Morphine
Morphine is a powerful painkiller that can also be used in dogs. It belongs to the opioids, a group of substances that act on certain receptors in the brain and spinal cord and thus reduce the sensation of pain. Morphine is mainly used for acute and chronic pain caused by injuries, operations or diseases such as cancer. But how exactly does morphine work in dogs? What advantages and disadvantages does it have? And what should you look out for when giving your dog morphine? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about morphine for dogs.
How does morphine work in dogs?
Morphine is a natural component of opium, which is extracted from the milky sap of the opium poppy plant. It can be administered as tablets, capsules, drops, suppositories or injections. Depending on the dosage form, the effect of morphine sets in after a few minutes to an hour and lasts for several hours. Morphine binds to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system and thus inhibits the transmission of pain signals. It also influences the release of messenger substances such as dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for well-being and mood. Morphine therefore not only relieves pain, but also has a calming and mood-enhancing effect in dogs.
What are the benefits of morphine for dogs?
Morphine is one of the most effective painkillers for dogs. It can help with severe pain that can be caused by a number of different things. For example, it can be used after surgery or accidents to protect the dog from pain shocks and promote recovery. Morphine can also improve the dog's quality of life in cases of chronic pain caused by diseases such as osteoarthritis or cancer. Morphine can also be used in combination with other medications to enhance their effects or reduce their side effects. For example, it can be given together with anesthetics to reduce the dose needed or to ease the recovery phase.
What are the disadvantages of morphine for dogs?
Morphine is a very strong drug that can also have some side effects. The most common are nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, tiredness and apathy. Some dogs may also become restless or anxious or have hallucinations. Morphine can also affect breathing and circulation and lead to low blood pressure or a slowed heart rate. In rare cases, allergic reactions or seizures may also occur. Morphine can also be addictive if given over a long period of time or in high doses. This means that the dog will need more and more morphine to achieve the same effect or that it will show withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.
What should you watch out for when giving your dog morphine?
Morphine is a prescription drug that can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. You should follow your vet's instructions exactly and never change the dose or frequency of administration or stop it without authorization. You should have your dog examined regularly and watch out for possible side effects.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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