Is my dog's joint pain and constipation related to medication?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Neiko. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian as he sounds painful. He may be experiencing joint pain. This would make it difficult for him to hold the posture to defecate which would explain why he has not gone recently. Based on his exam findings, x-rays may be recommended and pain medication will likely be prescribed. Do not give over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

It is likely that the bone is causing some constipation and obviously as the bone fragments try to pass they cause lots of inflammation and pain. If you have any lactulose or liquid paraffin at home you could give him two tablespoons three times a day mixed with a bit of food to ease the passage. I would definitely have him checked over tomorrow, starved from midnight in case he needs an enema or x rays. The fresh blood is indicating that the problem is in the lower tract of the gastro-intestinal tract so almost made its way out, however bones absorb a lot of water due to the high Calcium content, and can become extremely hard and difficult to pass. If at any times he should appear lethargic, vomiting I would try to get him seen earlier than tomorrow.

I am not sure what medications you are specifically referring to; however generally speaking most antibiotics don't cause constipation; however Tramadol (opiate pain medication) can cause constipation in some cases. I am sorry to hear that Dakota has pyometra. She will need surgery to remove the infected uterus. Until then she will likely not remain stable and happy, and continue to wax and wane with her activity level. I hope you can get her treated soon and back to her normal self. Best wishes.

It is not uncommon in spinal cases to have altered toileting (constipation/difficulty urinating/poor control) - the nerves which control these functions also originate in the spine and can be equally affected, also squatting can be painful in itself. As long as he is able to toilet I would monitor closely over 24-48hours to ensure he is responding to the medication otherwise additional symptomatic treatment may also be required

Hi ! When he goes outside does he pass anything at all ? If he doesn’t I would recommend to have Oaty checked over. He is a young dog, he might have eaten something that caused an obstruction or partial obstruction in his tummy, or get hold of a bone that now is causing him pain when he tries to go to the toilet. I think a full clinical examination is needed together with a complete clinical history. We can then have a shorter list of differential diagnosis and the vet will be able to prescribe an adequate treatment. Hope this helps !

I would recommend calling your vet. They should be able to prescribe a different pain medication that may not upset her GI tract so much or they can give you medication to help treat the diarrhea and that will help her tolerate the meds better. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Not being able to poop isn't a side effect of the medications Trixie is on, and I'm concerned that her not being able to poop is due to her back. Back problems are common in Dachshunds, and pressure on the nerves of the back can cause bowel problems. I'd take her into a vet immediately.