Kizzy and the Cone of Shame
It’s been a while since I posted. We have had a rough past week, no thanks to the dangerous NSAID Rimadyl for dogs!
We took the 3 pups to the vet for their annual check-ups and shots. All were fine, except Kismet’s arthritis in one front leg is getting worse. the vet suggested several medications, and, having used Rimadyl in the past (on a different dog), I chose that option.
Within 3 days, Kismet went downhill quickly, becoming lethargic, weak and lame in his rear legs. his temperature shot up to 106 (100-102 is normal in dogs), and his breathing was labored. I took him back to the vet, and, off the Rimadyl. Long (and VERY expen$ive) story short, he ended up at Georgia Vet Specialists having emergency surgery. We brought him home today.
After researching his symptoms online, I deduced that Rimadyl was the culprit. There is a ton of information out there warning pet owners of the dangers of this drug. Many dogs have died after taking the drug for only a few days, and countless others have become seriously ill. Go to this link and search Rimadyl toxicity.
Reports of dog’s dying and serious adverse effects as a result of Rimadyl toxicity date back to 1999. Pfizer, the manufacturer, continues to push it to veterinarian clinics and ignore the facts, all in the name of PROFIT.
Kismet’s liver had a lesion and he had to have a liver lobe removed, and an abscess cleared from another organ. I just picked him up from the vet. There is no conclusive, hard evidence that his misery and health issues were a direct result of Rimadyl. A necropsy would have to prove that, and thank the Dog-God’s Kismet didn’t die. But it came on so suddenly following taking it, I have no doubts. Coincidence? I think not!
Even if your vet tells you that Rimadyl and other NSAID’s are safe, do the right thing and explore other means of alleviating your dog’s pain. (Herbals and acupuncture are the routes I’m going next). It just may save his life!
For more info, see http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadyl.rec.html and http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadylfr.html
That is awful! Thanks for the heads up, we will watch out Bob is on Tramadol for her eye pain and it is really helping. The first thing Mommy did was look it up. Me hopes that Kismet is doing much better.
Me and my hairy slobbery sister Bob wants to thanks yous for your kind words. Bob is a little worried abouts the operation but she says she has not been able to sees out of that eye for awhile. She will be happy when the headaches is gone.
Kisses
Nellie
yes, the pressure is much worse w/ glaucoma.
I am so glad you were so conscientious. Not just Kismet, but how many people are subject to such neglect in drug therapy! Love you all,Judy
Oh Jules — I’m SO happy that Kizmet is home and doing better! Also glad to hear that you went to GVS — the specialists and surgeons there are great and have saved more than one of our pets in the past. Which dr.’s did you see? They’re not cheap, but guess you can’t put a price on those we love and want to help.
Please keep us posted on Kizzie’s health and how he’s progressing. Poor little Angel — he’s been through so much. But, am sure he’s getting spoiled silly! 🙂
XO,
Amy
Thanks, all. Kismet is now back to his old self- It was a long and scary time for us all!
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I am sorry you had to go through that. I believe in natural cures when possible but I would have gone with the drug too for at least short-term help…especially after having a past experience with it where thing were fine.
It’s totally hit or miss with those drugs. We had a dog that tolerated it fine in the past, as well. Kismet is now on an herbal remedy, but so far not much improvement. Maybe acupuncture.
That’s terrifying! It’s terrible when pets get sick. 🙁 Glad Kismet is back to normal now.
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