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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: My 12-year-old
Sheltie has arthritis. She’s on a regimen of aspirin and Glucosamine/Chondroitin
which seems to help somewhat. I’ve heard about Rimadyl. What is it and
could that help? --J.K., Oakland, Calif.
A: Yes, it might.
Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Dr. Peter Eeg, of Boyd,
Md., was responsible for some of the initial clinical trials of Rimadyl.
"Rimadyl is
a drug that blocks production of a type of prostaglandin, a compound released
by the body to increase inflammation," he explains. "By reducing
inflammation, you’re consequently reducing pain."
Eeg points out Rimadyl
doesn’t cure osteoarthritis. Short of surgery — which may only be applicable
in some cases — there’s no cure for osteoarthritis. Rimadyl eases pain
and therefore enhances the quality of life. Rimadyl can also be used to
ease pain following an injury. Long-term usage of aspirin isn’t a viable
option because it usually causes serious gastro-intestinal upset.
Another option, Glucosamine/Chondroitin,
is the human nutrosutical (nutritional supplement) found at health food
stores. It works directly on the cartilage in a way that science doesn’t
totally understand. Most veterinarians agree that if you want to go this
route, rather than guessing the dosage of Glucosamine packaged for people
at a health food store, you’d be better off with Cosequin, a product,
also with Glucosamine, made for companion animals.
There’s little doubt
that Rimadyl is now helping pets throughout the country. Sometimes the
results are quite dramatic. The makers of Rimadyl now confirm, however,
that they’re seeing some side effects. That’s one reason why you absolutely
need to see your vet to discuss your pet’s individual problem and overall
health before deciding on a treatment plan.
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