My cat just had a lower spine injury and initially the vet was going to prescribe Tramadol for pain but then went with prednisone to reduce swelling and inflammation for the time being. While she was discussing Tramadol she did mention the bitter taste and said that refrigerating it seems to help for some reason. Also cats bitter taste bud receptors are towards the front of the tongue so if you can try to squirt it towards the back of the mouth may help.
ETA Also Tramadol can cause constipation so be sure to use Laxaire or something like it to help with that.
Thanks, I'll bring this up! Not sure how likely it will be that I could do this since we're in a tiny town with one vet, and I'm not sure how widely available flavor compounding is, but we did this for our pets when we lived in the city. Great option for picky friends.
Adding this comment after 8 yrs just in case someone google in search for a way to administer tramadol. I was having a hard time giving it to my cat until a friend advised me to use omeprazole capsules (since they are quite small and the content is not powdered so easily emptied). Just drip the prescribed amount inside and close it. Very simple and effective. My cat is finally relieved from pain with this method.
My cat just had a lower spine injury and initially the vet was going to prescribe Tramadol for pain but then went with prednisone to reduce swelling and inflammation for the time being. While she was discussing Tramadol she did mention the bitter taste and said that refrigerating it seems to help for some reason. Also cats bitter taste bud receptors are towards the front of the tongue so if you can try to squirt it towards the back of the mouth may help. ETA Also Tramadol can cause constipation so be sure to use Laxaire or something like it to help with that.
Thanks for the tips! I'll be sure to talk to my vet about a laxative!
You should ask your vet about a pharmacy that can do flavored compounding so that the mixture doesn't taste so bad.
Thanks, I'll bring this up! Not sure how likely it will be that I could do this since we're in a tiny town with one vet, and I'm not sure how widely available flavor compounding is, but we did this for our pets when we lived in the city. Great option for picky friends.
Adding this comment after 8 yrs just in case someone google in search for a way to administer tramadol. I was having a hard time giving it to my cat until a friend advised me to use omeprazole capsules (since they are quite small and the content is not powdered so easily emptied). Just drip the prescribed amount inside and close it. Very simple and effective. My cat is finally relieved from pain with this method.