Day 6 – meds running out

Today has been very much the same as yesterday. Very little change. JJ has been up and about – out of his crate for the most part of the day. Relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. He hasn’t moved a lot but he has moved a few feet between his crate, the sunshine and his litter box.

The major worry is- his strong pain killer buprenorphine has started to run out. We decided to cut the dosage in half starting last night to make it last a bit longer and also so he doesn’t all of a sudden go without. This has meant JJ has been much more alert than he was but also has cried quite a few times in pain. At one point he had got himself laid in such a way that he was laid on his scare. He couldn’t get himself back up and was crying. This was definitely pain related. He is clearly still in pain as the reduced dosage has resulted in JJ being much more grumpy and he has growled For no apparent reason too. He will get his final, but half dosage of the meds tomorrow.

I am a little worried that this will leave JJ in pain as the metacam is also due to run out (not that seems to help his pain anyway). Has anyone used buprenorphine for longer than 5 days? If so how long did you use this? Was the vet happy to continue with additional pain meds or is this likely to cause long term issues if used for longer than this amount of time?

Im going to see how he is by tomorrow afternoon and then speak to my vet. I just worry as my vet was the one who told me that JJ was not in pain…. I don’t believe this for one second so I’m ready to fight his corner but want to know if having this drug for longer than 5 days is acceptable and won’t have a long term impact on him. If it is, is there anything not as strong other than metacam they can give? Advice here would be greatly appreciated. If I can go armed with facts then hopefully I can come away with pain relief for him.

3 thoughts on “Day 6 – meds running out”

  1. Purrkins was on his Buprenorphine a total of 12 Days and Gabapentin 14 days.
    We did have to call the surgeon on our day 6 he was doing great on every 10.5-11 hour dosage ,we were coming to the end of the medicine like you and extended the time to 12 hours and Purrkins was in pain.
    Purrkins was growling and hissing and would not let me near him. That is never Purrkins, he was in pain! The surgeon wanted to know what Purrkins was doing etc.
    He agreed more pain meds were needed and prescribed them, he did not need to see Purrkins ,we went and got the meds the next day.
    Explain to the Vet in detail what is happening and there should not be a problem getting more meds! If there is speak to another Vet!
    Purrkins had NO long term impact from the drugs. I believe JJ being in pain would be the worry of a long term impact..
    I would also ask about the Gaba and what harm do they see in trying it!
    This is nuts JJ has to be in pain! Not acceptable !I feel bad for you all!
    You know JJ you know what you are seeing tell them! If they do not hear you please call someone else!
    Sending you strength for tomorrow!
    Chin & ear scratches to JJ & Pixel
    Hugs !
    Holly & Purrkins

  2. I also had to call for a Gabapentin refill when Tai was recovering. Your vet should listen when you describe the symptoms. You know JJ best. Hopefully you are able to get some additional meds for him, and as Holly says, if this vet won’t, make an appt with another.

    Gorgeous kitties! Love the pix 🙂
    Hang in there
    Tracey & Tai

  3. Holly always gives such great advice. Hope you can get the pain meds you need. I know you are feeling frustrated!

    Getting pain managed can be tricky and then, if you have Vets who aren’t as accommodating as they should be, it’s REALLY frustrating!

    Let us know how JJ is and if the Vet gzve you more pain meds.

    JJ is sloooooolwy but surely getting better. Lottle teeny baby steps at first, and then more and more improvements start happening before you know it!

    The pictures are so sweet! Kitty love!

    (((((HUGS))))))))

    Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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