Is your Pet taking Rimadyl to relieve Arthritis Pain? Has Rimadyl been prescribed for your Cat’s Arthritis? If your dog or cat is taking this product or, Carprofen, Vetprofen or Novox, pet owners should be aware of the risks associated with giving this drug. Rimadyl, which is also marketed under the names: Carprofen, Vetprofen and Novox, is a drug prescribed by veterinarians to help relieve pet arthritis and joint pain in dogs and cats. Rimadyl is member of a group of drugs, classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, which veterinarian’s refer to as NSAID’s. Rimadyl in dogs and cats has caused many serious, adverse side effects, one of which is sudden death. Other adverse reactions of Rimadyl may include liver and kidney damage as well as paralysis.
The Rimadyl Class Action Law Suit was settled in 1999, just 2 years after Rimadyl hit the pet market. As a result, today veterinarians are required to hand pet owners a disclosure form which states that “Rimadyl can cause death.”
Despite the FDA mandated labeling changes for this product which disclose the risk of pet death, it appears that few pet owners are aware of this fact. This year, once again there has been a steady increase in new adverse effects reported to the FDA for this drug.
The most common side effects of the product include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, lack of energy, stomach ulcers and internal bleeding. Serious side effects include gastrointestinal ulcers that may perforate, nerve damage, blood discrepancies, urinary bladder problems as well as kidney disease, liver failure, permanent paralysis and death.
- The product was responsible for almost 40% of ALL ADVERSE DRUG reactions reported to the FDA for pets. Out of the 40%, over 25%, or one-quarter of the pets died or had to be euthanized.
- The number of adverse drug reactions reported to the FDA due to Rimadyl is higher than for any other drug used in veterinary medicine for dogs and cats.
- Since Rimadyl has been available for pet arthritis pain relief in dogs and cats, there were over 8,000 adverse effects reported in dogs and cats. The worst side effect of Rimadyl is DEATH with no signs at all!
- Rimadyl® was given to over 2.5 million dogs during the first two years it was sold for pets. According to the FDA, this represents a “high level of use for a recently approved drug.” The largest number of adverse reactions were reported in dogs over six years old.
- According to the Wall Street Journal: “Since Rimadyl’s 1997 launch into the pet market, the FDA received reports of about 1,000 dogs that died or were put to sleep and 7,000 more that had bad reactions after taking the drug. The FDA says such events are significantly under reported.”
- If you suspect your dog may be having an adverse reaction to Rimadyl or to any other NSAID drug, reporting this to the FDA is advised. To notify the FDA about an adverse drug reactions in your pet, fill out the adverse drug reaction form on the FDA’s web site. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine accepts telephone calls. Their phone number is 1-888-FDA-VETS.
- Natural Rimadyl alternatives to relieve pet arthritis pain are a valid consideration for many pet owners. Although they require a few extra days to “kick-in”, they are very safe and have no adverse side effects. In this veterinarians experience, natural arthritis products can be extremely effective to safely relieve pet joint pain and arthritis discomfort in dogs and cats.
Hi Dr. Carol,
Thanks for addressing the frightening side effects that can result from the use of pain relievers. Many people don’t question their safety and will dose their pets with them to cover up other problems. Even safer NSAID’s can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. I maintain a blog which explores the use of stem cells in veterinary medicine. I would love for you to comment with your opinion, as I acknowledge you as a respected veterinarian!
This is what I understand regarding the drug Rimadyl…As Scientists and Pharmaceutical Companies work on finding a non narcotic pain reliever for humans, they came up with this drug. But in humans, studies showed after about 6 years, humans were dying with liver disease, kidney problems, gastrointestinal diseases and such.
So, the FDA approved Rimadyl and it’s generics for pets as pets do not live as long as humans. The likely pet candidate for an arthritis drug would be older animals. Take my dog for example, he is 9 years old. He is not going to be around much longer. So if he is stiff or in pain, Rimadyl is “most likely” NOT going to kill him before his time is up anyway. So, why not give him some relief? He’ll be long gone before the drug gets a chance to kill him. What’s the problem?
Dear Deborah,
In reality as a pet owner you can offer your dog whatever you may feel is best. But as an Integrative Veterinarian, I have an obligation to my patients to offer optimal health care. I also took an oath to obey the golden rule. The golden rule in medicine is to “DO NO HARM.” Therefore while this may seem silly to you, there are many pet owners who would not agree. Rimadyl, along with its many generics has killed thousands of dogs. This may be validated by addressing either of the 2 international class action suits filed against Rimadyl. Today Rimadyl carries these potential canine consequences: acute liver failure and sudden death without signs. The truth is that there are many other traditional canine medications that offer effective dog arthritis pain relief without causing life threatening side effects. In addition, by addressing canine arthritis holistically, I have found natural dog arthritis supplements that are not only safe but also effective.
Thank you for your concern
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
Thank you for this information. A new vet sold me Vetprofen yesterday for my 9 year old mixed breed 65 pound dog. I shall not be giving him this and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. My dog means the world to me and I do not want him with serious side effects from this. I brought him in because he was limping and I found a lima bean size nodule behind his left front elbow. I only wanted it aspirated and I stupidly paid over $40. bucks for this garbage. Waiting for the results of the aspiration and will seek another vet.
our border collie mix is 9 yrs old with both back legs now with torn ACLs to some degree. On fish oil and glucosamine/chondroitin and Half a novox and a gabapentin daily. Now that I’ve read the NSAID dangers, I’m anxious about their use. But she Needs the anti-inflammatory action, doesn’t she? Herbal supplements I’m not sure would help her situation. What would your opinion be? Thank you.
Patricia
If you provide your dogs age, body weight, breed and exact dosages of the meds you are giving we are glad to help.
Remember, Novox is generic Rimadyl-which kills and has killed many dogs!!
Yes there are safe, effective meds you can offer your dog that do not risk their lives and work well!
Best Wishes
Dr Carol