The Walk Of Shame

Not too long ago, our senior dog, our spotted girl, Linguini, got terribly sick,  by an adverse reaction to PROIN (also known as phenylpropanolamine, PPA, or Propalin), a drug she took daily to control her incontinence. Weeks after being prescribed a daily pill, Linguini started vomiting violently after every meal. She started losing weight and got weaker every day. Her decline was fast. The dog vet insisted that PROIN did not have any such adverse reactions and that it was probably the RIMADYL (carprofen) that was making her so ill. Through trial and error, we discovered that indeed it was the PROIN that was making her so SICK. We removed it from her diet. The vet argued and once again insisted that it was simply a coincidence and to put Linguini back on the drug. One meal later, Linguini was back to retching. It was the last time she took the drug. We got her off it altogether. A few days later she started to leak a bit, then some more, and about a week later she was leaving puddles everywhere. We lived like that for a few months, constantly mopping, cussing, feeling helpless. Linguini was suffering too, as she had to live with constantly wet bedding and fur.

The Walk of Shame

So, we did a bit of research. We found out that PROIN, an effective treatment for Canine Urinary Incontinence, should NOT be given concurrently with NSAIDs!!! How about that piece of precious information?

Linguini is currently on DES (diethylstilbestrol), a synthetic, non steroidal form of estrogen, also used for treatment of urinary incontinence in female dogs. The catch: DES is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration, but is prescribed legally as an "extra-label" drug (the drug is registered for use in humans only). Because DES has it's own set of side-effects, careful monitoring is a must.

Our thought is that after a certain age (Linguini is 11 years old) a dog should be made as comfortable as possible. Our senior dog, our girl, is no longer ill nor does she need to wear diapers.

T--

Rimadyl

What is Rimadyl

Rimadyl is the name Pfizer uses for Carprofen. It's like saying Advil instead of Ibuprofen, for humans. If you have a dog that you're told needs to be on Rimadyl, especially for a log time, skip the brand name and opt for a generic, cheaper brand. It's the same thing. Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug mainly used to treat dog arthritis symptoms and flare ups along with hip dysplasia in a senior dog as a long term solution. Short term use is mainly prescribed post-op to relieve temporary inflammation.

In the United States, Rimadyl (Carprofen) is available in 25, 75, and 100mg tablets, liver flavored or non. It's easier for the dog owner to use Pfizer's Rimadyl only because of the taste. Most patients will eat it as if it's a dog treat because of the taste. You need to ask your dog vet about dosage which varies according to the dog's weight.

The most effective way to administer Carprofen, in the long term, is in two doses, a morning one and an evening one.

Dangers Associated With Rimadyl

For long-term use, Rimadyl has been associated with liver and kidney problems, and even gastritis and ulcers, that's why if your dog is going to be prescribed this drug, he/she needs frequent evaluations and blood work done at your vet's office. Other side effects, include loss of appetite, vomiting, and wobbling. If your dog is just getting started on Rimadyl (Carprofen) you must keep a watchful eye and contact your vet if you notice: vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, increase in water consumption, seizures, increase in urination, drowsiness, skin changes, and behavior  changes (energy level, aggression)

Other names for  Rinadyl/ cheaper solutions

 

If you own a small dog, and you are a responsible owner, you may want to opt for buying larger pills that you cut down to the proper size. No vet will recommend that, so you have to be careful. As for glucosamine for dogs, fish oil for dogs, and chondroitin, you should know that they are not alternatives. These are supplements. They do help boosts your dog's system, but they are not drugs therefore they only compliment the use of Carprofen, they don't replace it. You can always opt to purchase a senior dog food that has those supplements in its formula.
If you are going to be using the drug long-term, there are other names, including the generic Carprofen, you should look up. They do the same job and cost a lot less. Other names include: Novox, Vetprofen, and Care-O-Pet that are available in caplets or chewable. The savings are significant. Another way to save money is not to buy it from your vet. There are companies (such as 1800petmeds.com) that offer great deals over the Internet. Do your research.

When shopping around, I recommend you look up Carprofen, a term few dog owners know.

M--