If your vet has recently prescribed amantadine for dogs for your painful pup, you may have some questions about how this medication works, side effects to watch for, and its safety. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby is here to help with an in-depth review of amantadine—a great tool in the “pain management toolbox.”
Managing chronic pain in dogs may require a vet to think beyond the common pain medications such as NSAIDs, tramadol, and gabapentin. Perhaps the patient has an underlying condition that means an NSAID might not be safe or effective. Or in other situations it’s because those popular medications simply aren’t doing the trick anymore. In either case, sometimes the medication amantadine for dogs can be a huge help.
What is amantadine?
Better known by its brand name, Symmetrel®, amantadine hydrochloride is an antiviral medication that can also be used for the treatment of pain in dogs and cats. It antagonizes (i.e. inhibits) N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the nervous system. These receptors normally transmit pain signals. By temporarily inactivating the NMDA receptors, amantadine can prevent the pain signals generated in the body from reaching the brain. If the brain never gets the pain signal, it doesn’t perceive the pain.
Amantadine is especially helpful in cases of chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis in dogs. In these cases, repeated stimulation of pain pathways in the spinal cord and brain can cause harmful changes in the nervous system. The end result is that the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to painful stimuli.
This type of chronic pain stimulation can even lead to the nervous system interpreting non-painful stimuli (i.e. cold, light touch, or brushing) as painful. But the great news is that amantadine can help “reset” that sensitivity to more normal levels.
Amantadine for dogs
The FDA has approved the use of amantadine in humans. Like many other medications labeled for humans, veterinarians used it “off-label” in dogs. This is nothing to be concerned about as off-label drug use is a fairly common occurrence in veterinary medicine. However, it is important to note that deciding which human medications are safe for use in dogs is best left to your veterinarian.
Many other human pain relievers are not safe for dogs. This is especially the case for over-the-counter NSAIDs (which is why the answer to “Can I Give My Dog Advil?” is a resounding “No!”). But amantadine passes the safety test.
What is amantadine used for in dogs?
I tend to reach for amantadine in patients whose chronic pain has become worse over time without an obvious cause for the worsening. Often, that increased pain response indicates the dog’s nervous system has undergone changes making it abnormally sensitized to pain. In those situations, amantadine can prevent (and even reverse!) those changes, which improves pain management.
Veterinarians may prescribe amantadine to help decrease chronic pain and the related changes to the nervous system from:
- Arthritis
- Cancer such as osteosarcoma in dogs (bone cancer)
- Neurologic conditions such as disc disease (e.g. IVDD in dogs)
Since arthritis is so common in our beloved senior dogs, let’s take a closer look at how amantadine can help dogs who suffer from chronic pain associated with arthritis.
Amantadine in dogs and arthritis
Managing signs of arthritis in dogs is probably the most common application of amantadine in veterinary medicine. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine compared the effectiveness of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) alone, with the combination of an NSAID and amantadine in dogs with arthritis.
The researchers found that dogs given both medications together engaged in significantly more physical activity. This suggests that the combination of amantadine and an NSAID was better for pain relief than using an NSAID alone.
Can amantadine be combined with other pain medications?
As you may have noticed, the study above looked at amantadine in combination with an NSAID, not by itself. Overall, amantadine doesn’t tend to work well on its own. But it does perform well in combination with other pain medications. For these reasons, vets almost always use amantadine plus another pain medication, rather than only amantadine.
Amantadine and NSAIDs
Amantadine is not known to have significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, arthritis has a large inflammatory component. Therefore, when treating arthritis, vets may choose to use amantadine in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as carprofen for dogs. The NSAID provides anti-inflammatory effects as well as pain control. And the amantadine boosts the level of pain relief.
However, vets may also choose to combine amantadine with other pain medications.
Amantadine and gabapentin
If you’re wondering “Can I give my dog gabapentin and amantadine together,” the answer is often “yes.” Both gabapentin for dogs and amantadine can potentially decrease the abnormally increased sensitivity of the nervous system that comes with chronic pain. But they do it in slightly different ways. This means combining amantadine and gabapentin may have a synergistic effect. However, it is best to speak with your vet about whether giving your dog gabapentin and amantadine together is the right choice.
Amantadine and tramadol
Additionally, you can give your dog tramadol and amantadine together too. Tramadol for dogs is a synthetic opioid that vets may use for pain control in dogs. The verdict is out on how well it controls pain by itself. But it does seem to work better in combination with other pain medications. This means that tramadol and amantadine can potentially be a useful combination. But again, your vet will decide what is right for your dog.
What is the amantadine dosage for dogs?
Your veterinarian will determine the best dosage of amantadine for your dog’s particular situation. Dogs can take it once or twice daily for treatment of chronic pain. Based on a study in Greyhounds, twice daily dosing is probably more effective than once daily dosing.
Common dosage forms include amantadine 100 mg tablets or capsules, 68.5 mg and 137 mg capsules, 129 mg and 193 mg tablets, and a 10 mg/ml liquid. Having the choice of tablets, capsules, and liquid gives several options for dogs who aren’t always cooperative for taking their medication. (As an aside, check out my article Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? for five helpful tips. Plus, the comments section below the article includes even more ideas.)
How long does it take for amantadine to work?
Amantadine is absorbed from the GI tract and starts to take effect fairly quickly in dogs. In one Greyhound study, peak blood levels occurred about one to four hours after oral administration.
Despite this, veterinarians usually recommend giving the amantadine for two to three weeks before deciding how well it is working. This is especially important if your vet prescribed amantadine for your dog for chronic pain. It can take some time for the nervous system changes (i.e. increased sensitivity to pain) to start responding to treatment.
Prior to starting the amantadine, it may be helpful to take a video of your dog walking or doing whatever actions seem to be painful. Also, you could write down some observations. Or you may want to rate your dog’s pain on a scale of 1 to 10 over several days. This gives you concrete data points to compare to how your dog is moving and acting after the two to three weeks of amantadine.
Sometimes, the improvement is remarkable and you don’t need those observations to notice it. However, having the ability to do a comparison can be a good way to notice more subtle changes in pain control.
Is amantadine safe for dogs?
Besides being a good option in our tool box for pain management, another plus is that amantadine is generally safe for most dogs. At this point, vets should use it with caution in patients with kidney disease in dogs, liver disease in dogs, congestive heart failure, or seizures in dogs. And it should not be used in pregnant or lactating dogs. These recommendations could change, however, once there are more studies characterizing its uses in dogs.
What are the side effects of amantadine in dogs?
While it is generally fairly safe, like most other medications, amantadine does also have some potential side effects for dogs.
Mild side effects of amantadine
When dogs first start taking amantadine, they more commonly experience mild side effects including:
Diarrhea
Some dogs may develop diarrhea in the first few days after starting amantadine. Thankfully, the loose stool is usually short-lived and resolves on its own. However, if you have any concerns, it is best to reach out to your vet.
Flatulence (i.e. increased intestinal gas)
You may notice that your dog has more gas (i.e. flatulence) than normal when he or she first starts taking amantadine. The good news, though, is that this usually improves after a few days.
Vomiting
Along with other signs of GI upset like diarrhea or flatulence, dogs may vomit when first taking amantadine. Often, giving the amantadine with food can solve this problem. But if it doesn’t, please consult your veterinarian.
Increased sleepiness
Your dog may want to lay around or sleep a bit more at first. And he or she may act like a lethargic dog. This increased sleepiness usually goes away in a few days though.
Less common but more concerning side effects of amantadine in dogs
Additionally, dogs may also experience some side effects that tend to be less common but more concerning.
Ataxia
Occasionally, you may notice that your dog is wobbly and off balance, having trouble navigating the stairs, or has an abnormal gait. These are all signs of ataxia. While ataxia can be a side effect of amantadine, it can also signal that the dog’s neurologic condition is worsening. So if you think your dog is ataxic, the best thing to do is give your vet a call.
Agitation or restlessness
While it doesn’t happen often, some dogs who take amantadine may become worked up, aggressive, or more restless than normal. If you notice any agitation, please stop giving the amantadine and contact your vet.
Dry mouth
Due to the anticholinergic effects of amantadine (i.e. blocking the “rest and digest” portion of the nervous system so that the “fight or flight” portion is dominant), some dogs may develop a dry mouth. Therefore, you may notice your dog keeps licking his or her lips or going to drink water more often.
Difficulty urinating
Because it has some action as an anticholinergic, amantadine can also cause urinary retention and difficulty urinating. If you see your dog straining to urinate, please call your vet. While it can be a side effect of the amantadine, difficulty urinating could also signal your dog has a UTI in dogs, bladder stones, or a urinary obstruction. Thus, it is important to get your vet involved.
Increased heart rate
The third potential anticholinergic side effect for amantadine is an increased heart rate. You may notice that your dog’s heart rate is elevated above baseline if your regularly check your dog’s vital signs. Or perhaps you might feel your dog’s heart beating faster than normal when you are snuggling.
Seizures
If your dog is already prone to seizures or is on a medication that lowers the seizure threshold, it is possible that amantadine could precipitate a seizure. That’s why it is so important that your vet knows your dog’s full medical history as well as all other medications and supplements your dog is taking.
Long term side effects of amantadine
At this point, there really isn’t enough data available about canine amantadine use to have a good idea of if dogs may experience adverse effects from using amantadine long-term. But it seems likely that the benefits amantadine can have for controlling chronic pain and improving quality of life would outweigh any potential risks of using it long-term.
Work with your vet
Often, dogs will adjust to the medication within a couple of weeks, and those adverse effects of amantadine will subside. If your veterinarian has prescribed amantadine for your dog, and you’re seeing side effects that concern you, please reach out to him or her. That way your vet knows what is going on and can help guide you on how to proceed.
What are the signs of an amantadine overdose in dogs?
If your dog receives an overdose of amantadine, you may notice signs such as tremors, dilated pupils, disorientation, coma, respiratory distress, heart arrythmias, changes in blood pressure, vomiting, or aggression.
Since amantadine has a relatively narrow therapeutic window (i.e. dose at which it is safe and effective), it is best to reach out to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, or your veterinarian if your dog receives more than his or her prescribed dose of amantadine or if you have any concerns about a potential overdose. (There is a fee associated with calling the toxicology specialists, but the peace of mind is well worth it in my book.)
Are there any drug interactions with amantadine for dogs?
Overall, amantadine would get an “A” for getting along with other medications. There is a very short list of significant drug interactions with amantadine. And in most cases, the interaction is mild. These drugs that interact with amantadine include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfa—This antibiotic (often prescribed by vets for skin infections and urinary tract infections) can cause higher blood levels of amantadine. When using both medications together, the vet may need to adjust the dose of amantadine accordingly.
- Thiazide diuretics—Heart medications such as hydrochlorothiazide, which vets occasionally may use to treat high blood pressure (i.e. hypertension in dogs) or heart disease in dogs, can also raise blood levels of amantadine.
- Selegiline for dogs (Anipryl®)— This medication, which is sometimes recommended to treat canine cognitive dysfunction in dogs, can cause more stimulation or excitement when used with amantadine.
- Anticholinergic drugs—Antihistamines like Benadryl for dogs and other medications that have anticholinergic effects should be used with caution with amantadine. The combination of drugs could potentially increase the severity of the anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and increased heart rate).
Other than that, amantadine is not known to have significant drug interactions with other commonly used veterinary medications. This allows vets to feel confident prescribing it for patients they are also treating for other problems.
How Amantadine helped a senior dog
To add even more context to using amantadine for dogs, I wanted to share the story of one of my patients, Ella.
Usually, Ella, a 10-year-old Newfoundland with arthritis in her elbows and knees, loved to go for long walks in the woods with her mom. And for several years, she was still able to do that, thanks to daily gabapentin and an NSAID.
But as time went on, Ella’s mom noticed that her canine companion no longer wanted to go on her once-beloved walks. This was a clear sign to Ella’s mom that her dog’s current medications weren’t relieving the pain. So she brought Ella in to see me.
I performed an orthopedic exam on Ella. And I even repeated her X-rays to see if there were worsening arthritic changes in her joints. But I didn’t find anything that would explain why she was no longer comfortable on her current medications.
This made me suspect Ella’s chronic arthritis pain was causing nervous system changes that made her hypersensitive to pain. So I decided to try adding amantadine to her list of medications.
It took a few weeks to start seeing a difference. But soon enough Ella was jumping out of the car and leading the way down the trail again. She was overjoyed to be back in her favorite place, and her mom was thrilled to see her best friend feeling good again!
Talk to your vet about amantadine for dogs
In the end, even though amantadine may not work as well as it did for Ella for every patient experiencing chronic pain, it can be a great tool in a veterinarian’s toolbox. It has great potential for keeping your furry friend active and enjoying life.
If you have questions about whether amantadine could be helpful for your pup or concerns about your dog who is currently taking amantadine, please don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. Even if your vet doesn’t think amantadine is the right solution for your dog’s situation, chances are he or she will be able to offer some other helpful pain management options.
Together, you and your vet can ensure your dog has the best quality of life possible. For some dogs, amantadine is exactly the solution they need to be able to hit the trail, fetch the ball, go for a swim, or do whatever it is that makes their tail wag.
Has your dog ever taken amantadine?
Please comment to share his or her story.
Hi there,
I have a 13 yo golden retriever male dog (castrated) with age-related muscle wastage and arthritis. He’s been on Liberal and Galliprant over the past 7-8 months. Though I can’t say i’ve seen drastic improvement, I want to believe he is in less pain as he still enjoys walks (in his own slowish pace).
Recently it felt like he is showing signs of hind limb lateral bend of the tarsus joint when walking. My orthopedic surgeon friend (I myself am a recent grad) suggested I should try Amantadine as it shows good synergy with NSAIDs.
I understand the recommended dosage is 3-5 mg/kg once/twice daily for minimum 3 weeks to see some results. My question is – I know twice daily is recommended, however if I start with once daily, will I only know it’s time to increase to twice daily only after 3 weeks?
Thank you in advance for your input
Hi Barak,
I am sorry your senior guy is dealing with arthritis pain and muscle atrophy. I do think the addition of amantadine could offer additional benefits to your boy. And yes, unfortunately, the only way to know if the once daily dosing will work is to try it. Then if the desired results are not achieved you can increase it to twice daily. I also strongly encourage you to think about utilizing alternative therapies or supplements that work well in combination with your dog’s current treatment regimen. There are many joint supplements to choose from (each vet has their own favorite) and I prescribe them to all my patients struggling with pain or joint issues. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Hoping you can find the best way to keep your sweet boy happy and enjoying life.
1. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
2. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Adequan for Dogs: Don’t Just Treat Arthritis, Slow it Down
4. Deer Antler Velvet: The Science Behind the Supplement
My dog started out with Deracoxub for hip dysplasia. That helped for about a year and we switched to Librela about 4 -5 months ago. It was life changing and his mood and energy improved. After about 1-2 months he started limping on his front legs . My veterinarian put him on gabapentin which didn’t help and sedated him too much. After about 3-4 weeks he started Amantadine and stopped the gabapentin. The amantadine perked him up so much he’s taking longer walks and his mood has improved. He’s been on it for about 2 weeks and today he had watery diarrhea all over my house. Since it’s been about 2 weeks could it be a delayed reaction to anatadine? It held so much I hate to discontinue it. It sounds like you have more experience with it. He’s also on Librela.. thank you.
Hi Vicki,
I am sorry your dog is having issues with diarrhea. If the amantadine was the culprit, I would have expected this issue to show up closer to when the medication was first administered. While I can’t rule this out as the cause, I would be very surprised if the amantadine was causing this problem. It sounds like it may be time to have your vet do some investigation. Hoping you can get the answers you need to find the best treatment. Wishing you good luck and praying for healing for your sweet boy.
My 9.5yo rescue Sheltie came to me in a terrible condition – generally neglected, grossly overweight and barely able to walk. 2 years on so much has improved but OA in his elbows is the problem we can’t seem to help him with. He’s intolerant of NSAIDs, and now on paracetamol, gabapentin (2 x 300mg), all the usual supplements and laser therapy. But he’s still limping. My vets seem reluctant to add anything else, but reading about amantadine, I’m wondering why they don’t suggest this. Any thoughts, please? Many thanks x
Hi Linda,
I understand your concern for your Sheltie and think it is great you are looking for ways to improve his quality of life. I am not sure why your vet has not recommended amantadine. It is possible that it would not work well with your dog’s specific needs and his current treatment regimen, or they may not have even thought about it! I think it would be good for you to bring it up and discuss the benefits/risks for your pup. I will also attach links to other articles with more information about ways to treat arthritis pain. Hoping you can find the answers you need and wishing you and your sweet boy many happy days ahead.
1. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
2. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Adequan for Dogs: Don’t Just Treat Arthritis, Slow it Down
4. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
Hi our dog has been on amantadine along with galliprant and paracetamol for nearly four weeks now. He has improved but isn’t as good as we think he needs to be for a good quality of life. Is there chance the amantadine could kick in some more? Or do you think it’s had its full chance to have its full effect? We want to know if we should hold out for hope or if this is the best he can get?
Dear Miss Donna,
I am sorry your boy is dealing with chronic pain. I would have expected the amantadine to take full effect by now. But of course, there is no way to know for sure if more time would allow for better results. It sounds like you may be facing some difficult decisions about your dog’s quality of life. I understand how difficult it can be to navigate that unknown path. How are things today? Hoping your sweet boy is feeling better and things have improved.
Hi all, sorry posted as a reply by accident earlier.
Reading from england here. This page and these comments are so helpful.
My dog Ami (french for friend) has been prescribed amantadine for his arthritis. He regularly has gut issues if he eats something unusual, in the past he had bloody liquid stools when taking Metacam (dog pain relief). @[ he now has the Librela injection for his arthritis.
I’m really nervous that he will get a really upset stomach with these. has anyone else experienced this? is so, what was the severity? he is still playful when he feels good, enjoys investigation walks and sniffing, but most of all he loves hide and seek!
thanks in advance,
bridey and ami
Hi Bridey,
I am so glad you brought up this topic! I hope other readers will be able to chime in and give you some insight. Librela was just FDA approved in the U.S. this May, so I have no personal experience using it in my patients. From reading the information on the Zoetis website, I would not think GI issues would be a big concern. If you do end up giving Ami this combination of treatments, please let us know what you think. I’d love to get your feedback. Wishing you and your sweet girl nothing but the best. Bless you!
Hi Bridey,
Also reading from UK here.
My boxer dog has been on Amantadine, galliprant and paracetemol for several weeks now and whilst we have seen no improvement of his condition, I can confirm my very senstive stomach’d boy has had no issues with amantadine (he is also not able to take a number of medications such as metacam and previcox for the same reasons as Ami).
Hi Tanya,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and offer support to others. Best wishes to you and your sweet boy!
My vet put my 16 year old Jack Russell on 1/2 tablet of 100 mg. He is on Galliprant and Gabapentin as well. Here is my observation and hopefully someone else has this same reaction. My dog can take that little 1/2 tablet and get around it in his food! I have never seen this before. He will eat with his meals, the Galliprant as well as the Gabapentin but will always manage to everything but that 1/2 of a pink pill. When I then try to put it down his throat, he will shake his head like this tablet tastes absolutely horrible and spit it out! This happens every time! It takes me at least 3 times to get it down his throat. I’m not sure this is working enough to put him and I through it. Anyone else’s dog have this problem?
Hi Rebecca,
I am sorry your senior guy doesn’t like the taste of the Amantadine and giving him his medication has become a struggle. Have you thought about hiding the pill in something else he likes such as peanut butter or cheese? Here is a link to an article that addresses this exact issue: Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
I am certain you will find some great advice in this article and in the comments from other readers. Don’t give up! You’ve got this!
my Shepherd has smelled this med more than his usual prescriptions also. go for stronger smelling hiders- liver worst is great. I buy those prepackaged cheap sandwich meats, roast beef- oh my! the smell will knock you over, but my boy loves it!
I also use liverwurst to mask the pill.
I give my 12 year old guy Gabapentin. Galiprant and Amantadine. I sometimes
just put the 1/2 pill way back and into the side of his mouth and he takes the pills individually fairly well. Other times I can wrap the pills in a bit of deli meat and give him by dropping it into his mouth and he gulps it right down.
He definitely doesn’t like the amantadine taste, I think it’s quite bitter.. He started it as a liquid but changed to the pills and they are way better for him.to take.
Hi Stacy,
Thank you for sharing your experience and offering this great advice. Wishing you and your senior guy all the best. Keep up the good work!
I just slide it down the side of my dogs mouth, no problem
Hide it in a little cream cheese. Works every time. Dogs cannot smell anything but the cream cheese. Works wonders for my old gal who refused anything I put the pill in. Problem solved.
Chewy will compound a liquid form of Amantadine in chicken, marshmallow, or tuna “flavors” that might be easier to administer.
I had this issue as well. I ended up taking a spoonful of soft, sticky, wet canned dogfood (Newman’s Own chicken liver works well for this) rolling it into a small bit sized ball, sticking the pill down into the middle of it so it is completely covered, opening his mouth and then pushing it onto the tongue at the back of his mouth. Because its sticky, he can’t spit is out and because its small and at the back of his mouth, this doesn’t require him to chew and his natural impulse is to swallow it. . . . He actually loves the taste of that dogfood, so he has accepted this method pretty well. He was previously a master of finding it/sensing it in bites of his favorite foods . . . even when I was able to trick him Into taking a bite, he would find a way to spit that pill out.
My sweet Chops was run over as a puppy and will forever have hind quarter issues due to that terrible day. he’s 8 now and takes Carpro-plet 150 mg once a day, as well as Dasaquin and fish oil. The day before yesterday, because of obvious distress, I took him to his dr and he prescribed Amantadine 200 mg twice daily. After doing a bit of reading up on it, that seems like an awfully high dose. No? He’s a big boy, 73 lb black lab and on the heavier side at the moment. He usually runs between 65 and 68 but his pain has kept him indoors more this winter vs playing fetch or Frisbee out in the snow. I’ve read that 5 mg per kg is on the high side of a normal dose and that would put him at 165 mg twice a day (I understand it doesn’t just come in any old mg a person might want). Still, will too much hurt my sweet boy? I’ve opted to administer only half for the time being and he does seem to be better, right away. is this the wrong thing to do?
Thank you, you’re wonderful btw. The reading available here has been incredibly informative and helpful!
Becky
Hi Becky,
I am sorry Chops is having so many issues with joint pain! Since I haven’t played a personal role in your dog’s medical care it is hard to know why certain decisions have been made regarding dosages of his pain medications. I will say I looked up the recommended dosage of Amantadine in both drug books I have on hand, and you are correct in what you have researched. I think it would be a good idea to discuss your concerns with your vet. They can let you know why this dose was prescribed and give you some peace of mind about your dog’s treatment regimen. I am glad to hear the half dose has showed some positive results and you are noticing an improvement in Chops’ pain level. As long as it is working and not causing any negative effects, I think you are fine to continue what you are doing. Thank you for the kind words. Keep up the good work!
Our nearly 14 year old yellow lab, Lucy, is on Galliprant and Adequan for her arthritis, and received a PEMF treatment in the fall. She is starting to show new signs of discomfort through the night – getting up abruptly, repositioning, and groaning quite a bit when she lays back down. We actually have Amantadine prescribed and on hand, but I have hesitated because her liver values are not ideal, and she actually has a 4.3 cm tumor in her liver that we are watching. I give her SamE and Milk Thistle to support the liver. I also moisten her food with Dandelion root tea. She went through chemo and radiation 4 years ago for Mast Cell cancer and beat it. But we won’t put her through that again or any more surgeries. She’s been through so much already. At this point, I just want her to be comfortable through the night. As a next step in keeping her comfortable, would you recommend the Amantadine, and must it be given at the same time of day as the NSAID? Because I’m especially concerned about her liver, I’m looking into Meadowsweet and Boswellia as natural alternatives, as well as hiking up her evening intake of CBD. Good sleep is so important. THANK YOU sharing such helpful info with us here!!!
Sorry, it wasn’t PEMF, but rather, shockwave therapy.
Hi Vivian,
I am sorry Lucy is having trouble getting comfortable during the night. I know the article says to be careful when administering Amantadine to dogs with liver problems. This caution is due to the limited information available about Amantadine in dogs. It is generally considered safe, and you are probably ok to give it. There just haven’t been many studies on how this drug affects dogs and their internal organ function. Amantadine works best when paired with an NSAID, but they don’t have to be given at the exact same time of day. I know you have previously mentioned you make a homemade diet for Lucy, and I like the herbal supplements you are using. Here is a link to another article with more natural ways to help with arthritis pain: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
Lucy is a very lucky girl to have you advocating for her health and wellbeing. I hope you can find the right combination of therapies to allow her to rest peacefully. Best wishes to you both! ♥
My 9 year old Bernese has plenty of orthopaedic problems; dyplasias, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosi with nerve impingement. Her conditions are non-operable. She was on Metacam for a long time, but one day she just lost all her oomph. She didn’t want to go for walks, and just laid out under a tree all day looking miserable. After a couple days I got her into the vet and they started her on Rymadil, gabapentin and amantadine, and within 24 hours she was back to her happy self! She’s been on it for two years now and we still have really good pain control. We moved recently and our new vet doesn’t know about amatadine, but happily she’s willing to continue prescribing it. We live in a remote area so sadly there aren’t a lot of non-pharmocologic pain control modalities (she’s already on all the supplements). But at least this drug combo has been a miracle for her. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to keep her comfortable enough for any quality of life.
Hi Jen,
I am glad you were able to find the right combination of treatments to maintain your senior girl’s quality of life. What a blessing to have gained so much extra time with her. Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers. I am sure this will offer hope to others in a similar situation. Best wishes to you both!
Hi Dr. Buzby,
Thank you so much for having such wonderful blogs for us pet parents to learn from..
My Boy-boy, Romeo was dx about a year ago with bridging Spondylosis Deformans, IVDD (although he has not had an MRI yet)… and general arthritis. He was started on Carprophen, Gabapentin but it was not taking care of all of his pain so my vet just added Amantodine which I started today….out of all of the meds, Romeo gets the most relief from the carprophen so I am hoping the Amantodine will have a potentiating effect and he will get greater relief. His uncontrolled symptoms were fascilations in different limbs and restlessness… when he has gone a day w/o his carprophen he can barely move so that medication is amazing for him… his recent bloodwork did show elevated liver enzymes…but I cannot imagine taking him off the carprophen as he would not have a quality of life.. his vet just prescribed Denamarin for his liver – is there anything else that might help him such as milk thistle? I am planning to add in accupuncture and laser therapy for him and a consult w/ a neurologist although I would be afraid for him to have surgery at his age… thank you for listening… Romeo is my heart.
Hi Mel,
Thank you for the kind words about the articles! I applaud you for taking such an active role in advocating for Romeo’s health and wellbeing. It sounds like you have a good partnership with your vet and are headed in the right direction with what treatments to try next. I hope you will see an improvement in the liver enzymes after starting Denamarin. Denamarin contains milk thistle as one of the main active ingredients so I wouldn’t recommend giving an additional milk thistle supplement. I LOVE that you are considering acupuncture and laser therapy. There are also several other alternative therapies that may be of great benefit for your sweet boy. Here is a link to another article with more information: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
I am sure you will find the answers you need to make the best choices for Romeo. Wising you both the best for a long and happy future!
I have just found your site because my “working dog” Sophie was almost crippled by her continual work habits.
She is almost 14 years old..
I started to give her ‘ joint care chew’ by PetLabCo (because I love natural) and noticed a difference in about three weeks. I was about time for the Dr visit. Sophie’s doctor checked her range of motion and first put her on Novox 100 and mentioned to evaluate in about 4 weeks he then put her on Amantadine Hyd 100mg. (which is how I found you.). I have been an advocate for my loved ones for many years. checking out medications, for parents and now an aging pet.
I am hoping to have my happy working pet back in action till the day she goes to doggy heaven.
Hi JoAnn,
I am sorry Sophie is struggling with joint pain. How is she feeling since starting the Novox and Amantadine? I know you mentioned you like natural products. Here is a link to another article that may offer additional information and other ideas to try: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
I am hopeful you will find the right combination of therapies to get your sweet girl up and running again. Wishing you and Sophie the best!
Hi Dr. Buzby,
I have a 13 year old golden retriever, Penny with arthritis and hip dysplasia. She is currently on rimadyl 50 mg twice a day, 300 mg gabapentin once a day, fish oil, cosequin and CBD oil. She also gets adequan injections every 14 days. She has been on rimadyl for 4 years. It seems as though her mobility is significantly declining recently with episodes of limping and severe hind end weakness. She usually improves with rest but cannot tolerate much exercise and ends up having another flare up. I worry about her quality of life and when it is the right time to say goodbye. All of her blood work is excellent as of this week and we have recently started acupuncture which I think helps. I’m considering trying hydrotherapy and ESWT. But I’m just now hearing about amantadine. Do you think the addition of this medication could be helpful for Penny at this point in her life and disease progression? Should I ask my vet about it?
Hi Elena,
I am sorry Penny is having so many issues with her arthritis and hip dysplasia. It sounds like you are already doing most everything I usually recommend. You may want to look into PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy. They make mats/beds for dogs that include this technology. Here is a link to another article with more information: PEMF Therapy for Dogs: 7 FAQs Answered by a PEMF Expert
I do think Amantadine could be helpful as an addition to Penny’s current medication regimen. And I am always a fan of hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. With all that being said, it sounds like you may be facing some difficult decisions about your sweet girl’s quality of life in the not-so-distant future. Despite our best efforts, sometimes saying goodbye is the only way to truly give a beloved pup relief from their struggles. Without examining your girl, myself, I can’t say for sure how long Penny can keep going with this pain and mobility battle. I will attach links to other articles that offer great advice and comments from other readers. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best choices for you and your senior pup. Wishing you both happy days ahead.
1. How Long Can a Dog Live with Hip Dysplasia?
2. Medicine for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: 10 Tips for Treating Hip Dysplasia
3. When to Euthanize a Dog With Arthritis: A Vet’s Heartfelt Advice
4. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
Our dog Klaus is 15 years old and has OA of the elbow. He doesn’t cope with NSAIDS/corticosteroids at all and is super sensitive to painkillers in general, causing GI issues. We have just started him on amantadine (Sulfate) alone. Currently, he is on 25 mg per day and he weighs actually 21kg. He has been on it for 4 days now and we are wondering if the dosage is too low and if better to combine with gabapentin? There is some indication that his pain is less but not consistently. He is also on CBD and mixtures of herbs with anti-inflammatory properties. Librelia has been suggested for him but our holistic vet is concerned as he is super sensitive and has some indication of liver issues. He is doing physio/hydrotherapy and we also consider acupuncture as a further option
Hi Debra,
I am glad you are taking such an active role in advocating for Klaus’ health and wellbeing. I love that he is getting physical therapy and hydrotherapy in addition to his medications and supplements. In my experience, Amantadine always works better when paired with another pain medication rather than used as a sole treatment. Gabapentin may be a good option and it is worth talking to your vet about this possibility. I think acupuncture could be a great next step. Have you looked into New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet like is found in Encore Mobility? Here is a link to another article with additional information: Deer Antler Velvet: The Science Behind the Supplement
I hope you can find the right combination of things to make your senior boy more comfortable. Wishing you both the best and give Klaus a hug for me!
My Vet mentioned Amantadine to add to my 12 year old dog. He’s on Galliprant and Gabapentin as well as CBD oil. He’s prone to seizures. but we manage them with these medications and some other supplements. He’s got arthritis in his elbows and had knee surgery in both knees when he was 8. The current regimen is no longer enough and he’s limping and restless. I’d like to know if it’s safe to give him Amantadine or will ie cause seizures? We tried Metacam and he got seizure from that. Vet also wants to try Tramadol but I have heard not good things regarding seizures from that drug.
Thanks for your article by the way.
Hi Monika,
I am glad you are taking such an active role in advocating for your dog’s health and wellbeing. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to keep your senior guy comfortable. I am not aware of any issues with amantadine causing seizures or lowering the seizure threshold in dogs. With that being said, there is always a possibility your pup may not respond in the way we normally would expect. I think the amantadine is worth a try. Also, you could look into supplements like Encore Mobility or alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, or PEMF. I will attach some links to other articles with more information. I hope you can find the answers you need to help make your sweet boy’s senior years the best they can possibly be. Bless you both!
1. PEMF Therapy for Dogs: 7 FAQs Answered by a PEMF Expert
2. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
3. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
4. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
Thank you for your reply and suggestions. I’ll a look at the articles.
My 10 year old german shepherd has hip arthritis. Gabapentin has been years now, but nowadays he needs also previcox every Day.
In Finland, we don’t have amantadin after next february, because of eu.
Should we still try it? And maybe buy all the medicines before february?
Could it really help? And maybe get away from previcox?
What is Best for his stomach, liver, kidneys? Amantadin or previcox?
Hi Susanna,
Sorry for the delayed reply. It might be a good idea to go ahead and acquire the Amantadine if your vet is considering prescribing it for your senior guy. Your vet can evaluate your dog and decide if the Previcox is still a safe option for his arthritis pain control. Usually, Amantadine works best when paired with Previcox or another anti-inflammatory or pain medication instead of being used as a sole therapy. If your vet decides to discontinue the Previcox then they will probably try adding a different medication with which to pair the Amantadine. Previcox is an NSAID, and this class of medications are known to have risks to the GI tract, liver and kidneys with long term use. Any dog taking these medications long term should have routine lab work to evaluate the function of the internal organs to prevent unwanted side effects and complications. I hope this helps! Best wishes and good luck!
Thank you for the answer. How about gabapentin and amantadin together? I just thought, if amantadin would help, and then maybe previcox is not needed?
Is amantadin safer To stomach, liver and kidneys?
Hi Susanna,
Yes, as mentioned in the article, Gabapentin and Amantadine can be given together. The article also points out that Amantadine does not have any anti-inflammatory properties and osteoarthritis has a significant inflammatory component. That is why this medication is usually paired with an NSAID such as Previcox. If your dog’s bloodwork is normal, then there shouldn’t be an issue with continuing the NSAID. These are all concerns that need to be discussed with your veterinarian. Since I haven’t examined your pup myself, I can’t make specific recommendations on what treatment protocols would be best/safest. There is a need for more research on the use of Amantadine in dogs. For now, it is recommended to be used with caution in dogs with liver or kidney disease. The article has the most common side effects listed and one of the potential issues is mild GI upset.
My 11 year old black lab started amantadine 2 weeks ago and see a slight difference but last couple of days he isn’t eating his biscuits. Not like him at all so thinking medication is suppressing his appetite. Will this pass as he gets used to the medication. Thanks
Hi Karen,
Usually if I think a decreased appetite is due to a medication, I expect it to happen at the onset of administration. Because this appetite change occurred after 2 weeks of giving the amantadine, I am suspicious that the medication is not the cause. I am not sure what the original diagnosis was that the amantadine was prescribed for but would want to have that further investigated in case the treatment is not helping as much as initially thought. Pain can definitely cause a decrease in appetite. I highly recommend you contact your vet and update them on how things are progressing. They may want to re-evaluate your senior guy and adjust his treatment plan accordingly. Best wishes!
Hi Dr. Buzby,
My 12 yr old Golden, Cam, was recently prescribed this in conjunction w Gabapentin for a diagnosis of allodonya. He’s been exhibiting extreme sensitivity to touch for a few years now and it’s gotten worse over this last year. I’m not finding too much on the internet about canine allodonya and the use of this drug. Can you provide any info? I’d really appreciate it!
Thanks! Julie (and Cam)
Hi Julie,
Amantadine works by helping other pain medications work better than they would if given as a single treatment. Because your vet paired Amantadine with Gabapentin, it sounds like they are trying to calm the nerves in hopes of treating your dog’s allodynia. Gabapentin is usually prescribed for neuropathic pain or seizure disorders. If you need more information about allodynia and how it relates to your pup, it might be a good idea to schedule a consult with a veterinary neurologist. I hope these medications will help Cam find relief from his extreme touch sensitivities. Praying for a full recovery and a long happy life for your sweet boy.
Thank you!
Have you ever heard of Amantadine causing paralysis in dogs? My Bella started Amantadine about 4 months or so ago for arthritis pain. I could tell it helped her a lot with the pain as she became a lot less restless and grunted a lot less when moving around. However, she has an appointment to get out to sleep tomorrow because in the past few months she started wanting to walk less and less to the point where we had to carry her outside with straps, and about a week ago she stopped walking although. When we lift her, she’s limp. However, she’s beautifully healthy otherwise and it’s absolutely killing me to put her to sleep because she’s still beautifully vibrant and happy and otherwise super healthy with a great appetite. A light bulb just went off in my head at 2am so I can’t get a vet on the phone now, wondering if it could be the meds. Please get back to me asap if you can. Thank you so much.
Hi Jennifer,
I am sorry for the delayed response. I hope you were able to talk to your vet and get the answers you needed to make the best decision for Bella. I am not aware of Amantadine causing paralysis and would have expected any side effects to have happened within the first few doses of the medication. I am more suspicious that maybe Bella was dealing with a neurological condition such as IVDD, neuropathy, or degenerative myelopathy. It is possible a neurological issue could have been contributing to her pain levels but was initially hidden due to the symptoms of the arthritis. I hope that no matter what decision was made, Bella is at peace and pain free. Bless you.
Our 6 year old staffordshire has just been diagnosed with terminal osteosarcoma, going from ‘not sure if this is a lump’ on Wednesday, to fatal 2..5 in. tumor into the skull and smaller metastasis at c2 level spine the following Monday.. She is taking 100 mg amantadine along with prednisone, gabapentin, and tramadol. The amantadine seems to be the drug that makes her most comfortable — even going on walks and eating very well– but it is a 24 hour dose. By 12 hours, and especially the next morning, she is in pain, nauseated from the tramadol, and won’t even take her pills with beloved ice cream.
I’d like to know if we can use a pill splitter to create 2 50mg doses taken at 12 hours.
We only have days left with her, and if if evening out the amantadine keeps her at a happier stage, we’d be so grateful to know. Thank you.
Dear Janet,
I am so sorry for the tragic diagnosis your dog has received. My heart aches for you with this difficult and emotional situation you are facing. You can definitely split the pills in half, but I highly recommend you talk to your vet about the possibility of giving the 100mg dose twice daily. I know this is not what is generally recommended in healthy dogs, but since we know her time is limited, and she is basically on hospice care, I would think the benefits would outweigh any risks. I pray these last days are full of peace and comfort. Hoping your girl can rest easy surrounded by the ones who love her most. Bless you both. ♥
Skip has just been diagnosed amantadine (100mg capsules once a day) for arthritis in his back and pain in his rear leg, He is also diabetic and i worry about him vomiting as a side effect and then not having enough food in his body to work with the insulin. What would be the best way to avoid this side effect, give him the amantadine with his food or a few hours before or after? He is also on Onsior once a day, would it be better to give onsior and amantadine at the same time so they can work together or at different times in order to spread the pain relief across the day
Hi Holly,
I understand your concern with potential side effects from a new medication. Thankfully, we don’t usually see severe side effects from Amantadine. Vomiting is not common, but if GI issues arise, it is usually in the form of flatulence or diarrhea. I am not sure that the presence or absence of food in the stomach will make much difference either way. Just to be safe, you can give it with food and see how Skip tolerates the medication. Both the amantadine and Onsior are supposed to last 24 hours. So as long as you give the medications at the scheduled time each day, they should be effective even if not given together. Also, it is usually recommended to hold off on giving insulin until you are sure your dog has eaten his whole meal to avoid issues with dropping his blood sugar too low. You could always feed him, then give him a few minutes to make sure no vomiting will occur, then administer his insulin dosage. If you have any concerns about his insulin and food intake, please talk to your veterinarian. I hope you will find the addition of the amantadine to be very helpful in controlling Skip’s arthritis pain. Best wishes to you both!
Hello again, thank you for your reply
We have been on 100mg once a day for nearly 5 weeks now, fortunately with no side effects. I’ve seen no change at all, in fact, if anything he seems to be getting worse with the pain in his back leg. Is it possible the amantadine could make the pain worse? I’ve asked about giving him amantadine twice a day but vet says he can have maximum of 150mg a day which makes it difficult to split as they are capsules. Are there 50 or 75mg tablets he could have twice a day instead or do you think if we were going to see a difference in pain we would have seen it by now. He is 30kg, slightly underweight because of his diabetes
Hi Holly,
I am glad you haven’t seen any unwanted side effects from the amantadine but also disappointed it is not helping control your pup’s pain. I am not sure you would see any difference from giving a half dose twice a day verses a full dose once daily. Yes, I think you should have seen some improvements by now if this combination of medications was going to be helpful. I am not aware of any instances where amantadine has increased the pain level in dogs, but I guess anything is possible. I would be more inclined to think the medication is just not working as well as hoped and the original painful condition has progressed. It might be a good idea to talk to you vet about other medication options or something to add to your dog’s current treatment plan. You can look into physical therapy/rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, or even schedule a consult with a veterinary neurologist. Still holding on to hope that you can get your sweet boy comfortable. Keep us updated!
I enjoyed your article very much, especially since I had never heard of this drug before. I have a 14 yo Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He is very stiff and sore. He takes Selegiline (for dementia) and carprofen with his breakfast and takes gabapentin with dinner. Yesterday the vet prescribed amantandine 50mg (I’m splitting 100mg capsules until I can find tablets). When is the best time to give this med? Can the caplets be cut since I believe they’re timed release? I appreciate any insight! Thank you!
Hi Christine,
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you found the article to be helpful. I think it would be best for you to talk to your vet about when the medicine should be given and the possibility of cutting capsules in half. In general, I try to avoid opening capsules as it is difficult to get an exact dosage and the capsule usually hides a very nasty taste. I am not sure if your vet prescribed the medication once a day or twice daily. This will have a big impact on what time it should be administered. I hope you will notice an improvement in your Corgi’s comfort level with the addition of the Amantadine. You may also want to look into laser therapy or acupuncture to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. I wish you both the best and good luck.
my border collie cross Belle is 14 and has just been prescribed Amatadine for arthritis and weakness in her legs. although her movement seems to have improved after 3 days – today she is very restless and unsettled…….is this a normal side effect and if so how long should it last – she is eating very well and seems ok but just won’t settle down.
Hi Miriam,
I understand your concern about these new symptoms since starting the Amantadine. I am not familiar with this being a side effect of this medication, but it is definitely a possibility. I think it would be best to call your vet and let them know about this recent restlessness and anxiety. They may want to examine Belle and make sure no other issues are complicating things. Also, they may decide to change the dosage to see if the side effects resolve. I am glad you have noticed an improvement in your girl’s pain level. I hope you can find a treatment that works best for Belle. One that offers the pain relief benefits but less of the negative side effects you are noticing. Best wishes to you both and give your sweet girl a hug for me!
We experienced and are still experiencing the agitation and restlessness. Please advise. But similarly, we have had increased pain control.
Hi Catrina,
I am glad you are noticing a decrease in your dog’s pain level since starting the Amantadine. I am going to recommend the same thing to you as I did to Miriam. You need to talk to your vet about these concerns. Make sure they are aware of the restlessness and anxiety your pup is experiencing. Your vet may decide to adjust the dosage to see if the symptoms resolve or may try a different medication altogether. Wishing you both the best and good luck!
I take Amantadine for dyskinesia.. are the human and veterinary capsules exactly the same?
Hi Leslie,
I am not sure if the dosage is the same (mg in each capsule) but the drug itself is the same. Many of the medications that are used in veterinary medicine are the same ones that were manufactured for human medicine. There are very few veterinary specific medications on the market.
I so appreciate your articles as I navigate my yellow lab’s golden years. I read all of your posts and they are so helpful, clear, and give me confidence about making decisions on my pup’s behalf. I am shying away from amantadine initially because my lab had a soccer ball sized tumor removed from her liver 2 years ago and liver values haven’t been the best since then. But I”m curious if you are planning any articles about Platelet Rich Plasma. We have an appointment with a specialist and I am searching for more information about it. Really hopeful that this will help our old girl stay comfortable.
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for the kind words about the articles! I am glad they have been helpful to you and your senior girl. I appreciate you taking the time to make a request for info on Platelet Rich Plasma. I am always on the hunt for new topics to address and research. Keep your eyes peeled for the articles that are released in July. I think you will be pleasantly surprised! I hope the specialist is able to find a treatment that works best for you and your sweet girl. Praying you have many happy days ahead to continue making memories together. ♥
Thanks so much, Dr. Buzby! I would love to hear your perspective on PRP!!! After consulting with our specialists, they recommended Shock Wave Therapy (requires anesthesia) and we actually went ahead and did it because Lucy had to have anesthesia anyway yesterday to remove an MCT (she beat Mast Cell Cancer 6 years ago). Not coming across much about Shock Wave Therapy either. But our vet seemed quite optimistic about it.
Hi Vivian,
Shock Wave Therapy is great! It can reach much deeper tissues than laser therapy. Let me know what you think about the results you see with this new treatment. I hope Lucy did well with anesthesia and the mass was removed easily. Wishing you both the best!
Hi there. My 5 yr old Great Pyr Hendrix was just diagnosed with Osteosarcoma…. Our guy doesn’t seem to be in pain, but seems very tired.. Not that he was such a hyper pup to begin with but you can tell the steroids and pain meds have slowed him down. He’s eating and going potty just fine. He was just diagnosed 5 days ago and has been on the meds a full 4 days. Our vet has him taking 8- 20 mg of Prednisone a day and 2- Amantadine. After 5 full days of the 8 Prednisone we drop down to 4 a day. Will these effects fade over time once his body adjust? We are so new to this and we’re just devastated. We appreciate any information you can provide us with. Thank you
Hi Cassie,
I am so sorry your big guy has received this tragic diagnosis. Yes, the effects of the prednisone will begin to decrease and eventually will not be effective anymore. Where is the cancerous lesion located? Is amputation or surgical removal an option for your pup? It might be a good idea to schedule a consultation with a veterinary oncologist. I will attach links to other articles with more information. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best choices for you and Hendrix. Praying he can keep fighting and gain some extra quality time with those he loves most. Bless you both. ♥
1. Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis
2. Prednisone for Dogs: 10 FAQs Answered
3. Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
4. The Myths and Misconceptions of Cancer in Dogs with Dr. Sue, Cancer Vet
My Lab recently started taking Amantadine and he has started to be lethargic and isn’t eating as much as usual. It seems like he’s gotten worse since he started taking it. He has arthritis and Hip Dysplasia and is also taking Gallaprant and Gabapentin. Is this normal behavior? Earlier this week he wouldn’t get up to go to the bathroom for over 20 hours. I was to the point of thinking I needed to let him go. He’s only 11 1/2 and has been very healthy other than the arthritis in his back legs. Does this sound normal to you or do you think I should stop giving it to him? He’s been taking it for almost a month.
Hi Angi,
You are right to be concerned with these new symptoms in your senior guy. Besides starting the amantadine, did you also recently start the Gabapentin? The reason I am asking is because sometimes when first starting a course of Gabapentin it can cause ataxia and wobbling and make a dog feel unsteady on their feet. I can imagine that if your dog is feeling dizzy and wobbly, he may not want to walk around much and might not have a good appetite. Here is a link to another article with additional information:Gabapentin Side Effects in Dogs Are Nothing to Fear
With that being said, I highly recommend you talk to your vet and let them know about these new worrisome symptoms. They may want to examine your pup and do some testing to make sure nothing new has popped up since his last evaluation. Your senior guy is lucky to have you in his life and advocating for his health and wellbeing. I hope he can find some relief soon and get back to living his best life. Best wishes!
My dog (Frenchie) recently had surgery for IVDD. He came home 3 days ago with pain medication. Amantadine being one of them, to be taken once every 24hrs. (50mg capsule) I mistakenly thought it was every 8 hrs, along with his other pain med!!! Have I poisoned my dog??!! He seems fine, however I can’t really say because side effects of a potential overdose are similar to how he is after surgery and will be over the next several weeks as he recovers and able to walk again. He did projectile vomit today out of nowhere. It was yellow liquid. His nurse believes that’s from all the anesthesia and stuff from surgery leaving his system. I am actually praying that was a side effect of having potentially too much amantadine! I am soooooo upset with myself for not realizing it was every 24 hours and NOT every 8 hrs!! So essentially I have given him 3 or more doses too many over the past 3 days!! Please advise! He has an appointment tomorrow morning with his vet! I’m just hoping to get a response here because I feel horrible!!
Hi Tina,
I understand your concern and worry about this medication mix-up. Please don’t beat yourself up too much as this could have happened to anyone. I hope your little guy is ok and received a clean bill of health from your vet on Wednesday. Just for future reference, you can always contact Animal Poison Control any time 24/7. Here is a link to the website with all the contact info:
Praying your Frenchie boy is resting comfortably at home and on the road to a complete recovery from his IVDD surgery.
Hi Doc,
I have a 88lbs yellow lab named Clancy. He will be 13 next month. He recently injured his right hind leg and was holding it up for the past couple days. The vet said blood work was good and xrays did not show any fractures. He has been taking gabapentin and galliprant for pain and inflammation. They put him on 100mg of amantadine (1-2 every 24hrs) Today was his 1st dose and tonight he will not move. When he stands up he will not walk and seems to stare off. He also is panting more then normal when he is uncomfortable. Im thinking of not giving him any more amantadine. Have you heard of this reaction before ?
Hi Patrick,
I am not familiar with that type of side effect while giving amantadine, although it could be possible. I recommend you call your vet and describe what you are seeing at home. After discussing your concerns, your vet may decide to change the dosage of some of the medications or discontinue them altogether. I am glad Clancy’s blood work was normal and his x-rays had no evidence of a fracture. I am curious to know if he just strained a ligament/tendon or pulled a muscle or if he could have torn a ligament in his knee. It may not be a bad idea to have Clancy evaluated by a veterinary orthopedic specialist. I hope you can get his medications adjusted so that he is comfortable. Wishing your sweet boy a quick and full recovery.
My baby girl Duchess, who was a 14 year old Newfoundland, was diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis over 3 years ago. Due to her age and being a giant breed, she was not a candidate for tie back surgery. I managed her condition with medication, she rarely had any breathing crisis’ and until the last 6 months of her life, her pain was well managed with gabapentin. Due to the progression of this horrible disease, Amantadine was added to help with her chronic pain/hind end weakness. This drug gave her so much quality of life for the last 6 months of her life. I wasn’t ready to lose her last week, and I will forever be heartbroken but I always told her I would not let her suffer. I was able to hold her until the very end. If anyone has ever loved a Newfoundland, you know they are truly an amazing dog. I hope she’s running around, chasing squirrels.
Dear Elizabeth,
My heart aches for you and the recent loss of your big girl. I have personally witnessed the tragic decline of a beloved dog struggling with GOLPP (geriatric onset of laryngeal paralysis and paresis) and there are just no words to describe it. I am glad the amantadine was able to give you 6 more quality months together to love on Duchess and make lasting memories. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I pray her memory will continue to be a blessing and I wish you comfort and happiness for the future.
Hi Dr Buzby,
our dog, 12 yo border collie x Smudge is on Onsior (NSAID) and about a month ago our vet recommended we add Amantadine to her regime to treat chronic arthritis. The Amantadine had an immediate effect – now she runs and sits and sometimes is up for a walk. However 2-3 times a week she vomits up her breakfast. We usually add her Amantadine tablet ( 100mg) to her breakfast. Might this be an Amantadine side effect or should I be looking for something more serious?
Thank you,
Justine
Brisbane, Australia
Hi Justine,
I am glad the Amantadine had such a positive effect in your senior pup. Since I haven’t examined Smudge myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. The vomiting could be a side effect of the Amantadine, but I am surprised that it doesn’t happen every time the medicine is given. It would be a good idea to talk to your vet about these symptoms. They may want to do some testing to rule out other more serious issues or start a new medication to help with the nausea. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Wishing Smudge many more happy days ahead.
Hi Dr Buzby- our dog, Bazooka- a lab/rottie / Dalmatian mix,has been diagnosed with a CCL tear in left hind leg. He has been seen by reg vet, rehab vet and a 3rd vet for recommendations. Surgery, we decided was too costly for his age of 10. I opted for rehab. He was initially prescribed 400 mg per day of Gabapentin for pain, Remadyl, Dasequin, fish oil and Vetriflex. The Gabapentin left him lethargic/ short labored breathing – just lying around. Under Vets care and my concern w this drug, we Lowered dose to 200 mg. He was staring into space. Switched to Amantadine once per day. Although, he seemed much better, after his underwater treadmill therapy, he was exhausted, possibly overworked but 2nd Amantadine was not helping- he would not move, stared past you, stood in yard non responsive. We are now on Tramadol as of today but your article suggests he may need both Gabapentin and Amantadine. Your thoughts? (By the way- I did not like giving human meds wh are for Parkinson’s or other symptoms unrelated to pain meds and carrying several lawsuits? Ie- Gabapentin, but I too, know I don’t have a clear understanding of how these meds assist in pain relief). Please share your thoughts and direction.
Joan
Hi Joan,
I am sorry your boy is having so much trouble with pain and medication side effects. Since I haven’t examined him myself, it is difficult to make specific conclusions and recommendations. I understand your concern with cost and surgery in a senior dog, but if medical management is causing more problems than solutions, it might be time to reconsider surgical correction. You could look into a consult with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon and get their recommendations. Amantadine functions by helping other pain medications work better and so is best paired with other medicines of which gabapentin is an option. Tramadol is a good choice, and I am sure the carprofen (Rimadyl) is helping as well. Some gabapentin side effects that are seen when the medication is first initiated do gradually resolve over a period of days to weeks as the body adjusts. I will attach a link to another article that may offer additional information. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for and make the best decisions for you and Bazooka. I wish you both the best.
Gabapentin Side Effects in Dogs Are Nothing to Fear
Hi my name is Sherri we have a white boxer his name is Patch. About 2 weeks ago he started limping and turning his back foot under we took him to the vet and he seemed to think it was just damaged Ed tissue. So they put him on Carprofen and pain meds Gabapentin. It worked for 8 days and then strange started limping on front leg and back leg was fine. So kept with same meds just stronger. Exactly 8 days again back leg and front was fine. My husband took him back to the vet and they put him on dasquin but suggested seeing neurologist. But before they left the vet she gave him Amandine. One dose a day 75 mg. And still give him Carprofen 75mg and the dash Quinn. My husband said at vet he would not even get up. But she my husband went back to work I put Patch on his leash and walked him as we do he limped some but continued to feel better. Today he is hardly limping. He likes to get in the couch with us but he does like his bed. We were unable to get him in neurologist but he had Patch’s records they wanted too charge us 8,000.00 just to run test and consult with us. Racket that was before the MRI. Your thoughts. Sherri
Hi Sherri,
I am sorry Patch is having such a hard time. It can be so tough to watch them struggle when you are doing everything you can to help. It sounds like the neurologist is wanting to do some higher-level testing? Of course the MRI would help rule out a ruptured disk, tumor, or other issue affecting the spinal cord that could need surgery. Also, they may be wanting to do lab work to check for a tick-borne disease or cancerous process. Just remember that you have the final say in how much or how little testing is done. You can always request to start with smaller/more simple testing and treatment first that may be more in line with your budget. Be honest with the veterinary staff about your concerns, especially financial concerns. Sometimes your general practice veterinarian can start some of the initial testing under the guidance of the neurologist to help make things more affordable. I hope you can find the answers you need to help restore Patch’s quality of life. Praying for peace for your heart as you navigate this difficult road ahead. If you have time, keep us updated on how Patch is feeling!
My dog Peshmerga is a 12 year old giant breed Turkish Kangal. He has disabling arthritis in right side joints front and back where Lyme disease attacked years ago. I use Encore Mobility (which my vet loves), curcumin, anchovies, Carprofen, Adequan subcutaneous injection every 10 days, laser therapy, chiro and accupuncture. Per you suggestion we use a Help ‘Em Up harness when he goes for his short walks twice a day in case his hip collapses. He lets us know he is happy, playful to the degree he can be, and joyously hungry! He still wants to be here despite the challenges. We added Amantadine (200 mg once a day) just this week. Is it normal to see changes in gait? He seems to have lost some proprioperception in his hind end. If so, will this get worse or better if he stays on this med? Thank you. You have been so important to us in giving our beloved big guy a better quality of life.
Hi Alicia,
It sounds like you are doing everything you can for your big boy. He is lucky to share his life with you and have you as such an amazing advocate. I am not aware of decreased proprioception or ataxia being a side effect of amantadine. I did some extra research and found that in rare cases it could be a sign of amantadine toxicity. I highly recommend you call your vet as soon as possible and tell them about this new symptom. They may be able to adjust the dosage or want to discontinue the medication altogether. I really appreciate all the kind words and thank you for sharing your experience with us! I wish you and Peshmerga the best. ♥
Hi! My dog is a Morkie, he has had surgery on both back legs a few years ago. Every once in a while he hurts them by overdoing some thing. His vet just put him on the liquid amantadine for 21 days. I Wasn’t told what the medicine was for or why he was taking it for 21 days. My question is this how do I get it in him because we can’t get him to swallow the liquid he spits it right out thank you
Hi Mollie,
Sorry you are having trouble medicating your dog. You can try using a medicine dropper to squirt a small amount of water into his mouth following the medication to encourage him to swallow. You may need one person to hold your dog while the other gives the medication and the water. You can also try tilting his head up after giving the medication to let gravity help carry it down for him to swallow. You can also try mixing the liquid into a small amount of canned food. The problem with adding it to food is if he doesn’t eat all of the food, he will not get his full dose of the medication. If these ideas don’t help, I recommend you talk to your vet. They may be able to switch to a pill version of the medicine or have the medication flavored by a compounding pharmacy. Best wishes and good luck!
Our Sheltie has elbow arthritis that has been quite disabling. He is currently on Galliprant, Gabapentin, Amantadine, and Adequan injections – quite the regimen. Adding Amantadine to his regimen about a year ago has helped him a lot. He was at the point of not wanting to walk at all, We saw improvement within a month. We use the liquid with him. We started with a compounded capsule (his dosage was too small for the standard capsules) but he threw up the capsules within an hour at least half of the time. He tolerates the liquid just fine.
Hi Kathy,
It is hard to watch our beloved dogs suffer and feel helpless to stop their pain. I am glad to hear the medications have helped improve your Sheltie’s quality of life. Thank you for sharing your positive outcome with us! Best wishes to you and your senior guy.
My dog has severe arthritis in her elbow and both shoulders. She takes 50 mg per day (1/2 of a 100 mg pill) of Deramaxx. She’s not feeling better. My vet said there are a series of shots they can start but I haven’t been back in yet to see what the effects and cost is. Then I saw your article about this medicine and I wondered if I need to ask my vet first before we take her off her current meds and switch to this or injections? Any thoughts so I can get her feeling better? Thanks.
Dear Martha,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Sorry to hear your dog suffers with severe arthritis and isn’t getting as much relief from the Deramaxx as she needs. The good news is that there are a wide variety of medications and therapies that can be helpful for dogs with arthritis. You can learn more in my article, Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know Many of these dogs do need a combination approach. I would recommend following up with your vet to find out more about the injections he or she is suggesting and to ask him or her if amantadine would be a good option for her. It is quite possible that she might end up staying on the Deramaxx plus the injections plus another pain medications such as tramadol, gabapentin, or amantadine. Without being able to see her, I can’t say for sure exactly what combination of meds and therapy would be best for her. However, I am confident that your vet can help you find some good options. I do also want to recommend our supplement Encore Mobility. It does a great job of reducing inflammation and improving joint health in dogs with arthritis. I hope that your pup is feeling better soon!
Hi Dr Buzby,
My 13 y/o German Shepherd been suffering from Degenerative Myopathy for the past 3 years. The last few days his back legs finally gave out. He’s trying so hard to walk 5-10 feels and is so wobbly and he’s basically walking on his hock. Using hardness to help him with outside to go to the bathroom. He’s on Adequan every 2 weeks, gets pool therapy every week, on Deramaxx twice a day, egg white protein, 2 Cosequin twice a day. Gave him Gabapentin yesterday morning and had more trouble walking outside. Made him more drowsy. Gets light therapy 4 X day. Please help me with any other recommendations. He’s my Service Dog and my Hero!! Thank you!
Dear Cheryl,
I understand your concern for your Shepherd boy and wanting to find new possible treatments to help prolong his life. It sounds like you have tried just about everything. I am glad you have been such an amazing advocate for his wellbeing. Unfortunately, since degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease, there will be a day when therapies just don’t work anymore. I am hoping you are not at that point. The only other thing I can think of that might offer a benefit would be acupuncture. I hope you can find a solution that works for you and your sweet boy. I know it can be difficult to talk about quality of life and letting go, but I feel it is important to start thinking about your wishes for his last days. Sometimes saying goodbye is the most loving option. Wishing you the best and praying for comfort for you and your senior guy.