Although there is a possibility of side effects, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective for treating arthritis in dogs, says veterinarian Robin Downing. Dr. Downing notes that dogs may respond differently to therapies, and regular veterinary visits including blood work are an important part of monitoring a pet’s response to treatment. “The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual,” Dr. Downing says. “In the end, most dogs can live virtually pain free.” This article also addresses arthritis in cats, skin conditions and the best time to spay or neuter. ChicagoNow.com/Steve Dale’s Pet World blog
Q: My dog has bad arthritis in his knee. I’ve read a lot of stuff about Rimadyl that scares me, so I’m thinking of using Zubrin — or do you have any suggestions about what might be safer? — V.W., via Cyberspace
A: Well, you’re not going to use Zubrin. The drug is no longer available. This has nothing to do with safety, but instead with mergers and acquisitions and related business decisions.
Dr. Robin Downing, past president and founder of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and a certified pain practitioner, says, “Don’t believe all the untrue hoo-ha on Rimadyl and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs. Each of these (NSAID) drugs are very effective, but like most drugs not without potential side effects. The risk is similar (for each of the NSAID drugs for dogs), though one individual dog might have an adverse event with one drug but not another.”
Though they are all similar, some NSAID drugs might be more effective for some individual dogs than others. “If one drug doesn’t seem to be as efficacious as expected, we often advise another,” adds Downing, of Windsor, CO. She adds that NSAID drugs should never be “given in a vacuum.” Blood work should always be done before prescribing a drug, and over the course of a drug’s use. Regular veterinary visits are important to keep tabs on how the dog is doing.
By diminishing pain, a NSAID drug may make it possible for a dog to exercise (talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate workout). Physical therapy (including underwater treadmill), acupuncture, chiropractic and therapeutic laser may also help. The most important factor may be weight loss.
“The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual,” adds Downing. “In the end, most dogs can live virtually pain free.”
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