Being Alert to the Side Effects of Rimadyl
Man's best friend may stay with us for many years as veterinary science advances, turning to drug therapies when the animal is in pain, but the side effects of Rimadyl and similar drugs must be considered. No one wants to see their beloved pet in pain, and it is sad to see an elderly dog that was once supple and full of life grow sluggish and inactive because of joint pain. Vets have an armory of drugs at their disposal to treat dogs in pain, but some come with drawbacks.
Rimadyl is a brand named product based on the non-steroid drug carprofen, used as an anti inflammatory and painkiller for older dogs suffering from conditions such as arthritis and other joint pain, or for dogs that have undergone surgical procedures. Although the drug carprofen was once considered safe for humans, the side effects of Rimadyl for dogs can be serious, or even fatal.
While most dogs react well to Rimadyl and suffer minimal side effects, others may experience problems, varying from thirst and lethargy to quite serious symptoms like seizures, vomiting and blood in their urine or feces. The side effects of Rimadyl may in extreme cases lead to death from liver, gastrointestinal or kidney damage.
If your pet is on Rimadyl, look out for changes in toileting habits, loss of appetite, scratching and scabs on his skin, vomiting and diarrhea, tiredness and lassitude, and loss of coordination. If your dog passes blackish tarry feces this may indicate he is bleeding internally, which is one of the possible side effects of Rimadyl, and similarly be on the lookout for signs of blood in his urine, and jaundice - yellowish discoloration in his eyes. In some cases side effects of Rimadyl can include behavior changes, such as sudden aggression. Always talk to your vet about any changes, and ask about the side effects of Rimadyl if your dog is taking any other medication, and check before giving the drug - or any drug - to a pregnant bitch. Never give your dog human drugs, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, if he is on Rimadyl, and steroids should not be given until the dog has been off Rimadyl for a minimum of three days.
Get the Right Rimadyl Dosage
The side effects of Rimadyl can include gastritis and even stomach ulcers if excessive amounts are given, so it is important to know the right dose for your dog, based on his size, age, weight and breed and the condition he is being treated for. Long term use of the drug may cause side effects, especially in older dogs. The drug is available as 25mg, 75mg or 100mg tablets for different sizes of dog, and may be given once or twice a day. It may also be given as an injection by your vet. Whichever your dog receives, be aware of the side effects of Rimadyl and inform your vet of any problems.