Rimadyl

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Hi all - my 12 yr old dog has arthritis in his elbow, which we had got under control with Canine Cortaflex. However as he has got lamer over the last few months, took him to the vet on Monday who has put him on Rimadyl.
He has been on a reasonably high dose for 4 days now, and although seems more comfortable, is still visibley lame when getting up from a nap.
He is going for a check up in a fortnight to see how he is getting on, but in the meantime wanted to ask if anyone knows how long does it take for Rimadyl to get ino the system? Also should he be sound by now or am I expecting too much, too soon?
Thanks
 
I've mainly used Rimadyl after operations and temporarily for joint ailments and similar, until I've been able to get an appointment for acupuncture.

Given your dog's age and elbow problem, I'm not sure I would expect Rimadyl to take away all stiffness after a nap, but just like humans, different dogs can react differently, including how fast or slow, on the same medication.

By the way, is he still on Canine Cortaflex?




If you're interested in also trying something else, I really can't recommend acupuncture highly enough. Though of course one needs to make sure that the one who does it really is educated on doing it and in general they need between 4 to 10 sessions, but this far 3 of my late bitches and 1 cat has gotten acupuncture and it did/has made them all act like they were/are years younger and definitely not in pain.
 
Hi

You might want to do a little research on Rimadyl - from what I can remember when I searched the internet about it, it was that it was one of the worse ones for causing stomach ulcers for long term use.

I personally have preferences over Rimadyl as didn't find it very effective - but each dog is different - much like the many Glucosamine/Chondroitin mixes that are available - different ones work better for different dogs.
I think Rimadyl is often the drug of choice for vets (it seems popular in the vets I've been too) but I always think it's worth having a bit of read up and seeing if anything might be more worthwhile for you dog

I also agree with above poster - I am all for accupuncture/massage/swimming when trying to rehab or improve a dogs way of going, also cartrophen injections seem to work well for lots of dogs.
 
Thanks for your replies. I am aware of the problems of using Rimadyl, especially long term - not unlike bute for horses. The problem is that I have tried various glucosamine based supplements which have helped to an extent, but as his condition is worsening, are no longer as effective.
As he is 12 I have taken the view that I would rather have his last few years pain free, with medication as necessary, but will be carefully monitoring any side effects.

The reason I am questioning the Rimadyl is that we had a boxer with hip arthritis, who was also put on rimadyl - the pain relief was instantaneous and she stayed on it for life and passed away from an unrelated condition. However, it does not seem to be having the same affect for our current dog, whose condition is not as severe....

Will discuss further with vet at his next check up.
 
try previcox if rimadyl isn't working enough. it has been better for my Boxer with elbow arthritis and my friend's lab with the same. it's also kinder on the guts. it is more expensive though.
 
Thanks Star - not concerned about the expense, just the quality of life, especially if it is kinder to his stomach. Will mention this drug to my vet.
 
Hi

Forgot to add - we use Previcox for our nearly 16 year old who has a back end that is getting quite weak (unsuprising really at 16!) - we were offered Rimadyl originally and Zubrin for my 13 year old Spaniel who has mild hip displaysia (again we were offered Rimadyl and told that Zubrin was expensive) - he only has one when he has done a lot of exercise not every day. The spaniel still thinks he's 3 years old and is completely uncontrollable on his Zubrin so it obviously makes him feel better!!
 
Rimadyl gets into their systems fairly quick so if it's going to help you should notice a difference within 2-3 days, he may always be stiff when he first gets up though but should wear off within a few steps. Do you think it's helping him otherwise? The other thing you could try is hydrotherapy as this will help with his muscle strength/mobility and reduces inflammation, your vet should be able to tell you if there's one near you xxx
 
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