Rimadyl for short term use

[msvette2u]

No I don't think so, especially if he's done well in the past.
It's rather like us taking an ibuprofen after a weekend-warrior session...

You might ask about a prescription of Metacam, too. Not sure if there's as many horror stories about it, out there.

[Jax08]

Vet told me that Previcoxx was far less harmful than rimadyl.

[I_LOVE_MY_MIKKO]

Yes- Previcoxx! Someone told me about that one recently and I could not remember the name of it. They said it was designed for long-term use so the side effects weren't as bad.

I will also look into Metacam.

(As far as natural alternatives-I would love to, but for activities like a whole weekend of agility he needs something stronger to keep the inflammation down.)

[GatorBytes]

Metacam causes intestinal damage, black tarry diarrhea and kidney disease.

[BowWowMeow]

Why not use ZEEL? It has been proven to be as effective as NSAIDs and does no harm.

There are also some great herbal anti-inflammatories. Only Natural Pet makes one called "Get Up and Go."

I would also HIGHLY recommend acupuncture and laser therapy to address the problem.

Just a thought too: if pain is the body's signal to slow down then maybe it would be better not to trial until you can address this issue? I would be very worried about causing further problems because of silencing the inflammatory response.

[Jax08]

Don't you ahve to be on the Zeel for 30 days in order for it to be as effective as rimadyl? So he would have to be on it all the time? Which may not be a bad thing anyways.

[I_LOVE_MY_MIKKO]

I did buy Zeel-didn't know he had to be on it for 30 days, I don't even remember to give it to him every day because I have to dissolve it in water to give to him. But if it is proven to work just as good, I would obviously rather go that route. The directions say to give sublinguilly (sp?), so I can't just give it to him in food right?

I will look into the Get up and Go, thanks!

He is getting acupuncture and chiro treatments. The problem has already been diagnosed, just managing it now (mild lumbosacral disease). He went through the rest period while doing acupuncture to keep inflammation down-but I can't let the inflammation get bad again. Like msvette said-same thing my vet said (who's been competing in agility for many years)-it's like people taking ibuprofen after a weekend-warrior session.
He gets an Adequan injection every two weeks. He is on gluc/chondroitin, Omega 3s, Ester-C, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, and Zeel when I can remember.
He's been feeling great after this resting period, acupuncture, and increase in supplements-but I need to keep it that way

[Anubis_Star]

Some bad cases happen, everyone freaks out. I did too, before I got in the field. Now, I think Rimadyl is a GREAT medication.

Yes, it CAN have severe problems. But so can any medication. I can not tell you the number of senior dogs we have on it LONG TERM that do great, and have been on it for years. For long term use, we require frequent bloodwork before refilling to monitor organ values.

For short term use, I would obviously keep an eye out for symptoms, but would not be overly concerned. I've used it on my own dog numerous times, I always keep a supply handy for pain.

There can be ill effects to ANY medication, but if your dog has orthopedic pain and actively competes in sports that could increase that pain, I think it would be much more dangerous to your dog's health to NOT treat

[JakodaCD OA]

Any medication can have side effects, depends on the dog, what one dog may do well on , another may not.

I used meloxicalm (human form of metacam) on one of my shepherds for the last 2 years of her life, blood work was always normal.. I've used Rimadyl on one of my sheps, (now passed) for a couple years and again, blood work normal.

However, the meloxicalm did 'nothing' for one of my other dogs..so it's what works.

I like Previcox, used it on my aussie whom is an mdr1 dog, liked the results , I keep it on hand when she's have a 'stiff' day.

While you'll get differing opinions, good results, bad results, just have to go with what works and what your comfortable with

[Packen]

I have used Rimadyl with Gnash multiple times after a sprain/strain etc. An excellent medication that does the job perfectly.