Ketamine for dog arthritis

[Yupppp]

Hi, my doggy had a ketamine injection for her arthritis yesterday - she is in a really bad, sudden flare up. 24 hours on I am not seeing significant improvement, does anyone perchance know if it should be working by now? It’s so hard just watching her be in pain. Thanks

I'm sorry ddog is in pain- we actually discussed starting mine on ketamine yesterday as he is on steroids and so many painkillers are contraindicated (librela, amadopine, didn't work), so just interested to hear more of his trial of parvale doesn't work

My vet spoke to me about this, but he already takes Librela so I’m a bit worried. Awful seeing them get older and struggle. Just giving you a bump.

Thanks for your replies guys ❤️ I’ll definitely keep you updated. It’s brutal really, she’s a nervous dog and I’m seeing her pain make her quite a bit more anxious. Have cancelled a holiday and unpacked, we couldn’t leave her when she’s like this obviously, but it will all be worth it if she gets better.

Mine has ketamine injections every 4 weeks, but it's a cocktail this side. She has cartrophen injection every 7-10 days, librela (pointless but it's not harming, so we carry on) every 4 weeks. On top of gabapentin, co dydramol and memantine. She's been on this lot since she was 8 and has just had stem cell wizardry put into her shoulders.
What dog do you have? Size/weight? Are you on any other pain reliever for them?

Wow, the full shooting gallery ay? And how long did it take for the ketamine injection to help do you know?
mine is 9 years old, 5.5 kg, she’s on gabapentin and onsior. Both were working well up until last week.

Oh a tiny little thing. I'm never sure I can tell when she's had the ketamine really - maybe a bit less 'anxious'/'chatty' (ridiculous noise). But I can tell when she's approaching due the regular shot. I have a great relationship with our vet and can text for further advice if I'm not sure/happy about something - is that possible? It's only a very small amount they give them, it may be possible to increase the amount for your little one if you're not seeing any improvement? I do think that if they are having an acute flare up of a particular joint/vertebrae, that giving them pain relief helps, but won't immediately fix it, just make them more comfortable whilst the flare calms again.
It's heartbreaking watching them endure pain/stiffness etc, but cancelling the holiday was the right thing to do, dull, boring routine will help ease the additional flow of cortisol which adds to the inflammation. I hope she begins to pick up again soon.

That’s such valuable advice thanks so much. I’d love a vet who I could text…though they’d probably end up blocking me 😂. I am not in the UK and get the impression that veterinary care is quite a bit more sophisticated there.

Speak to your vet again as they maybe able to up doses or add in something extra. If they aren't sure there are pain specialists and zero pain philosophy offers a virtual consult service to vets. At one point my dog was on gabapentin, tramadol, paracetamol and galliprant (NSAID) after having a ketamine injection at the specialist hence I can't say how well it worked, but bone cancer is more painful than general arthritis.

Apart from meds, for flare ups it's much like humans with cold/heat therapy and some gentle movement to avoid stiffness if they are struggling to get about or toilet there are support harnesses. Limiting anything which may cause further strain like jumping on/off things, steps (use ramps or support harness if cant avoid), slippy floors bending for low bowls which alters stance/weight distribution. Canine Arthritis Management is a great resource.

I was going to suggest a veterinary physiotherapist but perhaps they aren't as common in your country.

I hope she starts to feel more comfortable soon, it can take a while for the inflammation to subside when they have a flare up.

Thank you very much @Mollyrooba for sharing those resources and your advice. There are a small number of dog physios here so I have sourced one and am going to speak to the vet on Monday. I never thought of virtual consultations- that’s brilliant. I have also ordered a supplement - Vince the Vet’s Joints, because I saw it recommended here.
just an update - she is definitely doing better today. She still can’t deal with steps but she’s moving less painfully and her little spirit has come back to life (meaning I’ve to shut the blinds to stop her leaping around at the window while she’s guarding the house 😀. God bless Ketamine.

I came on to recommend Joints from Vince the Vet but I see you're already on the case. It worked brilliantly for us, I hope it does the same for you. I only tried it because Onsior stopped working and I was desperate. I was reluctant because I don't (or at least didn't then) believe that supplements could help, but there was a marked improvement within days.

Sending gentle hugs to Yuppppdog.

That’s fantastic to hear, and sending equally gentle hugs and fancy treats to montydonsbluescarfdog,