Yep I think it. Was sparrows den a while back

> How many have HD? There's your answer.

And ED :(

ETA, allthough Buster was prescribed Metacam, it's still a NSAID.
However, I had been warned on a breed-specific forum about the use of rimadyl and that metacam was preferable. If I can find the info, I'll PM to the OP.

I think discretion of the vet is not a bad thing.  At least the reporting has some level of qualification to it.
I think the fact that the risks are laid out in the data sheet speaks for itself.  There is no cover up. These risks are known and understood.
You say you have no reports of death from other NSAIDs. Are you talking there about your personal information gathering or have you requested the data?

>I had been warned on a breed-specific forum about the use of rimadyl and that metacam was preferable.

Metacam is dangerous is there's any chance of poor kidney function; these things really need the vet's expertise and monitoring, which is why they're prescription-only.

Banning Rimadyl would be like banning paracetamol (which can cause liver damage) or aspirin (which can cause gastric bleeds and ulcers).

> Metacam is dangerous,

Oh yes, I am aware of the possible side effects, that's why I was so happy to be able to get Buster off of Metecam and am so pleased he still doesn't need it (touch wood).  It's just that on the breed-specific forum, several people had bad experiences with rimadyl and also knew of others with bad experiences, but none of them have ever encountered or heard of problems with metecam, so it's looked at as preferable to rimadyl.

All NSAIDs like all drugs carry risks. Long term kidney/liver function can be impaired which is why all dogs on them should have these functions checked before they start and during use. I have researched Metacam and have so far not come across any reported sudden deaths, from my personal information gathering. In comparison I have found plenty of reported suspected sudden deaths from Rimadyl.

I disagree that banning Rimadyl would be like banning aspirin, for the reasons stated previously. If these drugs had reported incidences of sudden death I would think they may well consider banning them. We are not talking about long term use problems. They need to be monitored to avoid those problems. You can't monitor and avoid sudden death.

They won't ban it anyway, for the reasons I have also previously put forward.

Just tagging on the end here, especially as talking about arthritic type problems needing NSAID treatment, white willow bark (used for pain releif and it's anti-inflamatory properties so often used to treat arthritis) should never be given with NSAIDs (check with vet first) as it can worsen/cause the side effects of the NSAIDs.

That's a very important point to make, and can't be stressed enough - never give any 'complementary / alternative' medication or preparation without first checking with your vet that the ingredients are compatible with the conventional medication given. 'Herbal' remedies have active ingredients too!

My vet does not prescribe rimadyl any more.

Sheila

Hi Chinablue , i reported it myself on the day my dog had to be put to sleep,  owners of pets can report it themselves  they sent me the form to fill in and told me not to return it back to them until i get my autopsy results, as they would like a copy of results also.

Hi Chinablue, i contacted VMD, on the day my dog had to be put to sleep , (owners can report  suspected adverse reactions themselves) they posted me the SARS form and asked me to wait until i get autopsy reports back, so i could enclose copy of report with the form.

hi chinablue , sorry for posting message to you twice , i thought my first one had not sent,

Sheila
Has your vet said why he/she does not prescribe it any more, or elaborated in any way? It is interesting to get the opinions of vets on this issue too. 

Sorry Carlasway, I think you did mention that earlier. I think the vet should report it as well don't you?

Hi ChinaBlue,,he did precribe this drug to my girl,she really was poorly,a few months later my other girl needed anti/Infl and I told him i didnt want that drug as i did not trust it,he said he agreed and he does not use the drug anymore as he has seen to many side effects,I will ask him on nxt visit for more details and get back to you.

Sheila

I haven't heard of 'anecdotal' deaths of dogs on the other NSAIDs

Sorry had to jump in here.

I lost a dog many years ago and I believe the cause was another very well known NSAID.

I never had a post mortem done on her but I am convinced that this is what killed her.

On the plus side the same drug gave her very many happy and pain free years, something she would not have had without it.

In the case of Maggie posted earlier, the vet was stupid to tell the owners to continue with the drug, the data sheet clearly states vomiting and stomach upset as a contra indication and advises that the drug is withdrawn immediately.

In a rush to get to work so apologise if I have missed anything.

my dogs have been fine on other NSAIDS,our Sadie was on metacam for two years without any side effects,but what suits one may not suit another,and I have always used with caution

Sheila

Helen-Jane

Sorry to hear that, and thank you for contributing.

I was not referring to NSAIDs contributing to death due to long-term use, which is what you seem to mean as you say it gave her many happy years.  All NSAIDs and indeed most drugs given long term will have effects that are non beneficial, it is the trade off for being pain free, or the reduction of other unpleasant symptoms. Many dogs will never experience any problems at all. As I said earlier I had a dog on Rimadyl for a very long time (over 6 yrs) and I lost her due to other causes, and never had a day's problem with Rimadyl. I consider us lucky.

I meant anecdotal evidence of sudden death (ie. within days of giving the medication) as is reported with Rimady.