Can anyone tell me anything about this medication.
My dog is now on his 2nd 10 day course and I just wondered if there may be any side effects fron it, is it a safe drug.

Lots to read about!
http://www.critterchat.net/rimadyl.htm#morerimadyl
http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadylfr.html
http://www.doglogic.com/rimadylwallst.htm
http://www.pfizerah.com/product_overview.asp?drug=RC&country=US&lang=EN&species=CN

There are bound to be some dogs that react to Rimadyl, just as there are dogs that react to just about every drug on the market.  In my experience, its a very good non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that usually produces excellent results.  Being "non-steroidal" it can be stopped and started as and when necessary.
Dawn.

buster was given rimadyl for his limping when he was 10 mths old and he had severe diaoreah with it so now i refuse to let him have it. Instead he has metacam and no side affects so far. Its like all medicenes they all have side affects but it depends on the actual patient if they suffer from any of them. I would of thought you would see any effects straight away like i did so if it works then carry on with it, if your worried i would phone the vets and ask.

I use it for my almost 13 yr. old Lab who's got some arthritis. She still loves her walks, and is quite fine while on them. But sometimes after lounging around all afternoon she gets pretty gimpy. I reserve it for the times when she's looking particularily sore and I'll give it to her for about 3 days in a row. It works wonders for her pain and inflamation. I don't know of the side effects, but the amount I give her I'm not worried about, plus she's 13 yrs. old. I want to make her comfortable. I don't know if I'd be inclined to use it every day for an extended period of time except if it were a bad injury and you do want to get the inflamation down and keep it down or it can develop into arthritis later on in life.

Carrie

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1384

See reference to labs in this.

As with all drugs, there are side effects.  The insert in the packet says that all owners should be made aware of these before being prescribed Rimadyl for their dogs.
I was prescribed it for a nearly 6 year old Rough Collie with a bee sting in her mouth after a long discussion with the Vet because of my concern.  She had never had a day's illness in her life and her liver was shot in 4 days she was dead!!
On the other hand, it has given many old dogs a comfortable old age.  And it was the drug given to all animals on the operating table for many years (until the concerns were acknowledged) as a post op anti inflammatory/pain killer. 
The most important thing is that the owner is aware!!

We were given it with no comments about its use. The tablets have been dispensed in a bottle so there are no leaflets.
He has been on it now for 2 weeks and although a bit more sleepy there are no other problems.
He has another 8 days before he finishes unless we are told to continue with another lot.
Sandie.

MMMmmm.  That's exactly my point Sandie, owners are often not told, but now you know, and your boy's been on them for 2 weeks, you'll know to shout quickly if anything changes.  Knowledge is everything, in my case, hindsight!

Thanks.
I am keeping a close eye on him, he has had extensive surgery and is still recovering. I will speak to our vet when he goes for his check.
Sandie.

Obi had Rimadyl injections during his elbow op, we are now following that up with a 14 day course, before he starts his steroid injections, we were made aware of the risks and told the alternatives were not as effective as Rimadyl.  We awere told, if Obi started vomiting or had any diarreoah to stop the tablets and contact him immediately
What op has your dog had Sandie?

Good advice, Val. It's true that some dogs do well on Rimadyl but it's really important to know what symptoms to watch out for. As we know, not everyone can be with their dogs 24/7. Some dogs have died very quickly after being given only 1 tablet. 
Personally I would always try something more natural like glucosamine before I considered anti-inflammatories.

hmmm fish body oil and Vitamin C are anti inflammatories.......................................

I've just been reading the contra-indications for Rimadyl, and one side effect is vestibular symptoms and inco-ordination.    My Damson was poisoned with Palatable Rimadyl Tablets after nicking the pot (from a very high shelf) and munching away at about 30 tablets.   Thanks to the skill of the vet, she appeared to be fine, but has since (12 weeks of so afterwards)  developed vestibular symptoms and inco-ordination.

Can't help but wonder about a connection.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

I've just been reading the contra-indications for Rimadyl, and one side effect is vestibular symptoms and inco-ordination.    My Damson was poisoned with Palatable Rimadyl Tablets after nicking the pot (from a very high shelf) and munching away at about 30 tablets.   Thanks to the skill of the vet, she appeared to be fine, but has since (12 weeks or so afterwards)  developed vestibular symptoms and inco-ordination.

Can't help but wonder about a connection.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Hi Chalipud,
My dog has had eye surgery, he had one eye removed and laser treatment in the other.
He seems to be coping really well but the eye specialist wants him to stay on Rimadyl for another 10 days. He is not showing any of the side effects mentioned except he is a bit sleepy at times.
The only problem we are having is with the collar to stop him scratching, its driving us mad because he charges through the house and if you dont get out of the way in time you certainly feel it.
I have tried to give him some time without it but its a slow process because he wants to scratch his eye.
Sandie.

Sandie

I seeem to remember reading about an alternative collar that wasn't as obstructive as an Elizabethan one, or did I dream it?  Maybe someone else will know.  Hope your dog is better soon.....

There is another type of collar (the name escapes me for now) but it's more like a neck brace. Looks most uncomfortable, and my shepherd had such a long body she could still turn round and lick!
Most vets have them for loan
Kat