Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro

We use Rimadyl commonly in practice but how safe is it? Do you warn you clients about possible side affects? We know about the dangers of using rimadyl long term for cats but there is allegedly also a large problem with dosing Labrador Retrievers.
New scientific information shows that Rimadyl can cause clotting conditions such as thrombosis, ischaemia and infarctions.
There is risk of liver failure with all NSAIDs. Liver necrosis in Labrador Retrievers caused by Rimadyl have been reported in the largest numbers. The manufacturer of Rimadyl alleges these reactions are attributed to the fact that Labs are the most common breed, and Rimadyl was the first and most commonly prescribed NSAID.
All NSAIDs have the potential to cause liver failure. Blood tests before administration of NSAIDs cannot predict this liver reaction. The risk of this reaction is small (1:10,000 with Rimadyl).
NSAIDs are relatively new to veterinary medicine. Veterinarians have little clinical experience with these drugs. Although every manufacturer has data that alleges their drug is safer than the others, no credible non-manufacturer-sponsored data exists which accurately compares these drugs.
LIST OF DOS AND DONT'S WHEN USING NSAIDS:
Do Monitor kidney and liver function if patients are using NSAID over a prolonged period.
Do Give Zantac or other antacid medication daily to prevent duodenal ulcers, a common side effect of all NSAIDs. Unfortunately this will not prevent gastric ulcers.
Do Give polysulfated glucosamines (PSGAs -- Adequan, Glycoflex, or Cosequin) with prolonged use of NSAIDs for arthritis and degenerative joint disease. NSAIDs relieve pain, but unfortunately over a long period of time NSAIDs can contribute to cartilage degeneration. PSGAs help cartilage to heal. NSAIDs can cause G.I. ulceration. PSGAs are part of the protectant lining of the G.I. tract. NSAIDs are better tolerated with PSGAs. PSGAs also protect the kidney.
Do Stop the medication at the first signs of gastric upset, nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. Never combine NSAIDs. Do not give NSAIDs with steroids like dexamethazone, prednisolone, Vetalog or Depomedrol. Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding can result. A 3-to-5 day withdrawal period is necessary if you switch from one drug to another.
Do not give NSAIDs in patients with known impaired gastrointestinal, kidney, cardiovascular, or coagulation functions. If liver enzymes are elevated, use only at a lowered dose, and with liver treatment medication (i.e., SAM - E)
Do not give NSAIDs with Enalapril or other ACE inhibitors, Lasix, or with nephrotoxic drugs like aminoglycoside antibiotics or psychotropic drugs (Prozac, Clomiclam).
Do not give NSAIDs in dogs with Cushing's disease or other diseases where the patient is predisposed to thromboembolisms.
Do not use NSAIDs in trauma patients or critical care patients due to potential clotting problems and nephrotoxicity.
Relief from pain by NSAIDs is an individual response. If your patient does not get adequate relief from pain and return to normal function with one NSAID, it is worth trying a different NSAID. Reactions to NSAIDs are comparable. If your patient has an adverse reaction to one NSAID, another NSAID should not be used. Another Class of pain reliever drugs should be used.


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