Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Just a question about rimadyl... Toto has been taking rimadyl since he first started limping in early September. He has been doing well, so I would assume I should just keep giving him rimadyl, except that I have heard that it can be dangerous to give a dog rimadyl continuously over a long period. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Kristin and Toto
And Toto, Too – fighting the good fight against hemangiosarcoma http://tootswee.....pawds.com/ Amputation - 9/21/09 Earned his wings - 7/09/10
Hi Kristin
Good to hear from you. I was wondering how Toto was doing and will read your blog next. Do you get bloodwork done periodically? Just do that to keep an eye on the liver or kidneys. As far as I know (but I'm not in a vet field), it is okay unless you notice changes in those values that might occur due to Rimadyl.
Kristin, I agree with Tazzie. Yes, it can be hard on some dog's stomachs. But for other dogs it works well. We're not vets, but unless you notice any runny, mucus-laden or black tarry poo (which can be signs of GI upset), I just would make sure you get regular bloodwork done and talk to your vet about your concerns.
Glad to hear Toto is doing well!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
In our experience, Rimadyl can be dangerous even after a very short amount of time; Harley experienced bloody vomiting and severe bloody diarrhea after only 3 days on the drug. Obviously, our situation is not the norm, but I feel you are right to be concerned about its effects (or the side-effects of any drug we give our babies, for that matter). I would talk to your Vet about bloodtests, and I would make sure to check your dog’s waste for any sign of mucus or blood.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
One side effect of Rimadyl is liver damage. You will want to ask about checking liver enzymes periodically if you use it long term. Trouble gets great results on it, but her liver enzymes go up, so we're saving it for a last resort medication.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
For sure talk to your vet about your concerns. I wouldn't worry about it too much if there are no side-effect signs.
I was told if Rimadyl improves their quality of life and perhaps sheds a year off their life from taking it, it is still worth it for them not to be in pain. That was what my ortho specialists vet just told me last week. Comet has been on it since May every day for an infection of the neck disc. (along with antibiotics for the rest of her life)
Speaking from experience, I never thought Rimadyl did too much except when I took her off of it because she had diaherra. She was so mopey and gimpy with out it. Now I know it really helps her. We assume the diaherra was from taking antibiotics and messing with the flora or something. She is back on Rimadyl and is doing much better.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Any dog that takes an NSAID like Rimadyl should have bloodwork checked before starting the drug, then 2-4 weeks after starting the drug and then every 6-12 months thereafter. The reason for this is because symptoms of liver or kidney failure are not obvious until the damage is severe. If you catch elevated enzymes early you can adjust the dosage or change to another med before problems occur.
Pam
Pam is totally correct! No vet should put a dog on Rimadyl without doing bloodwork first (to get a baseline), and then periodically afterwards... Call your vet and ask them...
How's your sweet Toto doing these days?
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Thank you for all of the advice! I will definitely look into this and talk to the vet again.
Toto is doing well. He is such a sweetheart! Right now he is enjoying the snow and enjoying playing with his brothers and sister (dogs and human!)
Kristin
And Toto, Too – fighting the good fight against hemangiosarcoma http://tootswee.....pawds.com/ Amputation - 9/21/09 Earned his wings - 7/09/10
Hey there Toto
I will have to say that I have been told by the vet that continuously giving Rimidahl over a long period of time can cause liver / kidney problems so if you are doing that you may want to have blood work done periodically to ensure things are ok.
Erin and Jack
My sister's lab mix has been on rimadyl for 3 years without any problems. She has his bloodwork done every 6 months. I think it has to do with your dog. Every dog is different just like every person is different.
Caira Sue has been on it since her surgery. Her liver has been good. Whenever we took her off we noticed a difference within a day or two. So we always put her back on. She gets bloodwork done monthly.
Just another opinion to throw in the pot!
Glad Toto is doing well. I love reading your blog.
Mary
May 2001-Jan 21, 2010.....I'm a dog and I'm AWESOME!..... Always.
cairasue said:
My sister's lab mix has been on rimadyl for 3 years without any problems. She has his bloodwork done every 6 months. I think it has to do with your dog. Every dog is different just like every person is different.
Caira Sue has been on it since her surgery. Her liver has been good. Whenever we took her off we noticed a difference within a day or two. So we always put her back on. She gets bloodwork done monthly.
Just another opinion to throw in the pot!
Glad Toto is doing well. I love reading your blog.
Mary
This is absolutely correct. Each dog is different, and I wish Trouble could take it long term because I can see a huge difference when she takes it as well. I did start her on glucosamine and it helps, but isn't quite as much help as the rimadyl.
Good luck to Toto as he continues the journey.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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