Facts About Rimadyl
Information About Rimadyl Pain Medication for Dogs
What is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed specifically for canine use. Veterinarians have been prescribing this medication for pain control since 1997. The common daily dosage is 2mg of Rimadyl per pound of dog weight.
A Warning to Pet Owners
Rimadyl may damage a dog's digestive tract, liver or kidneys, according to Pfizer Animal Health. Other possible side effects of this medication include vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
From 1997 to 2000, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of 1,000 dogs that died or were euthanized after taking Rimadyl, according to an article by Chris Adams of The Wall Street Journal. An additional 7,000 pet owners complained to the FDA their pets had "bad reactions" after taking Rimadyl.
Benefits of the Medication
Rimadyl can control inflammation and reduce pain for dogs. This will encourage the dog to be more active, maintain its weight, slow the progress of arthritis and heal faster from surgeries.
My Personal Experience
After receiving a bottle of prescription Rimadyl for my dog with arthritis, I researched the product thoroughly. Personally, I didn't feel comfortable giving this medication to my pet; the Rimadyl went into the garbage. I now medicate my dog with over the counter dog-grade aspirin on occasion and have him examined annually by a veterinarian for any health changes.
The dog is now 7 years old, happy, healthy and as mobile as the day we brought him home six and half years ago.
Sources and Suggested Further Reading:
Pfizer Animal Health, "Managing Pain with Rimadyl", Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, "Frequently Asked Questions", Pfizer Animal Health
Mike Richards, DVM, "Medication-Rimadyl", VetInfo
Chris Adams, "Dog Logic: Most Arthritic Dogs Do Very Well On This Pill, Except Ones That Die ", Dog Logic
Pfizer Animal Health, "Product Information", Pfizer Animal Health
###
Published by Angela Tague
Angela Tague has worked in news writing and photography since 1998. After attaining a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Iowa, Tague's journalism career has led to positions at two... View profile
Arthritis in Dogs - There is Currently No Cure for but You Can Give Your...Review the different solutions available. See the dangers of some of the drugs used to treat arthritis in dogs.- Wellbutrin XL: An Overview of the Use, Side Effects and ContraindicationsFor millions of Americans, the non-compliance is a depression treatment program involves the side effects of prescription medication. Of these side effects, the most common complaint involves decreased libido and th...
- Albuterol Inhaler Side EffectsI am a mild asthmatic. I'm also a Police Officer, this means I needed a rescue inhaler that wouldn't have wierd side effects. Albuterol wasn't it for me.
- Grief Therapy for Pet OwnersPet owners may find little sympathy when grieving over the death of a pet from friends or family. But help is available for those needing help surviving the grieving process.
- Class-Action Suit Filed by Pet Owners Over Tainted FoodMenu Foods, Inc. will be defending themselves over its recent recall of dangerous pet food. Menu Foods offers its condolences to pet owners.
- The Side Effects of Rimadyl for Dogs
- How T.E.N.S Can Provide Pain Relief Without Pain-Relieving Drugs
- First Drug Treat Obesity in Dogs
- Tricks for Giving Your Dog Medicine
- Human Medications You Can Give Your Dog
- Your Dog's Pain Medications and Muscle Relaxants: Dangerous to Humans
- Canine Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
- How to Get Your Pet to Take Medicines: www.associatedcontent.com/article/6057998/how_to_get_your_pet_to_take_medicine.html?c
- Mistletoe Poisoning and Pets: www.associatedcontent.com/article/6023860/mistletoe_poisoning_and_pets.html?cat=53
- Is Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?: www.associatedcontent.com/article/5783818/is_pumpkin_safe_for_dogs.html?cat=53
- Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
6 Comments
Post a CommentRecently a news report stated that there is no positive proof that glucosamine was helpful in treating arthritis. I have seen proof positive in my border collie, who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 18 mos. of age - when he became lame after running or doing flyball practice. After getting on a glucosamine/chondroiton regimine, he was able to continue working and never hopped again.
Mike, thank you for recommending some natural supplements. We have used glucosamine & chrondroiton in the past. I need to get back to giving my dog a daily supplement. Thank you for the great tips!
Fabulous! =0)
thanks for this update for those of us who love our pets :)
BTW, these supplements were prescribed by the vet after my wife refused the Rimadyl.
We gave our dog with arthhritis the following: Cod Liver Oil, Glucosamine, with Arnica pills, for severe pain. It seemed to work well for her for many years.