Arthritis meds?

[tirams]

My dog was diagnosed with significant arthritis and the vet wants to put her on Metacam or Rimadyl. Has anyone had experience with either of these meds? Some websites suggest Rimadyl can have serious side-effects.

[Sue]

I'd also ask about Aquedan. It's used primarily for horses, but has been used on dogs as well.

[jesvet]

What kind of dog? The most serious side effects were noted in a small percentage of labradors.

[tirams]

She's a mixed breed. The shelter said she was part lab part spaniel. But it's hard to really say she's probably several breeds.

[kemorr]

All NSAIDs (the class of drug that both Rimadyl and Metacam fall into) can potentially have serious side effects. However, these side effects are rare and by far the majority of patients (even labs) treated with either Metacam or Rimadyl do just fine. I would recommend that your vet do blood work before starting the meds (either one) to maje sure the liver and kidneys are fine and monitor blood work every 6 months if your dog is going to be on the meds long term.

As far as choosing between Metacam or Rimadyl, for many vets it is personal preference. In some dogs one may work better than the other, but that is trial and error.

Adequan is not a pain medication. It is useful in arthritis, but it is more designed to heal some of the damage, not prevent pain. It would be OK to do both and also consider glucosamine and chondrotin sulfate.

Don't let your dog suffer in pain because you're frightened of the potential side effects. Many thousands of dogs have taken Rimadyl with no adverse problems. Same with Metacam.