ArcaMax

However, there was one more factor that played a role in disseminating both information and misinformation about Rimadyl: the fairly new mode of communication called the Internet.

To directly answer your question, Rimadyl (carprofen is the generic name) has saved lives and benefited millions of dogs. Today, most veterinarians do warn owners about the possible side effects of any drug, including Rimadyl. I pushed for this, as did many others. After all, our pets can't read warning labels.

Given to the right dog, for the right purpose, the benefits of Rimadyl (or any of the current list of NSAID drugs) certainly outweigh the risks.

Unless you conducted an animal autopsy, I'm uncertain if you could pinpoint Rimadyl as the cause of Hannah's death, since it's exceedingly rare for the drug to cause sudden death. While sudden death in cats (due to heart disease) is sadly somewhat common, it's rare in dogs. Today, veterinarians could only speculate on what happened to your best pal. I'm not suggesting that Rimadyl wasn't the cause of death. I am saying cause and effect aren't always as clear as we think.

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Q: My family loves your column, and I love animals. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to cats, so we have dogs. There are many outdoor cats in our area. Their owners don't seem to understand that I don't want cats in our yard, leaving their urine behind. We've tried putting cayenne pepper at spots where the cats mark. What else can we do? -- B.A., Brockton, MA

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Q: I'm tired of cats using my garden as their litter box. I know who these cats belong to, but she doesn't seem to care. I'm ready to trap them and take them to a shelter. I can't bring myself to do it yet, but I'm getting close. -- T.A., Appleton, WI

A: I agree that both cat owners are not being neighborly. For starters, allowing cats to roam isn't in the pets' best interest, as they're prone to being hit by cars and exposed to inclement weather, other cats and predators, not to mention the garden issue.

There are repellents available, including coyote urine (though you have to reapply after it rains). Another option is a motion detector sprinkler that sprays water when it senses movement. One model is called the Scarecrow.

For both readers, if you know the cats' owners, try chatting with them. Some cats who've lived outdoors all their lives resist switching to the indoor life, while others seem downright grateful, particularly when their indoor environment is enriched with toys and other enticements.

For T.A., your frustration is palpable, and I suppose if the cats are on your property, you have the legal right to take them to a shelter. I'm not sure that's the ethical thing to do, however. In a shelter, the cats could be euthanized. Death is a pretty harsh penalty for animals whose only crime was to have irresponsible owners.

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