Rimadyl Side Effects in Dogs

Rimadyl is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug for dogs that is administered once a day. This drug provides pain relief due to "canine arthritis, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery," according to the official Rimadyl website. However, Rimadyl can also cause serious side effects.

  1. Liver Damage

    • Rimadyl will cause liver damage in some dogs, according to Vetinfo.com. A veterinarian should do blood work to assess liver values prior to administering this drug.

    Stomach Ulceration

    • Rimadyl can cause stomach ulceration and rupture of the stomach. These can all prove fatal to the dog.

    Kidney Problems

    • The drug can cause reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Rimadyl could cause kidney failure in dogs that already have renal problems.

    Platelet Deactivation

    • Platelets control clotting action in the blood. Rimadyl can cause platelets to stop working.

    Other Side Effects

    • Rimadyl can also cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea in dogs. These symptoms can also be signs of hepatopathy, a type of liver disease.