Big Paws Only Dog Forums

BPO Medical Forum => Treatment & Preventative Meds => : Pyr Heaven January 07, 2008, 03:58:05 PM

: Rimadyl?
: Pyr Heaven January 07, 2008, 03:58:05 PM
Ok, so my vet gave me Rimadyl to give Miles for the pain after his surgery. She prescribed 75 mg twice a day. I checked on their website and they say 2mg/lb/day. So that's about right. Now, she gave me 8 (to last 4 days.)

Now, do you think I should give it to him all four days...or give it to him when he seems to be hurting, or not give it to him at all.

I did give him one this morning, and I'm still planning on one this evening...just since it's the day after surgery. And let me tell you, for the most part he is feelin' good. Despite all my efforts, he still tears through the house on occasion, and jumps up to see if there is something for him on the counter....and slide all over the floor in the common area of our building (with wet, muddy paws) when he sees another dog, trying to get to them to play. It's just killing him not being allowed to play! haha


Anyway, what is your take on the pain meds!?
: Re: Rimadyl?
: Mojo1269 January 07, 2008, 04:13:23 PM
I am not a big fan of medicating any more than is needed.  That being said Rimadyl is a great choice for a canine analgesic.  Dogs with chronic pain or ones convalesing from surgery are often on Rimadly for extended periods of time (months)so I would not be concerened with four days worth of meds.
: Re: Rimadyl?
: Scootergirl January 07, 2008, 04:17:35 PM
I give rimadyl after surgeries right when I pick them up, because they are fresh from surgery, but I don't like medicating anyone or anything if it's not necessary. I don't see a reason to give pain medication if he doesn't seem like he is in pain. I find that dogs have a much higher pain tolerance than us wimpy humans.

If he seems to be paying too much attention to his incision, it's probably safe to assume he is uncomfortable, but if he acts comfortable, he probably is comfortable.  

After Kentucky was spayed, I only gave her the first pill. Like Miles, you wouldn't know she had surgery unless you looked at her incision.

I wouldn't worry about the drug itself, though if you want to play it safe. Rimadyl can have side effects on kidneys, but only if it is taken to treat long term pain like arthritis.

Give Miles a kiss for me! That's sure to make him feel OK.
: Re: Rimadyl?
: People Whisperer January 07, 2008, 04:36:51 PM
I am not sure how strong of a pain killer Rimadryl is BUT I had about 10 surgeries myself. I hate taking any kind if medication and usually try to avoid every bit of it.
My last surgery was pretty easy but really paintful (removing a giant splinter from my foot)!!! I don't remember being in so much pain ever. I was taking those pain killers like there is no tomorrow, LOL!

I am sure you will notice if he is in pain though. And if he starts running around and do silly things you can stop giving him pills  ;)
: Re: Rimadyl?
: mynameislola January 08, 2008, 11:50:47 AM
My husband's Australian Shepherd was diagnosed with bridging spondylosis and has been on Rimadyl for several months.  Without it he cannot stand or walk. 

I am more likely to give pain meds to spayed dogs.  Neutering seems less invasive. 

We tried Cody, bilateral luxating patellas, grades 3 and 4, one repaired, on Rimadly and it caused to him to become dangerously frisky.  It was discontinued except in cases of imjury.
: Re: Rimadyl?
: Mojo1269 January 08, 2008, 12:23:09 PM
One thing to keep in mind to is that Rimadyl is not a barbituate or opiate based drug.  It more or less a canine equivelentof Aspirin or Ibuprofin.  Like those drugs it can have side effects over the long haul with chronic use but for shorter durations it is pefectly safe. Like any drug it can/does effect every dog differently. My Masitff does not take it.  When he did it caused him some issues with digestion, which is an uncommon side effect but can happen (as I am told).
: Re: Rimadyl?
: Pyr Heaven January 08, 2008, 01:37:33 PM
Thank you for everyone's responses. I did follow through with giving him the medication twice yesterday...si nce yesterday was his first day after the neuter. Now, today, I haven't given him the medication yet. I definitely DO NOT want him to be in pain. And it's so hard with dogs, ya know!

But, he has been a wild beast! He's acting like nothing ever happened except for the occasional (attempted) lick down there. As hard as I try to keep him calm and on bed rest, he will not have it. And he is just not a fan of just lying in his crate all the live long day. hahaha Today...so far he's found a stick outside and was running away from me...going UP the stairs...when I've been taking the elevator with him. He stole the toilet paper off the bathroom counter (we have to put it up there in the very corner of the counter otherwise he steals it.) Well, it wasn't far enough back. So I was chasing him around the house for that. Then, when I finally got it from him, he thought it'd be fun to jump on me because he knows that makes me mad (since he was mad i took the toilet paper)....so now he's in his crate (which he keeps jumping up because I had his e-collar up there for a second and he was tryin to get the gauze stuff that was on it to tie it together, but it's gone now! He still feels like jumping up and making sure it's gone. But we've only been up for a few hours, and he's nuts!!!!

So, I'm thinking he isn't in pain. I don't know....haha. It's hard. But maybe, if I give him the meds, he'll sleep more and not be so crazy!! hahaha I'm just tryin to figure out how I can keep him more calm. This is not goin to work....13 days of calm? Not happening.

P.S. Where his stitches are there is fur stuck in them already! Even though they shaved around the area, since the fur is long all around there...it is somehow STUCK in there. I cut it so it's not attached to his body AND the sutures...i was gonna try to pull it out of the sutures but he wont sit still long enough. It looks ok though...hardl y swollen and only a bit red. Is this something I should be worrying about...or just watch it?
: Re: Rimadyl?
: London_Pyr_Lover January 08, 2008, 02:57:26 PM
I wonder if you could give him something to calm him, either a calming spray from the pet store, or Melatonin if it's safe for dogs.  I know I use it to help me sleep after a night shift, maybe it would calm him down a bit to avoid tearing any stitches.  Just a thought though, I wouldn't give him anything without first calling the vet to see if it's okay.   ;)