has anybody used the drug Rimadyl for their dogs after surgery and if so how long for.  My lab has been on Rimadyl 1 tab 100mg every 24 hours after her cruciate ligament surgery there are 10 more tablets in the container and I am not too sure I want to give them to her for much longer after reading the following link http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadylfr.html
There are some really bad horror stories here about the drug and I am scared to continue her on it. 
Has anybody else experienced problems with this medication at all?

My younger dog was on Rimadyl recently after a bad abcess on her foot can't remember for how long - about a week) - no ill affects at all :)

Daisy

If you conduct a search you will find lots of opinions from previous posts on Rimadyl. HTH

My 8 month lab was on it after a recent op for one week with no ill effectsat all.  We kept a very close eye on her for any changes but there were none.

I have used it for several dogs on several occasion with no ill effects.  I would hesitate for a high risk animal such as one known to have digestive problems or very elderly or a compromised liver but these are ackowledged contraindications anyway and even some of those in this group may justify the risk if the loss of mobility, for instance, is likely to lead to high morbidity or have such a poor quality of life without it that nothing else is aleviating that euthansia threatens.

I've used it on my own dogs for short periods without problems. I also know of dogs who've been on it for extended periods (many months), again without problems and a greatly improved quality of life.

I too have used it short term for injuries etc.  Spender was on it for 14 days after his disc op.  No side effects here either.

I've used it on different dogs, both long term and for shorter periods. No side effects, so far. Being able to give dogs pain relief, is IMO a great step forward. Obviously the risks must be taken into consideration, but I believe our dogs deserve analgetics as much as we do. As long as it doesn't lure the dog into moving about more than it should,and the dog tolerates it, I'm definitely in favour of using Rimadyl. :-)
Karen

>As long as it doesn't lure the dog into moving about more than it should

I think that is a good point.  We can't tell them to take it easy can we? :)  I think we just have to try to get the balance right between relieving their pain, dealing with inflammation and ensuring their post op safety.  All down to observing them carefully really.

And of course, if it's being given for arthritis for example, encouraging movement is a positive bonus, as that in itself postpones futher deterioration. :)

It's not just a pain killer of course it is an anti-inflammatory which can reduce the pressure on sutures, internal and external.  Some dogs have a much more marked inflammatory response to surgery so their risk of post op bleeding can be reduced by bringing that down.

I spoke to the orthopaedic vet today about it who says that he is aware of the problems associated with Rimadyl but in 5 years of using it here in the UK has not heard of any bad reports.  However Labradors apparently are more prone to hepatic toxicity and this is what is frightening me.  I am thinking to switch back to Metacam but then I am sure that this could also have side effects

Rimadyl has been widely used for many years both post op and for ongoing arthritic problems with good results.  Unfortunately, for owners whose dogs have reacted to it, the results have been devastating.

I don't know if you've found the Rimadyl site? http://www.rimadyl.com/display.asp?country=US&lang=EN&drug=RC&species=CN&sec=610.  It contains a section on Owners' Information, including asking your Vet "What tests might be done before Rimadyl is prescribed? " and also possible side effects and what signs to look for.

Metacam can also have unpleasant side effects.  It gave my old girl serious colitis with long term use for arthritis and nearly killed her.  I know of one Labrador who was very ill after just one dose of Metacam.   Both should be stopped if the dog shows any problems.  They are both NSAIDs and as such can cause unpleasant stomach upsets and worse.  All chemical drugs have potential side effects of some sort.

If your dog is still in pain, and you don't want to give her the Rimadyl, then Homeopathic Hypericum 30c, one tablet three times daily should help - from chemist/health food shop.

What does "chemical drug" mean?

Hi
I know how you are feeling as when I was given rimadyl by the vet I also looked up about the drug and then got scared by what I read!  I did give the tablets to my dog and he was perfectly fine, so I need not have worried.  

I can fully understand your worries.  My experience of Rimadyl has been fine, I have used it after any of my dogs have had operations with no side effects and my friend kept her Labrador comfortable on it with severe arthritis in his hocks.  All you can do is keep a close eye on your dog and look for any signs taht all is not well. Good luck.

Thanks so much everybody I am so grateful the stories i have read were truly frightening.  Today I called the orthopaedic vet who also tried to put my mind at rest.  I am going to check out the Rimadyl site now though and read about it there to. 

Why dont you have a 'chat' on a Lab forum, just on the off chance that people there may have used this drug, and can reassure you...or otherwise.....as to their views on its safety for your dog? Its been a while since the last tablet now, if you havnt been giving them while this is ongoing, how is the dog managing? Just wondering if it really is needed still?

My Lab was on Rimadyl on and off from the age of eight.  He died aged fourteen and a half - still going out for gentle walks and enjoying life up until the day before he died.

This only means, of course, that it was ok for my dog and I cannot take any view as to its safety or otherwise for your dog.

that is a good idea i will post on ione of them and see what comes up.  I haven't taken her off it yet after speaking to the vet today who actually phoned the company that make Rimadyl for me.  She has 9 tablets to go and I will watch out for side effects, I can't wait for her to be off them though.

My dog has been on it since easter ( a dose of 1 1/2  100mg tablets once a day) he has just come off it this week. there were no ill effects at all.

Your vet sounds like the sort of vet I like, he listens to you and takes your concerns seriously, rather than taking offence or the high hand of 'Im a vet dont dispute me.' Most drugs have some sort of side effect, its weighing the risk against the good things that a short course can give. How is your dog getting on now? I hope the recovery is going well. Its always a worrying time when we have to have something major done, never mind worrying about the drug treatment afterwards :)

Thank for asking, she is doing ok and settling into the routine of not being allowed out for walks etc.  She basically sleeps most of the day but I don't know if she will be happy to do this for 8 weeks though.  Next Fri she is having the clips taken out and that is when the Rimadyl finishes also.  I will be glad to take her off it all thank goodness.  The orthopaedic vet is excellent and happy to answer questions and just the fact that he took the time to contact Rimadyl and follow through makes me feel better.