My Pet World: NSAIDs effective drugs to help manage pain
Q: My dog has bad arthritis in his knee. I've read a lot about Rimadyl and it scares me, so I'm thinking of using Zubrin. Do you have any suggestions about what might be safer? -- V.W., via cyberspace
A: Well, no, you're not going to use Zubrin. The drug is no longer available. This has nothing to do with safety, but instead is due to 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 is 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're all similar, one NSAID drug might be more effective for some individual dogs than another.
"If one drug doesn't seem to be as efficacious as expected, we often advise another," adds Downing, of Windsor, CO.
She notes that NSAID drugs should never be "given in a vacuum." Blood work should always be done before prescribing such 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 significant factor may be weight loss.
"The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual," Downing said.
----
Q: Our veterinarian says Tabitha has arthritis. I never knew cats could get arthritis. I suppose it makes sense, though, since she's 16. She doesn't act lame. My vet suggested a drug called Metacam, but I've read bad things about it on the Internet. Any advice? -- V.D., St. Paul, MN
...continued
(c) 2014 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
