people who do excellent on this med! Paws crossed for Buddy to feel comfy and happy. Please update when you can!

I've been on gabapentin for a few months now. Low dose, took just enough to help me function. It was a life saver. I still need it at times while the nerves heal and it does a wonderful job of shutting down nerve pain.

It was really inexpensive at the pharmacy. I think less than $3 for 90.

I just want to send many best wishes for that sweetheart Buddy. It's clear he's getting the best possible care and he deserves it (well they all do).

MJ

Just checking in on Buddy The Sweet. How's the gabapentin working for him? With such a large, devoted fan following, Buddy surely must be feeling the love. Paws crossed that he feels better and that more days are good days!

Thanks, Patti. I should have updated before now.

He's been on the Gabepentin since Saturday, so today was the 5th day. He has slept through most nights, only one episode of his heavier breathing. He seems much more comfortable during the day and early evening as well.

I am pleased that he has begun meeting me at the door again, instead of staying on his bed. He sometimes follows down the hall, too so that is better.

And his front legs are no longer constantly wet from his licking, so they must be less painful.

I really think this is a good combination for the old pup.

I'm so happy for him, but Buddy is most happy that we always have watermelon and cantaloupe ready for snacking.

For today, life is good.

For today I'm doing the happy dance for dear, sweet Buddy!

This all sounds good for dear Buddy! I am really glad he is doing better on the gabapentin. love that he sometimes meets you at the door again! Restful nights are always a plus, too. More good vibes and wellness energy flowing Buddy's way. Here's to more wags!

Hello, glad to hear the gabepentin is helping Buddy. Chico has been on it for about 10 months and I believed it has helped him as well. He takes two pills a day. I tried to get him on only one pill a day and it just wasn't enough.

I hope that Buddy is continuing to do well, glad the Gabepentin helpd.

Good to hear from you, Lisa.

Buddy has a lot going on, but gabepentin continues to help. I have also added milk thistle, turmeric (gold paste) and hemp oil.

Currently his energy level seems better and meal times are still met with a Buddy dance.

I am thankful for everyone's comments and continued good thoughts of him.

16 years, 4 months.

Buddy

I can't remember, but if you haven't tried alpha lipoic acid, it might be worth trying. It helped Indy a lot with nerve pain, and helps keep jazz's tremors away, which we suspect are nervous system related.

Love that meal time dance!