Hurt Dog

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Very true Nostalchic! Excellent point!

I also did not suggest aspirin, as it can irritate the gut, and if the vet puts the dog on rimadyl, or other anti-inflammatory, the combination can cause ulcers, and other gastric issues....

Long story short, she needs to go to the vet. period.

 

[Nif]

Here's something I found on Rimadyl.

"The newest example of a medication with peculiar side effects in a small number of pets is carprofen (Rimadyl Rx). This medication is very effective at controlling pain and allowing dogs with arthritis to move comfortably again. It is safer than most medications in its class for use in dogs since it is much less likely to cause ulcers than other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications approved for use in dogs. However, it can cause toxic liver reactions in a few dogs. At the present time the majority of dogs affected in this manner have been Labrador retrievers but other breeds have been affected. There are a small number of confirmed cases of problems and a large number of dogs on this medication so the problem seems to be rare but definitely real. If your dog is on Rimadyl and you see any signs of inappetance, lethargy, vomiting or ill health in general, please contact your vet. Checking to see if there is evidence of liver damage would be a very good idea if any reaction to this medication occurs and it may not be a bad idea to just routinely run tests for liver enzymes a few days to a few weeks after starting Rimadyl. In any case, don't simply assume that whatever is wrong will get better in a few days and keep giving the medication. Stop, call your vet and inform him or her of the problem. Rimadyl is a very good medication and I have used it in one of my own dogs. Just be aware of the potential for problems."

And here's a link to the site:
http://www.vetinfo.com/dogindex.html

 

[Brindlebtch]

You can give them Rimadyl or whatnot with Tums or metaclopromide or something else to ease the stomach irritation.

But yes, the dog would be best served if it went to the vet. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a gut, back or hip problem.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Quote:
I had an AmStaff go straight into liver failure once taken off Rimadyl.
She very nearly died.

I was told by a very knowledgable Rottweiler person that Rotties will sometimes go into liver failure about 3 weeks after being taken off it also.

It is the exception to the rule, but there ARE newer NSAIDs out there now that are safer.

 

[Nif]

Sounds scary, I might avoid Rimadyl.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
Any medication your pet takes have potential side effects / risks. Just like any meds you or I take. You have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. Liver failure IS a risk with rimadyl, but not all that common. If your dog has to be on it regularly, your vet will want to check liver panels every six months or so. But yes, there are newer nsaids on the market, and they too have their associated risks....

 

[mypicklebird]

also add bite wounds, migrating foxtail, disk disease, pancreatitis, ect. to acute trauma. so many things can masquerade as osteoarthritis... best to get an actual diagnosis. Then if you need to save $ on pain control, use the buffered aspirin & antacids (tums is a poor choice due to short action, better is pepcid/famotidine) instead of the rx anti-inflammatories. The post on metoclopramide as a stomach protectant should be disregarded- it is a motility modifier (makes the stomach contract more) and helps a bit with nausea, not an antacid. best bet is get a true diagnosis from your vet- and then choose a treatment plan.


Quote:

 

[Brindlebtch]

Oops. Beg pardon.

 

[StupidBird]

Geez, or some whack job could've shot it with a pellet gun. Please take it to a vet if you can.

 

[ShrekDawg]

It could be hip dyplasia, Labs are prone to it, or any number of things. She needs to be checked out by a vet for a proper diagnosis and she needs to go ASAP, period no joke. The bottom line is she needs to go see a vet pronto. good luck.