Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Friends!!
My onco started Buddy on Rimadyl about 2 weeks ago. He strained his left hind leg during the snow storm. It has worked BEAUTIFULLY! Is there any reason that I can't just keep him on it daily? Anyone have experience with this? It just seems that he is more able to do longer walks and get up on furniture easily both of which he really enjoys.
Thanks for any advice!
Xoxo
Julie and Buddy
Hey Jilie and Buddy!
First, I just happen to know that Buddy is having a FOUR MONTH AMPUVERSARY!!!!! If it was supposed to be a secret...OOPS!!! Okay....shhh....I won't tell anybody! So everybody....please disregard that FOUR MONTH AMPUVERSARY FOR BUDDY statement!
Now, as far as the Rimadyl. You KNOW we aren't vets so you KNOW we won't answer that! I can share some first hand experience //information though! When Frankie decided to eat a whole bottle of Merry Myrtle's Rimadyl, I learned a lot!!! Rimadyl can harm organs, liver, etc. Some dogs can have a bad reaction with just a few doses and some can have issues with long term use and some can have no issues at all!!
Again, just my firsthand experience. I am not a vet and not giving veterinary advice. Check with yiur vet!! Many of my dogs have been on Rimadyl for short term, just a couple of weeks, or longer term, a couple of months or more! . When on for a longer time, my vet would do occasional blood work to check liver and kidneys, etc. If I recall, the vet sometimes prescribed Metacam (Meloxicam) for specific dogs if he thought the Rimadyl may harm them because of other things they may have had going on at the time.
REALLY glad to hear it has made such a positive difference! YAY FOR BUDDY!! Keep on rockin' Buddy!
Much love!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
I think you'll find that, after checking with your vet he'll keep Buddy on it.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hi Julie and Buddy. Again as Sally said we're not vets but I will share my experience with you. My Ollie is a 16 1/2 year old husky/Sheperd mix. He's been on Rimadyl for almost 5 years due to some arthritis. Until late last year he was once daily but he's now on 1 every 12 hours for a twice daily dose. They do blood tests on him once a year and his numbers are wonderful so far even at 16. I don't think he'd still be able to be with us without the rimadyl because at 16 of course he has some joint and arthritis issues. Every time I think he's going to start going backward he surprises me and stays his happy self. He's like the energizer bunny. I know his time will probably be coming soon but as long as I can keep him out of pain and he has quality days and interacts I'm happy. So he's tolerated the rimadyl very well.....I feel very lucky he has.
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
Good job Ollie !! 
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Yay Buddy! Glad to hear it's working so well. Like Sally said, this is a vet question but we can share our experience....
First, NSAIDS are truly a Godsend and many dogs are on it long term, but like any drug they have risks. Stay on top of your vet to do labwork at least 2x yearly (for an older dog it's a must) to ensure the Rimadyl isn't damaging his liver. Your vet should have gone over this with you but remember to watch for things like loose, mucousy or black, tarry stools, as this could indicate a stomach ulcer. Just as humans shouldn't take Ibuprophen every day for years and years, it's the same for dogs, it can do a number on the gut.
Jerry took Rimadyl and it made him nauseated. We switched to Previcox when trying to find out what his limp was all about (which turned out to be the osteo), and it ripped a hole in his intestines. We were furious that the vet never told us about the risks, or warning signs, so I appreciate the opportunity to tell you. When he was on Metronomics we found that Metacam was just right for him, and he was on it for almost a year without any issues. So sometimes it just takes finding the right NSAID if one isn't working. Just watch for those warning signs and do the bloodwork.
Go Buddy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
One other thing to consider with NSAIDs is that, just like in humans, they can act as blood thinners. Where they might not have an effect on one dog, for another it could cause problems
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
My quad pug Tani was on Rimadyl for 3 or 4 years without issues. She was diagnosed with arthritis when she was 6 years old. We started with joint supplements and ramped those up. We added rimadyl in at a low dosage and slowly upped the amount until she was maxed out. Because of other health issues we did blood work about every 6 months.
Even when we started her on a low dose there was an amazing improvement in her ability to get around and her pain levels. We were lucky that she tolerated it so well and for so long.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Everyone pretty much covered it! I was going to chime in with the facts that you have to worry about long-term NSAID use - it would be like us taking Motrin or aspirin on a daily basis. It can cause ulcers, upset stomach, blood thinner, etc.
Buddy - Hoppy Ampuversary!!! And slow down! I know how you guys are! Murphy did the same darn thing before - and I felt so guilty! He slipped on the ice on our back deck last year (or was it the year before? now I forget lol) You pups need to slow down!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
If Rimadyl is working and his blood tests are good and no stomach problems then you can stick with it. Personally I see less issues with Deramaxx or Metacam (the generic meloxicam is often only $4 a month).
Pam
I love you guys, you all are the best!
Talked to my Onco. Going to keep Buddy on Rimadyl for now and blood work in a month to make sure he's doing Ok with it.
Also, Jerry - I think you mentioned a veterinarian in San Diego. Buddy and I will be moving Mid-June so I'm starting to prepare for that.
Thanks everyone. Love you guys!
Julie and Buddy
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