Rimadyl

[Guest Anonymous]

Everyone remember Kaiser, my rottie neighbor that I dog sat over Christmas?

Kaiser is 6. He's had surgery on his knee in the past.

He has a prescription for Rimadyl to use as needed.

I've sent Kaiser's mom the websites that Hobbit posted, and she was very concerned.

Kaiser rarely gets Rimadyl. As a matter of fact, his prescription is 2.5 yrs old.

Can anyone give me some alternatives to Rimadyl that I can tell his mom about?

THANK YOU!

[imported_Foster]

I give my acd rimadyl periodically with no side effects so far. All we need to do is take her in periodically for bloodwork but the vets don't think that there is much to worry about since she only gets it rarely.

But for alternatives, Ascriptin (?) seems to work great.

[Hobbit]

Meloxicam >> still has some of the side effects of Rimadyl.

Butorphanol >> Morphine derivative; DEA regulated.

[Guest Anonymous]

Thank you!

[Kiger]

I've heard it depends on the breed which is weird. I know you aren't supposed to give it to Labs. My Schnauzer has been on it for years with no problems.

[RescuerAndVetTech]

Rimadyl is a womderful drug that has helped many a dogs.
It can be used on all breeds, so whoever said Labs can't take it etc, is wrong.
It has no been recently approved to use the drug also as a post op pain relief. I've noticed a big difference with animals who were given the post op Rimadyl, over those who aren't on it post op.

However, there is one side effect that is fairly common. Diarrhea. Unfortuantely it can cause that in some dogs, which in turn need to be taken off it, or at least given smaller doses less frequently. Other than that it is a wonderful drug, even though it is expensive :o

[Horsefeathers!]

One of the relief vets that used to work with us called the stuff "Rima-kill" and would not prescribe it when she could get out of it. She was thoroughly opposed to the widespread use of it. I never did really find out what her opposition was, but now I wish I'd paid more attention.

On the other hand, my Lab did take it for a very short time for pain control after his FHO surgery with no ill effects. I know I'd never use it longterm (but then I'm not much of a pill pusher, myself).

Anyway, it's just interesting to read the diversity in professional opinions. My primary vet is a fan of Rimadyl... it was one of HIS relief vets that was adamantly opposed to the widespread use of it, calling it "Rima-kill."

Funny, huh?

[imported_Cassie]

I have in the past used Metacam, which is simular to Rimadyl...when my Rottweiler was diagnosed with HD....I only gave it when she was in pain, but it can ruin the dogs liver over long term use.

I now give my dog Yucca (you can purchase at most health food stores) which helps relieve inflamed joints in animals with arthritis and other rheumatiod diseases. It is also thought to aid in the assimilation of important minerals and vitamins by promoting increased passage of critical nutrients through the intestinal walls...I use the powdered root and use a very small amount, as too much can cause a reverse effect. I do use other supplements (Glucosamin/chondroitin for the HD)....

my problem with pain killers such as Rimadyl & metacam besides the side effects is that they mask pain, and the dog will go back to the very same activivity that led to injury in the first place.

[mouseatthebusstop]

I HAVE SAID THIS BEFORE POPPY IS ON RIMADYL SHE HAS BEEN ON IT FOR OVER THREE YEARS. WITHOUT IT SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN PTS FOR THE PAIN SHE WAS IN. SHE'S 12 YEARS 8 MONTHS WHICH IS VERY OLD FOR A SHAR-PEI. SHE IS THE ELDEST IN THE UK, UNLESS ANYONE KNOWS DIFFERENT