Our little brothers and sisters begin to experience joint problems with age, especially large breeds. Just like people, cats and dogs can suffer from severe pain and injuries, and then a medication like Rimadyl comes to the rescue. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is considered one of the safest. It is prescribed more often to dogs than to cats. This medication will be discussed in this article.
Dosage form
Rimadyl is available in both tablet and injection form. A veterinarian may prescribe either dosage form based on the animal's condition. Let's take a closer look.
Rimadyl in tablet form
The drug dosage form for dogs can be produced in the form of round tablets, marked with the letter R on one side and a dividing line on the other. The main active ingredient is carprofen, and the excipients are:
- dried pork liver powder;
- cornstarch;
- gelatin;
- vegetable protein;
- sugar and syrup;
- magnesium stearate;
- lactose monohydrate.
Rimadyl injectable form
Veterinarians typically use this particular dosage form because it allows the medication to reach the affected organ much faster, making the animal feel better.
The drug is administered intravenously or subcutaneously to both dogs and cats. at the rate of 4 mg of carprofen per 1 kg of weightExceeding this dosage is prohibited, as it will not speed up recovery but will only cause irreparable harm to health.
Pharmacological properties
Rimadyl is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with antipyretic and analgesic properties. It has a very pleasant taste, making it a favorite among dogs and cats. This medication activates the production of COX-2, which is a response to inflammation. This completely blocks the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation. It has also been established that this dosage is harmless to the animal.
Use of the drug
In veterinary medicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for the following joint pathologies in cats and dogs:
- arthritis;
- arthrosis;
- severe diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The remedy is especially effective for injuries and after operations.
Rimadyl for dogs: instructions for use
It's important to remember that this medication is far from harmless, so self-medication is not recommended. Instead, seek the help of a veterinarian who will prescribe Rimadyl for your pet. This medication can solve many health problems, but only if a diagnosis has been made. the main cause of the diseaseOtherwise, it may cause harm to the animal's gastrointestinal tract.
This medication is prescribed for inflammatory processes and pain associated with acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, the instructions for use of Rimadyl indicate that the medication, in tablet and injection form, is used:
- for analgesia;
- to reduce pain and swelling after surgery.
In the first days of using the drug the dosage should be high (4 mg per kilogram of body weight). To reduce the adverse effects of the drug on the stomach lining, the animal should not be given the full daily dose at once; therefore, the dose should be divided into two doses. This is how Rimadyl achieves its optimal medicinal effect.
As the instructions emphasize, it's best to take half the daily dose in the morning and the other half in the evening. It's important to consult with your veterinarian throughout the entire treatment period. Only they can determine when to reduce the dosage or discontinue the medication altogether.
Precautionary measures
It is not recommended to take different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time. Furthermore, the use of nephrotoxic drugs is prohibited for 24 hours after taking Rimadyl, as their combination may cause serious harm vital organs of a dog or cat.
Before starting medication, your pet must undergo a medical examination to assess the condition of its kidneys, heart, and liver, and also undergo all necessary tests. Only then can you protect your pet from various side effects.
Contraindications
This drug is strictly prohibited for pregnant and lactating animals. Therefore, before administering it, you should check your pet's gastrointestinal health, as conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, and similar illnesses may worsen. If there is a risk of internal bleeding, Rimadyl should not be used.
In addition, the drug is capable of exerting serious effects on the kidneys, and there is a risk of dehydration. If the animal's health deteriorates, saline solution should be administered immediately through a system. The drug should be administered with extreme caution if the cat or dog is receiving blood thinners. In this case, Rimadyl should be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Side effects
Pet owners should be aware of the side effects of this medication. Its cost is quite high, but this is offset by its excellent effectiveness. Since it comes in tablet form, contains pork liver, dogs eat them with great pleasure. However, it's important to be aware that Rimadyl can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea or vomiting. This most often applies to tablets, as they pass through the stomach. In severe cases, internal bleeding may occur.
To reduce the risk of side effects, it's best not to administer pills to your pet on an empty stomach. Many veterinarians recommend administering enveloping agents, such as flaxseed jelly or regular fiber, before administering the medication. By coating the intestinal or stomach walls, these agents protect them from adverse effects.
So, if a veterinarian prescribed Rimadyl to a pet, You can safely buy it, as it is a very effective drug. However, before taking pills or receiving an injection, it is important to read the instructions, as this medication may have side effects and contraindications.
