doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com First Aid Kit

The cone keeps'em from gnawing off their hurt leg...Geo

I'd like to step in a address a few comments. I'm no vet, but my understanding is that Prednisone will reduce the inflammation (inside and out) associated with a hemotoxic snakebite. Same, to a lessor degree, for benadryl. And, of course, aspirin might be a bad idea on a hemotoxic snakebite due to the bleeding issue.

I'd also add superglue and moleskin to fix footpad and skin cuts.

What is a dosage for Tramadol for Dogs ?

I have some left over from an injury - so I could use some in a dog emergency I suppose if I knew a dosage.

My vet gave me 50mg tramadol (ultram) tabs for a 60lb pointer. For a 30lb dog I would break the tramadol tablet in half. Or you could start with half tab and give more if needed. I think Rimadyl, which is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)......sort of like ibuprofen, works very well in dogs, but you don't want to over do it because NSAIDS can be hard on a dog's stomach and kidneys. Tramadol has a narcotic effect.

I agree but if the dog (or person) is injured enough to cause bleeding I see no reason to give it an analgesic of any type until after the wound is closed and the bleeding is stopped.

SuperGlue (cyanoacrylate) is the hardware store version of DermaBond. DermaBond (for human use) is not available over the counter, but I have been told that there is a veterinary version that is available. I have also been cautioned not to use standard cyanoacrylate on animals or on myself because it seals so well that it induces infection. My experience with medical DermaBond was very positive, when an ER doc glued my finger tip back together without stitches.

I'm a physician and use dermabond regularly for minor wounds in humans. Dogs, however, lick their wounds, and though I'm not a vet, I'm guessing dermabond wouldn't last 30 seconds with licking and all. I've used surgical staple guns in dogs with success. It's easy. Make sure wound is clean and staple. Not much to it. Dogs handle pain well and don't hardly flinch without an anesthetic. Also, prior to closing you want to make sure there is NO foreign body and cleanse with an antiseptic , like iodine or isopropyl alcohol, irrigate with clean water, then make sure skin is well approximated prior to closing with the staples! This procedure is only indicated for minor, superficial wounds. If the wound is deep, you better find a vet!

I also carry 3% peroxide to induce vomiting if necessary and I always carry a leatherman on my belt when hunting with a dog (removing cactus, quills, etc.) Instead of tramadol you could substitute with medicam however I do have one dog who has a reaction to medicam.

My lab was 40lbs when she was spayed. The vet prescribed 50mg twice a day. I've used 50mg just for muscular pain after a hard hunting day on her. Recently, the vet prescribed 50mg twice a day for her arthritis. From what I've read, Tramadol is a low side effect pain reliever.


Buzz,
In recent years I've heard more and more not to use antiseptics for deep wounds. Is that correct?

If you don't carry a multitool, the smallest finest tip needlenose pliers is very handy for removing porcupine quills if you have porkies around and one of those dogs that just can't resist.... I've even removed broken-off quills from between back teeth with mine.

The best tweezers I've found for removing cactus spines from man or beast are the tiny, fine ones that come with many Swiss Army knives. If you don't like to carry a Swiss Army knife (I don't) or if you've lost the tweezers, you can get them separately from Victorinox dealers like www.southerntackle.com Best to keep them in the knife or in a separate baggie--tiny and VERY easy to lose.

Some GREAT dog medication ideas and information here--thanks to all and to Chuck for starting the thread!