Rimadyl (carprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. It is most often prescribed for older dogs with arthritis symptoms. In dogs with severe pain, the drug can relieve symptoms and provide an improved quality of life. But the drug has several side effects that make it inappropriate for certain dogs. The pain-relieving benefits should be weighed against the significant side effects when making the decision to begin a course of Rimadyl treatment.
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History
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Introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in 1997, Rimadyl quickly became one of the most popular canine medications in the country. The drug was aggressively marketed and sold, and by early 2000, over 5 millions dogs were taking Rimadyl. Most dog owners were very happy with the results, feeling that their dogs were more active and in less pain.
Warning Signs
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Within one year of the launch of Rimadyl, reports began to filter in about adverse reactions in dogs. At the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, 39 percent of the adverse drug reports involved Rimadyl. The FDA advised Pfizer to add more warnings to its packaging and warn doctors of the potential hazards. Many dog lovers believe that initial testing of Rimadyl was inadequate. According to the FDA website, "pre-approval studies for Rimadyl included a clinical trial involving 297 dogs administered either the drug or a placebo for 14 days." It was a very small and short study for such a heavily marketed and prescribed drug.
Symptoms of Adverse Reaction
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Initially, the signs of an adverse reaction to Rimadyl include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. There may be diarrhea or black, tarry stools. Some dogs begin consuming large amounts of water. Your dog may begin to urinate more frequently and have accidents in the house. As the condition progresses, there may be behavior changes like aggression, confusion and lethargy. Her skin and eyes may begin to yellow as jaundice sets in. Seizures, paralysis and death may follow.
Statistics
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It is estimated that of the 5 million dogs that took Rimadyl within the first two years, 1,500 died or were euthanized, but this number may be much higher. Many of the dogs were older and their deaths unattributed to anything but old age. Further, many dog owners and veterinarians were not aware of the fatal effects of the drug, and may have inadvertently misdiagnosed the side effects. Over 10,000 were reported to have experienced negative side effects, but again, the number may be low due to lack of information. The Senior Dog Project estimates that the number may be as high as 47,000.
Recovery
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If the signs and symptoms of Rimadyl toxicity are caught early, your dog can recover. Complete discontinuation of the drug at the first sign of a reaction is the best course of action. Your veterinarian should be taking blood tests to confirm that the kidneys are functioning well. If symptoms progress beyond nausea and vomiting to the jaundice stage, recovery becomes less assured. If your dog suffers a seizure or other dangerous reaction while taking Rimadyl, inform emergency personnel that he is taking the drug so they can treat accordingly.
Prevention
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Before administering Rimadyl to your dog, be sure your veterinarian performs a complete blood screen. Some breeds like Labrador retrievers are more prone to adverse reactions to the drug. If your dog has any known liver or kidney problems or a bleeding disorder, do not use Rimadyl. Insist on followup blood work every few months, and be sure to inform your veterinarian of any other drugs or supplements that your dog is taking.
Future
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The future of Rimadyl remains unclear. It has its place in the treatment of severe osteoarthritis, and if monitored and administered correctly, it can improve and extend the life of dogs. But there are other, safer supplements available that can offer relief from inflammation and pain. Consider glucosamine and chondroitin, two natural supplements that support cartilage and joint function. Use prescription pain relievers only when absolutely needed.
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