Rimadyl and Arthritis

Rimadyl (carprofenl), produced by Pfizer, is used in pain management for dogs with arthritis. This is prescribed by veterinarians and should be monitored for potential side effects. Watch for vomiting and diarrhea and loss of appetite as warnings of potential liver or kidney impacts. Many dogs improve with Rimadyl; others have experienced serious or life-threatening reactions. Labrador retrievers are sometimes more sensitive to Rimadyl.

  1. Indications

    • Dogs may show signs of arthritis with normal aging. Look for other signs such as tiring of play, limping and reluctance to engage in otherwise usual activities, such as going up hills and stairs. Signs of distress or pain may suggest that a check for arthritis is indicated. Veterinarians often prescribe Rimadyl for pain management of canine arthritis. This will help the dog stay active, and in turn will help to reduce the impacts of arthritis.

    Rimadyl Controversy

    • Pet owners report both successful outcomes and toxic reactions when using Rimadyl. Pfizer has issued more information on when the drug is and is not appropriate for pets. Ask your veterinarian about this and about monitoring liver function during use. Dogs with a history of liver disease or currently using steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should not take Rimadyl.

    Considerations

    • Consider risk versus benefit to the dog's quality of life. Ask your veterinarian about her experience with the drug. Pfizer provides a protocol for prescreening and one for monitoring for side effects. Insist that this be part of your pet's treatment. Ask for baseline screening tests and for the minimal therapeutic dosage. Monitoring the dog's appetite, stool abnormality, water consumption and activity level is a good way to notice early symptoms of trouble. Monitor the improvements as well. Dogs may show more eagerness to play and better mobility. The drug should always be administered with food.

    Alternatives

    • Exercise your dog within limits indicated by performance or by your veterinarian. Encourage loss of any excess weight as well. Consider alternative medicines and supplements such as glucosamine and chrondroitin. Try several approaches if you do not see results with initial efforts. Some owners report good results with MSN. Consider other NSAIDs as well.

    Report Adverse Reactions

    • Pfizer has established a hotline for owners using Rimadyl (800-366-5288). The FDA also collects this information, and owners can access this resource as well (888-FDA-VETS). Keep a diary of your observations and act quickly if you become concerned about adverse effects.