What are the Side Effects of Rimadyl in Dogs?

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Dogs are considered to be man’s best friend. Unfortunately, dogs can also acquire diseases just like what a human best can. Because of this, we usually spend time, money and effort in order to keep our best friend healthy and always on the go. This is the reason why drugs are now invented specifically for dogs’ use. However, some of these medications can also contain side effects that could be potentially harm and not help the dogs. One particular type of drug is none other than Rimadyl. What is Rimadyl and what are the side effects of Rimadyl in dogs?

Rimadyl or Carprofen is a drug that was introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in January 1997. This medication is created in order to relieve arthritis symptoms in dogs. Although this is already proven, some experts still question the benefits of this drug since its negative side effects are said to outweigh more of its target purpose. However, some users of Rimadyl have stated their satisfaction with the benefits of this drug since it has significantly improved the quality of their dog’s life and has even extended it in some cases. Nevertheless, we still cannot ignore the side effects of Rimadyl in some dogs, which have even led to their deaths particularly due to liver failure. Some of the side effects were not even recognized by the veterinarian, which is why many dogs lost their lives.

Because of this increasing incidents, Pfizer has already instructed veterinarians to do pre screening of the drug before it could be given to the dogs. In addition to these, blood works are also needed in order to check whether the liver and the other organs are still functioning very well. Some of the other side effects of Rimadyl includes refusal to drink, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, presence of blood in the urine, unusual urination pattern, increase in the amount of urine, sweet-smelling urine, black and/or tarry stools with streaks of blood, drowsiness, lethargic, weakness with full or partial paralysis, loss of balance, seizures, stumbling and even jaundice.

Once any of the mentioned side effects are observed, the medication must be stopped immediately and the dog must be brought to the nearest vet. The sooner the treatment or the management will begin, the better will be the chances of the dog to live or recover. Vet should also order blood tests as soon as possible in order to check any abnormalities in the body. This will also aid in handing the dog the proper and appropriate interventions. It is important that owners should never panic in order to provide better and appropriate care to their sick dogs. These are just some of the known facts about the side effects of the drug Rimadyl for dogs.