Rimadyl Dosage for Dogs: 3 “Essential Guide to Safe Usage!”

Your veterinarian may prescribe Rimadyl for better dosage of dogs if your dog is experiencing joint pain or discomfort post-surgery. Pain and inflammation in dogs are commonly treated with this popular medicine which is NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). However, like with any medication, you should administer the right dosage. Here in this article, we’ll discuss the correct dosage chart, administration instructions, indications and contraindications, possible side effects, and last but not least possible drug interactions.

What is Rimadyl?

Rimadyl is a prescription medication for the relief of pain and inflammation in dog patients. It’s a top medication for the management of osteoarthritis, post-surgery, and other inflammatory conditions. Rimadyl enhances your dog’s comfort and mobility by inhibiting enzymes that cause pain and inflammation.

Generic name of Rimadyl:

Carprofen

Mechanism Of Action of Rimadyl:

Rimadyl is a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective inhibitory nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic (NSAID) that is a prostaglandin-synthesizing enzyme responsible for mediating inflammation, pain, and fever. Compared to non-selective NSAIDs, it weakly inhibits COX-1, a prostaglandin responsible for gastrointestinal mucosa protection and platelet function maintenance. By inhibiting prostaglandins of COX-2 origin, It inhibits pain and inflammation without inducing (though not preventing) gastrointestinal and renal side effects to a lesser extent than older NSAIDs

Key Effects:

Anti-inflammatory: Blocks pro-inflammatory prostaglandins at injury sites.

Analgesic: Reduces pain perception.

Antipyretic: Lowers body temperature by acting on the hypothalamus.

Route of Administration of Rimadyl:

There are two routes of administration of Rimadyl:

• Tablets (oral)
• Injectables (intravenous or subcutaneous)

Due to its ease of administration, chewable is the most preferred among owners. Although it can be given with or without food, it is preferable to give it with a meal if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Rimadyl is 2 mg/lb body weight per day. It can be given as a single dose or split dose (1 mg/lb twice daily). Your veterinarian can adjust the dose, however, based on your dog’s specific needs.

Dosage Chart:

 

 

 

Half life of Rimadyl:

Rimadyl has a terminal half-life of roughly 8 hours (range 4.5-9.8 hours) following a single oral dose that ranges from 1 to 35 mg/kg of body weight. The dog’s mean elimination half-life following a 100 mg intravenous bolus dosage was roughly 11.7 hours.

Indications:

• Osteoarthritis: Helps in managing chronic joint pain and stiffness.
• Postoperative pain: is regularly prescribed after surgery to relieve pain.
• Inflammatory conditions: Used to treat several inflammation-related health conditions in dogs.

Contraindication:

• Allergic Reactions.
• Gastro-intestinal upset.
• Liver & Kidney Disease.
• Bleeding Disorders.
• Pregnant or Lactating dogs.
• Use with Other NSAIDs or Steroids.
• Dehydrated or Hypovolemic Pets.
• Puppies Under 6 Weeks.

Potential Rimadyl Side Effects:

Typical adverse effects are:

Gastrointestinal Issues

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite (Anorexia)
• Gastrointestinal ulcers or perforation
• Black, tarry stools (melena; indicates GI hemorrhage)

Renal (Kidney) Effects

Increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria)

• Acute kidney injury or failure
• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Hepatic (Liver) Effects
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Liver damage or hepatitis
• Jaundice (icterus; yellow color of skin/eyes)
• Allergic/Hypersensitivity Reactions
• Itching (pruritus) or skin rash
• Facial swelling (edema)
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea; in more severe cases, anaphyl

Neurological/Behavioral Effects

• Lethargy
• Behavioral changes (including depression, confusion)
• Seizures (rare)
• Hematologic (Blood) Diseases
• Prolonged bleeding time
• Bruising (ecchymosis)

Possible drug interactions with Rimadyl:

Most Common Possible Drug Interactions with Rimadyl are:

• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Meloxicam)
• Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone)
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Spironolactone)
• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Benazepril)
• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin)
• Cyclosporine
• Aminoglycoside Antibiotics (e.g., Gentamicin, Amikacin) .
• Methotrexate .
• Sulfonamides (e.g., Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole).
• Digoxin

Which NSAIDs Are Safe for Dogs?

There are many NSAIDs for dogs. Always talk to your veterinarian to find out what anti-inflammatory is best for your dog.

Conclusion:

Rimadyl can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life when correctly dosed. Always follow your vet’s instructions and monitor side effects. If you’re concerned, speak with your veterinarian for a recommendation on the best course of action.

Key takeaways:

• Rimadyl (Carprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is utilized to treat acute and chronic inflammatory pain in dogs.
• The most frequent side effect of carprofen in dogs is gastrointestinal upset, represented by diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and anorexia.
• Carprofen comes in a variety of forms: capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and an injection administered by your veterinarian.

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