Why did the vet prescribe vicodin for my dog?
I was at work yesterday so my daughter had to take our dog to the vet. When I got home, the place was closed so I couldn’t call to discuss the drug prescribed. My dog needed an allergy shot (she’s allergic to saliva from flea bites). Prior to the injection yesterday, she had been licking her fur alot. For three days, periodically she’d make this sound that resembles a high pitched snore, as if she were clearing her throat (from the hair, I think).
The vet checks her lungs and they sound clear. She then prescribes 1/4 of a hydrocodone (vicodin without the acetaminophen)tablet to be taken daily. Why would she prescribe hydrocodone when her lungs are clear and the coughing is not from congestion after a cold or asthma. With the lungs being clear and healthy, I would think the medication would be rendered useless. It won’t stop the coughing due to hair licking. My daughter didn’t get an explaination from the vet. Should I give my dog the pills? Has anybody else had this problem? Thanks.
Speaking form experience, what the vet told your daughter and what your daughter heard, or understood, in many cases are 2 totally different things. Hydrocodone is used to treat excessive coughing related to excessive mucous, collapsing trachea, heart enlargement, or respiratory illness. Your vet either thought one of theses problems existed, or maybe your daughter made the coughing sound much worse than it was. Either way, if YOU are uncomfortable with the drug prescribes call your vet before giving it. Have her explain why the drug was prescribed to you. Hydrocodone does have side effects, including drowsiness, upset stomach, and constipation, so you definately should check before giving it.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
If your that concerned then check with the vet to ease your mind.
That’s the only way you’ll know for sure!
I just looked up vicodin and it’s a pain killer, I dont know why your vet would perscribe this for allergies. Only her or she can tell you why.
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February 20th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
You might want to wait until you can contact the vet. I thought vicodin was for pain.
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February 20th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Speaking form experience, what the vet told your daughter and what your daughter heard, or understood, in many cases are 2 totally different things. Hydrocodone is used to treat excessive coughing related to excessive mucous, collapsing trachea, heart enlargement, or respiratory illness. Your vet either thought one of theses problems existed, or maybe your daughter made the coughing sound much worse than it was. Either way, if YOU are uncomfortable with the drug prescribes call your vet before giving it. Have her explain why the drug was prescribed to you. Hydrocodone does have side effects, including drowsiness, upset stomach, and constipation, so you definately should check before giving it.
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~vet tech
February 20th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
The hydrocodone is for the coughing. It does not have the tylenol in it, which is poison for dogs. It was probably prescribed for the excessive coughing, which can cause an irritated throat, and possible spasms,which can and often do lead to choking in dogs. I have an older mastiff who has taken Codeine Cough syrup as well as hydrocodone for his cough/choke/gag issues. It really works well, however, it may make the dog a little "mellow", if you will. Good Luck
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February 20th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Hydrocodone is used as a cough suppressant. Vicodin is not used in dogs due to the acetomenophin not being a very good choice (borders on toxic).
If your dog is allergic to saliva from flea bites… are you using Frontline or Advantage or Revolution??? What kind of allergy shot are you giving her – steroids??? I’d avoid that, my friend’s dog became diabetic from her vet giving steriod shots for allergies. If nothing else, you can get allergy shots made of low doses of flea saliva (hyposensitization therapy, like they do in humans) from either your vet (through an allergy company) or through a veterinary dermatologist that will be safer and more effective in the long run.
If you have a problem with the medication your vet prescribed, by all means call and calmly discuss it with your vet. When you as the adult in the house can not take the pet to the vet, you should have a number where the vet can call you to involve you in the decision making process. My vets do that all the time, and it usually creates less frustration on your part and their part. Many times the kids that bring pets into our clinic don’t have any idea why they are coming in (or are afraid to talk to the ver) so the vet treats what he/she sees.
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work with vets