Rimadyl Palatable Tablets for Dogs | Side Effects | Dosage

What do Rimadyl Tablets look like?

Rimadyl is supplied as tablets of two different types. There are small, white tablets or much larger, brown tablets. The white ones are meant to be placed directly into a dog’s mouth, though many dogs will take them in food. The brown ones are flavoured and are designed to be offered as treats.

Palatable Rimadyl tablets must be stored well out of the way so that they cannot be stolen by your dog (or cat, etc). Accidental overdose could be dangerous. (Rimadyl is also available as a solution to be given by injection.)

To buy Rimadyl Tablets for Dogs, click here

What is Rimadyl for?

Rimadyl is most often used to treat the common cause of stiff, sore joints in older dogs. This is usually referred to as degenerative joint disease, arthritis or “rheumatism”. However Rimadyl has many different possible uses and is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for dogs in the world. It is classed as an anti-inflammatory drug. It acts to reduce pain in conditions which affect bones, joints and muscles, as well as reducing any inflammation present. Many of the drugs which reduce inflammation are steroids, but Rimadyl is not. Hence it is classed technically as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (often abbreviated to “NSAID”).
Rimadyl can also be used after surgery or following an injury, where it reduces pain and inflammation. Additionally it has the ability to control high temperatures, seen for example in virus infections.

What are the side effects of Rimadyl for Dogs?

There are a number of possible side-effects which can be seen, and in rare cases these can be life threatening. Early after the drug was first introduced to the United States, some serious problems were seen and attributed to the use of Rimadyl. There followed a campaign against Rimadyl which now seems to have been somewhat irrational and out of proportion. So what are the facts? There are two main side effects which are potential problems with all drugs like Rimadyl. (Other similar drugs in popular use are aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen.) Rimadyl is known to be able to cause ulceration and bleeding of the gut and in certain circumstances it can cause kidney damage. Gut ulceration is extremely rare following normal doses, but certainly is seen with high overdose. Kidney damage is certainly very possible if Rimadyl is given in certain circumstances. The main one of concern is if there is something else going on which reduces the flow of blood through the kidneys. This can happen if an animal is dehydrated, has a heart condition, or if there is an unexpected complication during a general anaesthetic. This certainly has killed dogs in the past. Also Rimadyl can interact with other drugs and then cause a problem. However the comforting thing is that these conditions are known and understood by vets and can be guarded against. Over the past few years some millions of doses of Rimadyl have been given, and as long as sensible prescribing practice has been observed by the vet involved, Rimadyl has been shown to be remarkably safe. In certain situations it is important to avoid Rimadyl, or take additional precautions with its use. For the rest of the time it can be regarded as a very safe drug.

There are reports of other problems occurring after using Rimadyl, such as severe liver disease. These are extremely rare and such peculiar reactions can occur with any drug. Before a drug is used in any situation, it is important to assess whether or not it is actually needed. What are the reasons for giving it? Is it worth taking whatever risk there is? These are questions which should be asked before any drug is given to any animal or person. Rimadyl can bring huge relief to dogs which otherwise would be in constant pain. It allows them to get up and about, enjoying themselves in the way dogs should. Personally I have prescribed hundreds of doses of Rimadyl to dogs, and have seen the benefit it has brought. It is my drug of choice for canine arthritis simply because it works so well and is so safe.

Where to get Rimadyl

Rimadyl can be supplied by your local vet. This might be the most expensive way, but it is easy. However Rimadyl is not a cheap drug and can be supplied legally online by places such as VioVet. Many people use online suppliers these days to help with the costs of medication. It must first be prescribed by the vet who is directly responsible for the care of the dog in question. This means that a vet must assess the dog’s condition and then decide, in conjunction with the owner, what treatment is most appropriate. If the decision is to use Rimadyl, then the vet is legally obliged to provide a written, signed prescription on request. This can then be forwarded to an internet pharmacy such as VioVet so that the drug can be supplied.

(VioVet use exactly the same Rimadyl as your local vet but are able to supply it more cheaply.)

Article written by:
John Cousins BVSc MRCVS - A veterinary surgeon from VioVet - Online Pet Store & Pharmacy.

The article reflects the opinions of the author and should only be used as a guide. It can only be taken in conjunction with advice from your vet. No liability is accepted for accuracy of content or any other matter.