September 09, 2011
I've been somewhat disappointed by the relatively narrow perspective being presented about the use of Rimadyl in the Newsletter.
Full Question:
Hi Cindy,I've been somewhat disappointed by the relatively narrow perspective being presented about the use of Rimadyl in the Newsletter. While I don't doubt that there will always be a downside to the use of any prescription medication, there are also upsides as well. For example, I presently have a 10 year old Border Collie that LOVES to train, compete, etc. and has since day one. Unfortunately, after a long career in dog agility, she's arthritic. Should she "be put out to pasture" and run crazy in circles all day or, with mild doses of daily Rimadyl, continue to enjoy life as she knows it? She's won every agility champion title 3 times over and so it's not a matter of "needing" to win anything but rather quality of life.
If she dropped dead tomorrow as a consequence of Rimadyl use, which I highly doubt and surely hope not, it would be worth it having seen her enjoy her life to the fullest right to the end! Please don't take this as a criticism, but rather a contribution to a more balanced view.
Charles
Cindy's Answer:
Hi Charles,
Thanks for writing.
I don't believe that using drugs is something I want to do for my dogs when there are other far safer alternatives out there. I have a few old arthritic "retired" working dogs and I refuse to use Rimadyl.
I use a GRAIN FREE raw diet, supplements, and herbal and homeopathic pain management along with chiropractic and regular appropriate exercise like hill walking and swimming.
I have a 13 year old and an 11 year old dog on the following protocol. Our old retired working police dog lived til 14 1/2 with a great quality of life on the following supplements.
Syn-Flex
Salmon Oil
Vitamin E
Comfort Aches
Soothe Joints
I'm glad Rimadyl is working for you, but in my experience working as a vet tech and the research I've done over the last few years, I'm not willing to risk my dog's long term liver and kidney function. I don't believe anything is without risk but something that can damage my dog to the point that death is the result is something I am going to avoid.
We all have to do what we feel is best for our dogs, and I feel it's important to get the information out there about the risks of this drug. The majority of vets certainly aren't offering a choice to their clients and the volume of email I am receiving confirms that.
I am not saying to NOT give your dog some pain relief, I'm saying there are better, safer ways to do so (in my experience).
One of my favorite quotes, "when you know better, you do better."
So many people just don't know there are other options. If everything I tried stopped working and my ONLY option was Rimadyl or euthanizing my dog, I'd certainly give it a try but it would be my last resort.
Thanks again for writing! I do appreciate your point of view.
Cindy Rhodes
Thanks for writing.
I don't believe that using drugs is something I want to do for my dogs when there are other far safer alternatives out there. I have a few old arthritic "retired" working dogs and I refuse to use Rimadyl.
I use a GRAIN FREE raw diet, supplements, and herbal and homeopathic pain management along with chiropractic and regular appropriate exercise like hill walking and swimming.
I have a 13 year old and an 11 year old dog on the following protocol. Our old retired working police dog lived til 14 1/2 with a great quality of life on the following supplements.
Syn-Flex
Salmon Oil
Vitamin E
Comfort Aches
Soothe Joints
I'm glad Rimadyl is working for you, but in my experience working as a vet tech and the research I've done over the last few years, I'm not willing to risk my dog's long term liver and kidney function. I don't believe anything is without risk but something that can damage my dog to the point that death is the result is something I am going to avoid.
We all have to do what we feel is best for our dogs, and I feel it's important to get the information out there about the risks of this drug. The majority of vets certainly aren't offering a choice to their clients and the volume of email I am receiving confirms that.
I am not saying to NOT give your dog some pain relief, I'm saying there are better, safer ways to do so (in my experience).
One of my favorite quotes, "when you know better, you do better."
So many people just don't know there are other options. If everything I tried stopped working and my ONLY option was Rimadyl or euthanizing my dog, I'd certainly give it a try but it would be my last resort.
Thanks again for writing! I do appreciate your point of view.
Cindy Rhodes
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