Rimadyl - not worth the risk?

[will01]

A while ago, one of my dogs broke a bone in his foot. Along with recommending limited activity for 3-4 weeks, the vet offered me the pain relief drug, Rimadyl, which I accepted.

If there is one thing this forum has taught me, it is to do your research before implementing changes in diet or supplements. The same usually applies to my pets, however on this occasion only after administering two doses of Rimadyl, but fortunately at the lower recommended dose.

Observing my dog the next morning revealed his stool was bright yellow. He also became quite lethargic and would attempt to urinate but not "go". Needless to say, I ceased administering the drug immediately. It still took around 2 weeks for him to get back to his old self. Looking around the net revealed that I had been fortunate, where others had not.

This drug has been around for close to 20 years and although not all dogs seem to suffer negative side effects (or worse), a significant number have. These links explain more -

http://www.rimadylsideeffects.net/what-are-the-rimadyl-side-effects-in-dogs/

http://www.stevedalepetworld.com/print-archive/tribune-media-services/archived-features/109-rimadyl-friend-or-foe

Some very sad and tragic outcomes for other dog owners. I don't know if anyone else on the forum has had experience with this drug, but I will never use it again. It has taught me to be more vigilant, especially with our furry friends who rely on us to make so many decisions with their lives and health.

Just thought I would share this to make other dog owners aware of the risks involved with using this drug and I must apologize for not sharing this on the forum sooner.

 

[Z...]

In my experience Rymadil is quite safe if used wisely. Yes it can have serious side effects like any other drug but this usually happens with wrong and prolonged administration. I try to avoid prescribing it whenever I can but sometimes you need efficient painkiller that works fast. Usually few days of prescribed dose and then tapering it off gradually over another 5 days works pretty well and is safe.

It is especially toxic for cats who for some reasons are drawn to it. There were cases where it was prescribed for dogs and cat from the same household managed to get to it eating the whole prescription with fatal consequences.

 

[Keit]

Observing my dog the next morning revealed his stool was bright yellow. He also became quite lethargic and would attempt to urinate but not "go". Needless to say, I ceased administering the drug immediately. It still took around 2 weeks for him to get back to his old self. Looking around the net revealed that I had been fortunate, where others had not.

Actually, the symptoms you describe could be very well be signs that your dog was in pain. So, yeah, painkillers can have adverse effects but also can be life saviors if used carefully and for a limited period of time.

As for assessing your dog's poo, here's a good article by Dr. Karen Becker. Be advised, there are some graphic pictures. ;)

 

[Keit]

And a bit more about Rymadil. That it should be given after food, because it can cause gastrointestinal distress, up to vomiting and diarrhea. In such cases better to prescribe also probiotics, or use second generation NSAIDs, like selective COX-2 inhibitors. But better to know liver functions first.

The gastric distress could also be the reason for symptoms you describe, beside pain. Unless you used some other pain medication.

 

[will01]

Thanks for the replies Z and Keit :). I was curious of what the forum Vets thought of Rimadyl and if you prescribed or recommended it.

In some cases, it seems Rimadyl has been a saviour for dogs with painful conditions like arthritis. All I know is, I had a completely healthy dog apart from his foot injury and when I saw these side effects, it really gave me a scare. He has always been "bullet proof" and seems to just deflect of anything he hits. He's not a dog to feel pain and I had a heck of a job to stop him from running/jumping even on a lead.

As for assessing your dog's poo, here's a good article by Dr. Karen Becker.

This is a great article, thanks Keit. Dr Becker describes exactly what occurred for my dogs when switching to a raw diet. Smaller, less smelly stools that break down much faster.

This particular dog has always had a more sensitive GI tract, needing to pass stools more often. Much improved on a raw diet though.

 

[Keit]

In some cases, it seems Rimadyl has been a saviour for dogs with painful conditions like arthritis. All I know is, I had a completely healthy dog apart from his foot injury and when I saw these side effects, it really gave me a scare. He has always been "bullet proof" and seems to just deflect of anything he hits. He's not a dog to feel pain and I had a heck of a job to stop him from running/jumping even on a lead.

Well, that's good that you notice the changes. Did you try alerting your vet to them?

 

[will01]

In some cases, it seems Rimadyl has been a saviour for dogs with painful conditions like arthritis. All I know is, I had a completely healthy dog apart from his foot injury and when I saw these side effects, it really gave me a scare. He has always been "bullet proof" and seems to just deflect of anything he hits. He's not a dog to feel pain and I had a heck of a job to stop him from running/jumping even on a lead.

Well, that's good that you notice the changes. Did you try alerting your vet to them?

Yes, upon telling the local vet they did say that these side effects are possible in some dogs. He did agree with my decision to stop giving the Rimadyl, given it was a one off pain treatment for a temporary injury.