Comparing the effects of Rimadyl vs Metacam

Both Rimadyl and Metacam for dogs are used to provide relief from pain, stiffness and inflammation. Well, there are a few differences in these drugs. Here’s everything you need you know about both these pet meds.

NSAID’s are known to provide relief from acute pain, fever and inflammation. They are used in both humans and animals. Drugs in this category administered to humans include Vioxx, Aleve, Advil, Celebrex etc. However, the same can prove to be harmful for pets.

Rimadyl and Metacam for dogs are commonly prescribed by vets to address similar problems in dogs. In fact, they are even administered to address the pain and inflammation caused due to surgical intervention.

So, here’s more about these drugs and the differences between both.

About NSAID’s in dogs

Both Rimadyl and Metacam have proven to provide an ailing pooch relief from the pain and inflammation associated with Osteoarthritis and orthopedic and dental surgeries. Both work by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase 2 enzymes (responsible for causing pain and inflammation) without disrupting the production of Cyclo-oxygenase 1 enzymes, which aid in maintaining optimal health and well being in pets.

Well, it is important to remember that these drugs also suffer from certain side effects.

Gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, liver and kidney diseases are the common risks posed by the administration of these NSAID’s. It is advisable to visit the veterinarian on observing signs like vomiting, diarrhea or nauseas. These may be minor effects that can be resolved with symptomatic treatment or the signs of early kidney or liver disease. Timely treatment or change in dose can save the furry pooch from acute suffering.

Vets mostly suggest regular blood work monitoring for pets that are on long term regimen of NSAID’s for the treatment of degenerative joint disease like Osteoarthritis. They also recommend blood work monitoring before prescribing the drug. For; pets with even minor liver or kidney disease may witness worsening of the disease. Moreover, as it is an Rx drug, it must not be given without the advice of a reputed and qualified vet. Although the benefits and side effects of both drugs are similar, they differ in a few ways.

Differences

Here’s the list:

• Metacam is available as an oral suspension, while Rimadyl is in tablet form.
• The generic drug in Metacam is Meloxicam, whereas the generic drug in Rimadyl is Carprofen.
• Metacam was the first NSAID approved for use by the FDA.
• Rimadyl is administered once or twice daily, while Metacam is administered once a day.

Categorically, both the drugs are equally effective in providing relief from pain, fever and inflammation.

Well, here’s a word of caution.

The popularity of online vet pharmacies have given birth to unscrupulous and fake pharmacies, which sell expired and fake drugs. They pose a threat to the pet’s health. They sell cheap pet meds online that rarely fail to attract pet parents. In a bid to reduce the burden on their pockets, pet parents fall for the frills and put their companion’s life in danger. Well, even the genuine online pharmacies offer attractive discounts; thanks to the cut down in their overhead costs. Pet parents should therefore, assess the pharmacy’s genuineness before clicking the ‘ORDER’ button.

Why is Rimadyl recommended for dogs?

Dogs undergo illness and diseases like any other animal calling in for medical emergency as a part of treatment plan. Before giving any medicine to your dog, it is crucial to know how your pet would react to it, how he’d metabolize the drug, and what should be the right dose. Learn about Rimadyl.

Rimadyl for dogs is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (commonly referred to as a NSAID) that is often prescribed to help in pain reduction and inflammation caused due to osteoarthritis in dogs or post-surgery pain.

When your dog is prescribed Rimadyl, make sure to keep a close eye on his reaction especially within the first few hours of giving the medicine. You must consult your vet immediately in case your pet faces any side effects.

Remember to stick to the prescribed doses, amount, and time between administering the drug to avoid adverse reactions.

Conditions when Rimadyl is prescribed

1.    Rimadyl for Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Rimadyl is prescribed for your dog if he suffers from osteoarthritis. The condition occurs when there is a wearing of the cartilage and joints caused mainly due to old age. Osteoarthritis is extremely painful for dogs. A dog suffering from osteoarthritis shows signs of limping, lameness, or stiffness. If he is facing it tough to climb steps, walk, or engage in physical activity, schedule a checkup to identify and diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

How does osteoarthritis affect a dog’s daily life?

Osteoarthritis is a difficult condition that causes pain, inflammation, and ultimately discomfort for the dog. There are several severe cases when joint pain might call for surgery as the last resource. In milder cases, Rimadyl can help alleviate these symptoms and provide your pet a more pain-free quality of life even as he grows older.

Is Rimadyl the cure for osteoarthritis?

Unfortunately, no. It is a drug that must be taken by the dog for a long time, often for lifetime, to ease the pain. If your dog must take Rimadyl for an extended period of time, your veterinarian can discuss with you other routes of care. Review the pros and cons of the medication with your dog’s veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog both in short-term, and long-term situations.

2.    Rimadyl for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia might affect certain dogs, mostly larger breeds, making it quite painful over time. The condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly. This makes the joint to grind rather than glide when there’s movement, eventually causing significant wear over time and loss of function.

Breeds prone to get hip dysplasia

Certain breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers are more prone to get affected with hip dysplasia. However, smaller breeds are not exempt from getting affected with the condition.

How to know if your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia?

If you find your dog is in pain while walking or inclined to one side more than the other, it is the sign that he might be suffering from hip dysplasia or another joint disorder. Other symptoms include decreased range of motion, decrease in activity (due to pain), stiffness, and lameness.

When and why is Rimadyl prescribed?

Rimadyl is prescribed to help lessen the pain and discomfort from hip dysplasia. If your dog is overweight, this can further deteriorate the condition. In addition to medication, it may be recommended that you change your pet’s diet and exercise to promote weight loss.

While joint pain may not make your dog eager to run and jump around, you can take short walks or find other ways to keep your pet as active as possible. Typically, a veterinarian is going to recommend these changes prior to the option of surgery. With the right lifestyle changes, and proper diet along with the right treatment plan, you can provide your dog a good quality of life.

Rimadyl for dogs is available at major stores, including online animal pharmacies. Get in touch with the ones that sell products that are USDA or FDA approved medicines.

How to relieve pets of pain and inflammation?

Pain and inflammation in dogs is a common issue faced by several pet owners. Often noticed as lethargy and discomfort in walking or climbing the stairs, the dogs suffer from arthritis. And yet, steroids are not the solutions. Then how to treat the condition and how to relieve your pet of pain?

Your furchild used to be the most active and lively one around you until few years back. Gradually as years passed, his energy kept on dipping down ultimately making him inactive. The one, who used to jump at your sight, welcomes you by wagging his tail in the most tiring manner.

Osteoarthritis is the reason why your pet is in pain. Don’t lose hope, Rimadyl for dogs might help.

What is osteoarthritis?

OA or osteoarthritis is a painful condition that affects how a dog functions, how it feels, and how he acts. It is a progressive condition that takes place when the cartilage protecting the bones gradually deteriorates, or breaks down over time.

Rimadyl for rescue
As one of the most trusted treatment, Rimadyl is prescribed to the dogs suffering from osteoarthritis to bring them back to their own lively selves.

Early treatment is important in OA

It is important to spot early signs of osteoarthritis to get help and treatment at the earliest.

It is reported that OA affects about 37% of dogs, and doesn’t necessarily affects the older dogs. It might affect dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages. The pain of arthritis doesn’t only impact the physical health of your pet, it might very well disturb the emotional health too.

What is Rimadyl?

Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) most commonly recommended to dogs to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints caused due to osteoarthritis in dogs. It is one of the brand names for the veterinary drug carprofen, which belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs. Rimadyl, like any other NSAIDs, doesn’t show side effects like steroids.

Rimadyl is available in easy-to-use caplets and tasty chewables. It acts faster on the disorder and in 2 weeks of taking the medicine at label dose, dogs are found to be showing improvements in activity level, comfort, energy and regular activities.

Why is Rimadyl prescribed?

If your vet’s prescription with Rimadyl is confusing you, it is better to get it clarified from the practitioner. The main reasons why Rimadyl is recommended include:

1.    To treat osteoarthritis as part of a chronic pain management strategy for dogs.
2.    As a post-operative medication to treat pain and inflammation in dogs after surgery

It works in different ways including:

1.    Treating inflammation
2.    Reducing fever
3.    Reducing pain

Properties of Rimadyl

Rimadyl is highly effective in treating osteoarthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the joint inflammation caused due to osteoarthritis. It reduces pain and works very effectively and fast to treat the condition. Since the drug is tolerated relatively well by the majority of canine patients, Rimadyl is a good choice for long-term pain management of arthritis in dogs.

Dosage of Rimadyl for dogs

Rimadyl is available in the form of caplets, chewable tablets and injections. The caplets and tablets are available in dosages of 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg.

The most commonly recommended dose for dogs in 2 mg per pound of body weight given once daily. It can also be broken down to 1 mg per pound of the dog’s body weight administered twice daily.

However, the exact dosage for your dog might vary as per his condition and response to the drug. For the same reason, the dosage for your pet must be confirmed from your vet before administering the same to the dog.

Rimadyl for dogs is available at pet pharmacies, both online as well as offline stores. If you are buying it over the internet, make sure to order from a pet pharmacy that sells FDA approved products.