Rimadyl, generic name Carprofen, is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health.

How It is Used

It is primarily used to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by dog arthritis. It can also be used for post-operative and acute pain.

How It Works

Rimadyl inhibits the production of COX-2 and other pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and does not interfere with the functions of COX-1.

How It Is Prepared

Rimadyl can be bought as a tablet or as a solution to be injected. For tablets, there are two types. The smaller white tablet is meant to be administered directly into your dog’s mouth. The larger brown tablet is usually liver-flavored and is meant to be given as a treat. This type of Rimadyl tablet should be carefully stored to prevent your dogs from eating them.

Buying Rimadyl

Rimadyl is only available through prescription. It is important before any prescription is given that you have supplied your vet necessary information about your dog. Your vet needs to discuss Rimadyl’s US prescribing information and inform you of Pfizer’s contact information. The latter data is very important in the event your dog does not respond well to Rimadyl.

Rimadyl can be expensive, though can be bought a little cheaper online.

Dose

Rimadyl is an effective way of relieving the pain and inflammation caused by dog arthritis. The dose of Rimadyl is 4.4mg/kg daily, this is usually given as a divided dose.

Overdosage & Side Effects

Pfizer claims that Rimadyl is the number one recommended NSAID. According to the company’s records, Rimadyl (caplets) has been used on approximately ten million dogs and are generally safe, so long as precautionary measures are followed.

Nonetheless, a significant number of anecdotal reports of sudden animal deaths plagued Rimadyl when it was first introduced – the FDA received 6,000 complaints. As a response to this, clinical tests were performed. Test dogs were treated with Rimadyl for two weeks. The results of these tests seem to contradict the anecdotal reports as the test dogs responded well to the drug.

Overdosing on Rimadyl can lead to severe gastrointestinal damage or kidney failure. This can show as vomiting, diarrhea, drinking excessively, urinating excessively, white or yellow gums, seizures or incoordination.

A sudden onset of liver damage is seen in a small number of dogs that receive a normal dose of Rimadyl, possibly more in Golden Retrievers.

Because of these side effects the use of Rimadyl must always be carefully monitored by both the vet and dog owner.

Drug Interactions

The following drugs should be discussed with your vet if being used at the same time as Rimadyl.

Corticosteroids such as cortisone
Digoxin
Furosemide
Phenytoin
Oral anticoagulants
Other anti-inflammatories including aspirin
Sulfonamides
Phenobarbital
Some cancer drugs

How to Use Rimadyl Safely

Rimadyl should never, or very cautiously be given, to the following dogs:

Dogs being treated with other NSAIDs or steroids.
Dogs with liver or kidney problems.
Pregnant dogs since it has not been established whether it safe for them.
Dogs with bleeding disorders
Geriatric dogs

Dogs that do receive Rimadyl should be monitored. Blood tests are helpful for any dog being given Rimadyl as a precautionary measure. Also look for side effects as described above.

Tags: Dog Anti Inflammatory Drugs, dog arthritis, dog arthritis medication, dog arthritis medicine, medicine, non-steroidal inflammatory drug for dogs, NSAIDs, Pain Relief for Dogs