anniemac
Well-known member
I just got a call back from Elton's vet. He said he consulted with his neurologist and they both agree that cimetidine will not do what prilosec will in reducing the CSF fluid. He said to start on that and then try Lyrica (which he said is expensive, which I know). He then mentioned steroids.
I found this on Rod's website http://www.cavalierhealth.org/syringomyelia.htm (I hope you don't mind the quote.
"Neurologists have been prescribing cimetidine (Tagamet, Zitac), which is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist -- an antihistamine. Histamine contributes to inflammation and causes smooth muscles to constrict. Cimetidine is diffused into the cerebrospinal fluid and reportedly may contribute to reducing the flow of CSF. When taken with gabapentin, cimetidine also reportedly may increase the amount of gabapentin in the blood by decreasing its elimination. Therefore, when taken together, the dosages may require adjustment."
I have already talked about switching and making an appointment with the neurologist here. I would much rather work with a neurologist than this vet. However, I would like to know more about the differences in these two drugs. Something is definately going on with him. It's hard to "break up" with Ella's/Elton's neurologist but I think it's better to say that I just can't make it for appointments out of town. I am going to ask the vet for a referral but I hope he does not take it as I don't trust his opinion (which I don't because he is not a neurologist).
Anyway, can someone point me to any research? I know it is on Clare's treatment algorithm. Karlin, you also mentioned that it may do better with CM dogs. Do you know why? I am at a loss and I don't want to push a drug if they say not to but I have read on forums that many people give this to their cavaliers/some give prilosec.
Thank you
I found this on Rod's website http://www.cavalierhealth.org/syringomyelia.htm (I hope you don't mind the quote.
"Neurologists have been prescribing cimetidine (Tagamet, Zitac), which is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist -- an antihistamine. Histamine contributes to inflammation and causes smooth muscles to constrict. Cimetidine is diffused into the cerebrospinal fluid and reportedly may contribute to reducing the flow of CSF. When taken with gabapentin, cimetidine also reportedly may increase the amount of gabapentin in the blood by decreasing its elimination. Therefore, when taken together, the dosages may require adjustment."
I have already talked about switching and making an appointment with the neurologist here. I would much rather work with a neurologist than this vet. However, I would like to know more about the differences in these two drugs. Something is definately going on with him. It's hard to "break up" with Ella's/Elton's neurologist but I think it's better to say that I just can't make it for appointments out of town. I am going to ask the vet for a referral but I hope he does not take it as I don't trust his opinion (which I don't because he is not a neurologist).
Anyway, can someone point me to any research? I know it is on Clare's treatment algorithm. Karlin, you also mentioned that it may do better with CM dogs. Do you know why? I am at a loss and I don't want to push a drug if they say not to but I have read on forums that many people give this to their cavaliers/some give prilosec.
Thank you