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Product Review
Rimadyl: Paid Relief Medication for Osteoarthritis in Dogs
In various sections of the website I write about arthritis, hip
dysplasia, the great technological advances in veterinary medicine,
etc. In this product review I would like to tie a few of those subjects
together.
Arthritis (also called Osteoarthritis) is usually associated with
the hips and hip dysplasia in the larger breed dogs. But the fact
is our canine companions can form arthritis anywhere there is a
joint; in their knees, ankles, elbows, back, neck, etc. The good
news is, unlike a decade ago, we very rarely have to euthanize pets
because of pain anymore. When I began my veterinary career each
year we would have to put a few German Shepherds to sleep who were
perfectly alert, obedient, loving pets, but they were so painful
and often times incontinent that we had to do the humane yet sorrowful
thing.
It seems that every five years or so there is a pharmacological
breakthrough that brings us some hope. I would like to think that
Rimadyl (generic name Carprofen) is one of those breakthrough drugs.
Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (listed as a NSAID,
same as the designation in human medicine) that was made for the
relief of osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
This drug has received a lot of publicity in the last year, both
good and bad. It has received good reviews for its pain relief and
bad reviews because it has been linked to some deaths, particularly
in Labrador Retrievers. Well, as always, this is the place for me
to write was is my personal opinion. Please take it as such:
Rimadyl, used appropriately, is one of the best medications to
come along for osteoarthritis in the last 10 years.
Rimadyl has, in my experience, brought great pain relief to hundreds
of animals and given many of them a new lease on life. Every medication
has some side effects. Rimadyl can be tough on some dog's livers
and kidneys, and can cause some stomach upsets. But these are the
very infrequent exceptions. If you read the package insert of any
medication, you will find that most have some sort of adverse reaction
in rare instances and Rimadyl is no different. Pfizer, the maker
of Rimadyl, has done a very thorough job of working with the veterinary
community to document adverse reactions and attempt to quantify
them. They have shown a true commitment to monitoring the safety
and efficacy of this drug, something you often don't see done by
the large pharmaceutical companies. I am bringing up these points
because there was a lot of media attention given to a few cases
of fatalities that were potentially associated with this drug and
I want to be sure the truth, as I see it, gets out there.
- Rimadyl is a great medication for relieving pain in our dogs.
- Your veterinarian should be sure, if they are going to have your
dog on Rimadyl for any extended length of time, that they evaluate
kidney and liver values via bloodwork at the beginning of the therapy.
- If the Rimadyl is working, have your pet's bloodwork checked every
3 months to monitor for any adverse reactions.
- If you notice any upset stomachs other abnormalities, be sure
and alert your veterinarian.
Rimadyl is a terrific drug. Work closely with your veterinarian
to use the medication safely, and you and your dog will be forever
grateful. And if you do experience an outward reaction, let Pfizer
know. They have a real interest in helping you and your pet use
Rimadyl as effectively and successfully as they can. As always,
please send me any specific questions you may have.
Dr. Larry
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