Deramaxx and Tramadol are both commonly used to treat inflammation, surgical, and chronic pain in dogs. However, when we specifically talk about Deramaxx vs Tramadol, there are several differences between them. Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs and is used off-label. On the other hand, Deramaxx is approved by the FDA for use in dogs and is used on-label.
Deramaxx is effective in reducing surgical pain and dental pain, while Tramadol is only effective in reducing post-surgical pain. Deramaxx is recommended only for dogs, whereas Tramadol can be used for both cats and dogs.
Both of these medicines are considered safe for use, but it’s important to be aware of any potential side effects. If you notice any concerning symptoms in your dog after taking either of these medicines, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away.
This is just a glimpse of the differences between them. This article will provide you with all the information you need to decide which medicine is best for your dog’s unique situation.
Deramaxx and Tramadol: Basic Introduction and Working
What is Deramaxx?
Deramaxx is a prescription medication for dogs that has been approved by the FDA. It is a non-narcotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). And is primarily used to treat post-operative pain and inflammation, including dental surgery.
In addition to its use in surgical settings, Deramaxx is also effective in treating inflammation associated with arthritis, as well as controlling fever and inflammation caused by other conditions.
For Cancer, Deramaxx can be used off-label in combination with certain chemotherapy medications to treat transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a type of bladder cancer, as well as hemangiosarcoma, a blood-based cancer in dogs. However, it’s important to note that the use of Deramaxx in combination with chemotherapy should only be done under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian experienced in this type of treatment. This medicine is only used for dogs and it is not for humans.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a powerful pain medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain that is not being relieved by other types of pain medication. For dogs, this medication is used off-label and it is not approved by the FDA. Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, can modify the transmission of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord of dogs, and occasionally in cats as well.It also helps to give relief from post-surgical pain.
Providing this treatment can potentially alter your dog’s pain perception in the brain and provide a sense of relief. It also helps to increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine in the bloodstream which is a happy chemical messenger and helps to reduce the pain. Do not give your dose of Tramadol medicine to your Dog as it affects their health and may cause some serious issues.
Uses of Deramaxx and Tramadol:
Deramaxx and Tramadol are both commonly used to alleviate severe pain and inflammation in dogs. However, they also have a variety of other uses that can benefit your pet’s overall health.
Uses of Deramaxx tablets:
- For osteoarthritis Pain Relief: Deramaxx is an effective solution that provides relief from osteoarthritis pain in dogs. osteoarthritis is a very serious yet common issue in dogs in the USA. This medication helps to reduce pain and inflammation, which in turn helps to make dogs more active, improving their ability to jump, run, and play to their full heart.
- Pain relief after surgical procedures: Deramaxx is commonly prescribed to dogs before undergoing surgery, including orthopedic and dental surgeries, in order to manage pain and inflammation. The postoperative dose for orthopedic pain is typically determined by the veterinarian based on the dog’s weight, and To guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the medication for your pet, it is crucial to carefully adhere to the dosage instructions.
- Helps to control fever and inflammation: Deramaxx is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation caused by arthritis or any other type of disease. Additionally, Deramaxx can help regulate body temperature and reduce fever.
- For Cancer: Practitioners prescribe to use of Deramaxx for cancer pain as it is part of their cancer treatment and it is also an ideal prescription for elderly dogs suffering from mild to high cancer pain. Deramaxx can alleviate the pain and provide much-needed relief to your furry friend.
Uses of Tramadol:
- For Post Operative Pain: Tramadol can be very beneficial in reducing post-operative pain. Research suggests that a single 100 mg oral dose of Tramadol is equivalent to 1000 mg paracetamol and has an NNT (Number Needed to Treat) of 4.6 (3.6-6.4) for at least 50% pain relief over 4-6 hours in patients suffering from moderate to severe pain compared to a placebo. It’s important to note that Tramadol should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian and should not be given to dogs without their supervision.
- For Intervertebral Disk Disease: Intervertebral disk disease is a serious condition in dogs that can cause pain and weakness due to spinal conditions. As part of the treatment plan for this condition, Tramadol may be used to help alleviate pain in dogs. It’s important to seek guidance from a veterinarian for the best course of treatment for your furry friend.
- For Arthritis: Tramadol is used as an alternative treatment for Osteoarthritis who have not responded to or cannot take acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, it can be used in combination with acetaminophen or NSAIDs for more comprehensive pain relief.
- For Lameness: Lameness in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors such as injuries, arthritis, or other health issues. Tramadol is known to be an effective pain reliever that can help reduce discomfort in a dog’s legs, which in turn can help reduce lameness and increase mobility.
- For Cancer: Controlling cancer pain has always been an essential part of cancer treatment plans. Practitioners assume that any tumor has the potential to cause pain, so they prepare for the worst-case scenarios and keep managing pain with Tramadol as an emergency solution.
Discussing the side effects of Deramaxx vs Tramadol:
Side effects of Deramaxx pills:
- Dark Tarry Stool
- Abdominal Pain
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Seizures
- Tachycardia
- Panting
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Weakness
- Loss of Body Weight
Side effects of Tramadol:
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Slow or fast heart rate
- Breathlessness
- Incoordination
- Lethargic
- Loss of Appetite
- Constipation
- Nausea
What precautions should be taken into consideration while using Deramaxx or Tramadol:
Precautions while using Deramaxx medicine:
- If your dog requires less than 12.5 mg of medication, it’s best to use a 12 mg tablet and break it in half to provide the appropriate 6 mg dose. Trying to accurately dose smaller dogs by breaking larger tablets is not recommended.
- It is a chewable tablet so store it far from your dog’s reach as an overdose of medicine may cause many serious issues.
- Do not use this medicine without the prescription of your veterinarian as it may cause severe side effects.
- Deramaxx tablet is only made for dogs and is not prescribed to be used on cats or on any other animal.
- Monitor your dog after giving the medicine and if any side effects are seen then contact your veterinarian immediately.
Precautions while using Tramadol:
- It is not recommended to administer a double dose of Tramadol to your dog, as it can have negative effects on their health. Overdose may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, seizures, and vomiting.
- It is not recommended to use if your dog is hyper-sensitive to opioids.
- It’s crucial to avoid using Tramadol in combination with other medications that can potentially affect brain or lung function. It’s recommended to always consult with your veterinarian before administering any new medication to your dog.
- It’s important to note that Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs and is used off-label. Therefore, it should only be administered to your dog under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian and with a prescription. Do not give Tramadol to your dog without consulting with your veterinarian first.
- It is necessary to monitor your dog closely after administering tramadol.
Final Thoughts:
Deramaxx and Tramadol both are safe to use but only as per the prescription of your veterinarian. As pain relievers, many may believe that they can be used as substitutes for each other but the difference happens to appear when we see their approval, ingredients, additional uses, and side effects.
It is necessary to know that both medicines work accurately when it is taken under the guidance of your veterinarian and at the time of taking it monitoring is also very crucial. Ultimately, the choice between Deramaxx and Tramadol will depend on your dog’s unique situation and the recommendation of your veterinarian.
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