Wobbliness (ataxia) after Tramadol in dogs

168 reports to the FDA describe wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs given Tramadol. That is 4.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

168Reports
66%Marked serious
24%Recovered
25%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
31 23%
1–2 days
23 17%
3–7 days
10 7.5%
1–4 weeks
32 24%
Over a month
37 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
39 23%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
62 37%
Died
17 10%
Euthanised
25 15%
Not known
24 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
24
8–11 years
68
12+ years
65

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Tramadol cause wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?
168 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 8 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Tramadol in dogs · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)