Black lab has had a bad reaction to Rimadyl - any experiences?

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Clare85

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Hi all

My mum took our 12 yo black lab to have his yearly booster yesterday. During the appointment the vet decided that he has lost a little condition around his back end and prescribed him a course of rimadyl as he is "in pain". This is an old dog, who is starting to slow down a little, but is still in very good nick, he is fit and lean (but definitely not underweight) with a shiney coat and bright eyes. He still loves his long walks over the downs, jumps up into the back of the car no problem at all, cheekily gets up on the sofa at any opportunity. He does not seem at all in pain to me - in fact, his back end is his preferred place to be rather vigourously scratched.

Mum gave him his first rimadyl tablet this morning. After a couple of hours, he could hardly stand, his back end would not support his weight. He was panting and shaking, with his head leaning over to one side. Mum had to lead him outside every time he needed the toilet.

These symptoms have now begun to wear off and he can stand and walk again, although he is still a little unsteady. He has been drinking ok this afternoon. He is currently fast asleep in his basket. We will not be giving him any more rimadyl.

I have googled the drug and read some pretty bad stories. I was wondering if anyone here has any experiences of this drug?
 
Our old dog was prescribed this and had a horrible reaction and was pooing blood. We took him back and they gave hime somthing else that ofcourse cost even more money!!
 
Thank you Noodlebug, I hope your dog is better now. I've read some pretty scary stories about rimadyl causing serious kidney and liver damage. Doesn't seem like something that should be prescribed to an elderly dog to me :(
 
My first flatcoat was on rimadyl for 2 years to control bone cancer pain. She did very well on it and never had a reaction. I have however heard of some dogs reacting and I would now have liver bloods done prior to starting on rimadyl. Hope your boy recovers
 
Noodlebug said:
Our old dog was prescribed this and had a horrible reaction and was pooing blood. We took him back and they gave him something else that of course cost even more money!!
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My spaniel was the same as this. Really awful sickness and upset tummy as well poor boy. He was given it because he went lame after a hooley around. Went back to vets and they nearly put him on fluids because he was so poorly. Have refused it since for another dog. There are plenty of alternatives. Good luck.
 
Thank you for your replies. It was quite scary this morning and I think has brought home to the whole family that Casper is not as young as he used to be. I know that might sound silly, as he's 12, but he always acts like such a lovely loon and definitely doesn't act his age! The thought of him not being around anymore makes my throat go tight, I just love that old timer.

He seems better this evening though. My daughter woke up from her nap this afternoon and he jumped out of his basket, wagging his tail, to see her. Was still a little wobbly when I left Mum's but hopefully a couple of days rest will see him right.
 
I am very wary with vets as they are too quick to prescibe treatment when not really necessary.I question everything and if I am not happy will say no thanks.
 
Some dogs don't tolerate NSAIDS very well - my oldie was sick on Metacalm and Rimadyl didn't make a dent in his pain but he did relatively well on Previcox for about 9 months - sadly we lost him yesterday and I'm pretty sure it was a direct result of the damage the Previcox did to his liver but we had to balance out longevity vs. his comfort and he was much happier on the NSAIDs.

I'd ask your vet about other options - Tramadol can be good for managing pain with less side affects.
 
Mister Ted - this is what is concerning me. I don't think he seems to be in pain or struggling. He is not quite as bouncy as he used to be and sleeps a bit more, but he is old so that's not surprising. Mum just took him for his jabs, there were no other issues for her to raise and the vet seems to have invented an issue that isn't really there. I have said that I will go with her in future to vet appointments as I think the vet has railroaded her a bit in this case.

BeauBear - I'm so sorry to hear about your boy, I just saw your other thread. It sounds like he had a lovely life with you and I'm glad that you managed to make his last months pain free. It's so hard to lose them. Thank you for the advice, I will look into tramadol if he starts to show signs of pain, but ATM I don't think it is really a problem for him. RIP Bailey x
 
My dog has taken Rimadyl for arthritis in hip - all diagnosed by X-rays. He went on to have diseased bone removed. He had no problem with the Rimadyl and I understood the implications of him taking it. But it was necessary because of his condition.
But I do have a problem with a vet deciding to dispense a drug that has known potentially serious side effects for an undiagnosed condition. Because a dog is older and moving more slowly is not a reason to put him on to a drug.
It would be the same as putting everyone over 55 on to statins just in case of heart disease. An equally serious drug that needs to be targeted at people who need it and who understand the risk factors.
I would get a second opinion. Hope all will be OK.
 
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