Oh man, it's been a while since I've been here!
Short version: Baytril might be upsetting Copper's stomach. So, neuro vet told me to give pepcid. Forgot to get some, so I gave him tagamet I keep on hand for them since my regular vet usually recommends it. He seems fine with it and is running around defending the fort.
So what's the difference between pepcid and tagamet for dogs?
Long version:
Copper's having hind end problems. Knuckling over and occasionally walking on the tops of his feet, dropping his haunches, crossing his legs, stepping on his own feet, some falling. He can move well when he's trotting or cantering and has some momentum. Neuro specialist thinks it's not age related (Copper's now 13), but that there's an infection deep in his spine. Bloodwork shows nothing, including no white cell elevation though this can happen apparently with this kind of problem. MRI shows no disc problem. Something is visible on Xrays, but they show no change in the area in question over several months, so it's probably not a tumor. This also means it's not as likely to be Degenerative Myelelitis, though it may be underlying. And the area does hurt when the vet presses it. He's seen this with brucellosis, but Copper tests negative. Over 3 months on Keflex, no better, no worse, no change. So, we try Baytril for now to try a different spectrum. Tried it before, but Copper got pretty grumpy. So, hopefully it was just his stomach and pepcid or tagamet will make the difference.
Wish us luck! Hope you're all doing well!
Tagamet vs Pepcid for dogs
Tagamet vs Pepcid for dogs
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend:and inside a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx
-- Groucho Marx
Re: Tagamet vs Pepcid for dogs
I use Pepcid because it is more convenient to dose for my little dogs. I've also used Zantac and didn't notice a big difference. Some of the drugs also affect intestinal motility...
JMM -- JaMi Maltese -- Dust Mops with Drive
Re: Tagamet vs Pepcid for dogs
No answers ...but is nice to see you LM- I still have the pics you sent of your beautiful pups. Hope the treatment works well for Copper .
Re: Tagamet vs Pepcid for dogs
Thank you, both of you. The Tagamet seems to be working, he's not nearly so grumpy as last time I tried Baytril. But I was almost out, so I did pick up some Pepcid today as the neuro vet suggested and will try that starting tonight. Now if I can just get him to quit being picky about the wet food I give it to him in, and will totally refuse a meal if it's the wrong one. Dang dog thinks he's a finicky cat 
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend:and inside a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx
-- Groucho Marx