Poor Melvin has kennel cough!!  Little chap's been coughing and spluttering all night, I gave him some benilyn, but decided to go to the vet this morning as I've no experience of kennel cough, so just wanted to make sure that's what it was.  Because he's still a wee nipper, has very swollen glands and is really coughing badly the vet gave  him some antibiotics (which, although I'm generally reluctant to use, I thought this probably warrants it).  He also suggested 'some anti-inflammatories', which I thought couldn't hurt.. However, when the nurse gave me the medication prescribed by the vet (not the normal set up, as I'd have questioned the vet if he'd handed it to me) I saw it was rimadyl!

No experience of rimadyl either, but have read the horror stories... and I know Labradors are particularly susceptible to the side effects.  So... does anyone think rimadyl is really necessary or will help with KC?  The poor man is really suffering, but I am concerned about giving him rimadyl at all... especially if it won't really  help him!!

Please can someone advise me... any experience of rimadyl for kc?  should I risk it??  I feel like I'm on a really steep learning curve with Melvin... despite having other dogs previously!!!

Thanks,

Clare

Ring the vet and ask him for more details of how it will help Melvin he should be able to do that for you. If you do go ahead give it to him with food so is less likely to have an gastric problems.

I have given it to a Toy Poodle with no problems.  Always given with food.

I have used rimadyl once on an older dog.We very nearly lost him due to a bad attack of vestibular syndrome which is the term they use for a stroke in dogs as a direct result of the rimadyl.
I wouldn't want to use something so strong and risky on such a young dog myself for something that will pass such as kennel cough.
Poor little man,hope he gets over it quickly.

I know an elderly labrador that's been on a daily dose of Rimadyl for at least three years, with no noticeable ill-effects.

i have used rimadyl on a few different dogs for different reasons and can say i havent had any problems.

Thanks... I know like with everything there are risks, but most dogs will be fine, etc, etc.  However, with the risks being allegedly higher for Labradors, I'm worried about taking that risk for something like Kennel Cough, which will pass.  Presumably the elderly Lab you know is on it for arthritis, and no doubt it substantially increases his quality of life, in which case I believe it would be worth the risk.  Melvin is feeling poorly now, but it will pass just as quickly whether I give him the anti-inflammatories or not... just as ibuprofen may make us feel better if we have a cold, it doesn't really help it pass any quicker.  I was curious if anyone else had used it for KC, but given that I'm so anxious about it, I really don't think I can bring myself to give it him.  If anything were to happen, given that I have so many apprehensions, how could I ever forgive myself for still going ahead with it!?  Having dogs... especially puppies... is hard!!!!

I work in a vets and know of many labs both young and old on regular rimadyl for various lameness problems etc and have noever actually come across any ill effects. I've certainly never heard that labs are more susceptable. Its your choice but if it was my dog i would give it to them to make them more comfortable.

There are lots of claims that Labradors are more susceptible to rimadyl's side effects, it's unclear though if this really is the case of if it is simply because they are more abundant and over represented in the population of dogs with joint problems.  John who used to post on here (for those who don't remember, he was a definite Labrador expert) thought they were more susceptible, and (just been googling through old CD posts) said he would only use it if there was nothing to lose.  I would be more inclined to use it for a chronic lameness problem (if nothing else worked), but it seems many dogs manage to get through kennel cough without rimadyl....  I guess I'll keep it on standby for if Mr. Pupster doesn't improve soon...

I also know of some dogs on rimadyl without any side effects,however my lab started vomiting after only 2 tablets and it has put me off this drug.

Sheila.

> Poor Melvin has kennel cough!!

Kennel Cough can be a nasty thing. Usually it passes off without problems but occasionally it can progress and turn into pneumonia. In that case the treatment would include anti-inflamatories, also antibiotics and perhaps diaretics. I don't have any personal bad experiences with Rimadyl but maybe your vet would be happy to explain to you why he thinks Melvin needs it. A quick phone call might clarify things for you.

Hope Melvin is feeling better soon.

As stated above my dog got KC it progressed to a secondary infection/pneumonia and we were seriously fighting for her to get better, she is 9 i might add, chest x-rays the lot were needed, she was injected with Rimadyl and we had to give her a dose daily think it was morning and night and it really helped. I personally haven't had any side effects from it