In the article I will talk about the drug Rimadyl for dogs. I will describe the indications for treatment, mechanism of action, dosage and instructions for use. I will explain the side effects, contraindications for the reception and storage conditions. I will cite the cost of the drug, shelf life and available analogues.
Rimadyl is a veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of a new generation that has a pronounced anesthetic and antipyretic effect.
Release form and composition of the drug rimadil for dogs
Auxiliary substances: dried pork liver (intended for the aroma and attractiveness of medicine for dogs), corn starch, glucose syrup, vegetable protein.
Releases rimadil in pill form:
Dosage: 20.50 and 100 mg.
Packing of tablets is carried out in plastic cans with a screw cap of 14-180 pieces per pack.
Tablets are light brown in color. Divided into two equal halves.
As well as 5% solution for injection:
Dosage 20 ml.
It is packaged in a dark brown glass bottle with a rubber cap. Transparent liquid of a light yellow shade.
Available in pill and injection form.
Indications for use and mechanism of action
Rimadyl is prescribed for acute and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis and others), after various injuries (fractures, bruises, ligament damage). Recommended use after surgery to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling, lowering body temperature.
Carprofen's action is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase in the arachidonic acid cycle. In simple words, Carprofen interrupts the chain of reactions that are triggered by all the inflammatory processes in the body. Prostaglandins that cause swelling and pain stop being synthesized.
Quickly relieves pain in dogs and cats, lowers body temperature, reduces swelling and stops inflammation.
The effect of the drug is noticeable 30 minutes after administration.
Quickly relieves pain in dogs and cats
Dosage and instructions for use
Apply Rimadil for treating dogs can only be recommended by a veterinarian. Prescribe the drug, dosage and therapeutic course should only veterinarian. Independent appointment of a pet, without expert advice, is prohibited.
The symptoms that Rimadyl relieves are a result of a severe illness of the dog. Relieving symptoms alone is not enough for a pet to recover. In most cases, for effective treatment requires inspection and competent diagnosis of the underlying disease, and the further appointment of complex therapy.
The dosage is usually based on the weight of the dog. The rate of a single dose is determined by the formula: (4 mg of the drug * kg of weight) / 2 times.
When treating for more than 1 week, the dosage is halved.
The medication should be given to the dog strictly at a certain time, at regular intervals (every 12 hours).
Pills are prescribed for home use. It is necessary to accept 2 times a day during food.
After surgery and to relieve acute pain, injections are given subcutaneously or intravenously. Once or once a day.
After surgery and to relieve acute pain, injections are given subcutaneously or intravenously.
Contraindications for admission
- with individual intolerance to carprofen,
- during pregnancy and lactation,
- to combine with other medicinal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
- with diseases of the excretory system (liver, kidney),
- with heart disease.
Price and analogues
Rimadyl has a large number of analogues: Remkal, Previkoks, Norokarp, Movalis, Trokoksil and others. The active ingredient carprofen is included in many medicines.
Average cost of Rimadyl:
- a solution of 20 mg - 1700 - 2000 rubles,
- 20 mg tablets - 500 rubles, 50 mg - 600 rubles, 100 mg - 900 rubles.
In the article I talked about the drug rimadil for dogs. Described the indications for treatment, mechanism of action, dosage and method of application. Explained side effects, contraindications for admission and storage conditions. Brought cost, shelf life and affordable analogues.
Dosage Form
These are round pills with the letter R on one side and a dividing groove on the other. The main active ingredient is carprofen, except for it, “Rimadyl” for dogs includes auxiliary components, such as dried powder of pork liver, vegetable protein, corn starch, sugar and syrup, gelatin, magnesium stearate and lactose monohydrate. Pills are packaged in packages that contain different amounts of the product. Each bottle is labeled with the name and purpose of the drug. Be sure to look for information on the date of issue and expiration. Pay attention to the inscription on the bottle - "Rimadyl" (for dogs).
Another form of the drug is injections.
Most often, veterinary medicine uses this particular dosage form, since it makes it possible to deliver the medicine to the diseased organ much faster and alleviate the condition of the dog. The daily dose is 4 mg per 1 kg of animal weight. It is impossible to exceed this dosage, you will not accelerate recovery by this, but will cause irreparable harm to the body. If you are using a tablet form, then you need to consider that one tablet is 50 mg of the drug, which means it is a daily dosage for an animal weighing 12-13 kg.
Pharmacological properties
This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has analgesic and antipyretic properties. Like many other veterinary drugs, this drug has a pleasant taste, which facilitates its feeding to your pets. As a result of taking the drug, COX-2 production is activated, which is a response to the development of inflammation. The result is a complete blockage of the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain. It was found that therapeutic dosage does not harm the health of the dog and does not affect the work of the internal organs, especially for the stomach and intestines, as well as the kidneys.
Metabolism
There is one clear disadvantage of the drug "Rimadil" - the price. A pack of 20 tablets costs 660 rubles, which is not so little. However, it is this drug that makes it possible to quickly solve many problems with the health of your pet, which other veterinary drugs do not allow to achieve. Carpofren enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract, and this process takes place quickly, which further increases the risk of overdose. You will not have to wait long for the result - the maximum concentration in the blood plasma occurs 1-3 hours after the administration. The half-life is 8 hours. More than 99% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins. Means are metabolized in the liver, and displayed mostly with feces.
Drug use
Veterinary medicine knows a huge number of cases that require the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are all degenerative diseases of the joints, which are accompanied by inflammation and pain. It can be arthritis and arthrosis, as well as other serious diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Especially important is the use of funds for injuries, including after operations.
Instructions for use
It is important to remember that these are far from innocuous vitamins, so do not self-medicate, but consult your doctor so that he himself prescribes your pet Rimadil. Using it allows you to quickly solve many health problems, but only if the diagnosis clearly indicates the indications for use. In other cases, you may expose the organs of the gastrointestinal tract to an unreasonable risk.
This drug is prescribed for inflammatory and painful phenomena that occur in acute and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the drug "Rimadyl" (pills or injections) is used for analgesia and as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce postoperative pain and swelling.
As we have already noted, the dosage in the first days of administration should be the highest. This is 4 mg per pound of weight. At the same time, in order to reduce the negative impact on the walls of the stomach, it is not recommended to immediately give a daily dose. It is much better to divide the reception in two times. This is the way to achieve the optimal medicinal effect of the drug "Rimadil". The instruction emphasizes that it is best to take half the daily dose in the morning and half in the evening. After about seven days, the daily dose should be halved. Do not forget to consult with your doctor throughout the treatment. Only an experienced veterinarian will be able to determine in time when the dose can be reduced, and when the drug can be stopped.
Taking the drug in various diseases of the musculoskeletal system
If your pet is lame, refuses to go out or whines for no apparent reason - this means that he is in severe pain. In this case, many owners are tempted to immediately give him "Rimadyl." Tablets quickly solve the problem, but their uncontrolled intake is highly undesirable. In diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the duration of treatment and the daily dosage depend on the condition of the animal. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, reception can continue throughout the life of the animal. However, it is absolutely undesirable to exceed the dosage. Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in individual dogs can cause irritation of the gastric or intestinal mucosa, vomiting and other similar problems.
Precautionary measures
It is not recommended to use at the same time different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("Rimadyl", analogues). Nephrotoxic drugs should also not be used earlier than 24 hours after consuming Rimadil. Their joint reception can lead to serious consequences for vital organs. Before appointment, it is very important to assess the condition of the heart and kidneys, as well as the liver. To do this, it is recommended to undergo a full examination and pass all the necessary tests. Only in this way can you protect your little friend from possible side effects. It is forbidden to use the drug to dogs carrying puppies, as this may adversely affect the health of babies.
Side effects
This must be warned to the owner, whose dog receives the drug "Rimadil". Its price is quite high, but this is offset by the good effectiveness of the product. In addition, due to the content in the pork liver pills they are a real treat for dogs, you do not have to figure out how to feed the drug to the animal. However, you need to be prepared for the remedy to cause irritation of the lining of the digestive tract. In this case, the animal may be tormented by nausea or vomiting. For the most part this applies to pills, as they pass directly through the stomach. In the worst case, internal bleeding may develop. To reduce the likelihood of side effects, it is recommended not to give Rimadil tablets on an empty stomach. The price may be too high, so it is better to think in advance. Many veterinarians advise giving envelopes before taking pills. This may be normal fiber or flax seed jelly. Enveloping the walls of the stomach and intestines, they protect it from harmful effects.
Drug reviews
The drug is usually well tolerated. That is why most veterinarians choose Rimadyl. Reviews, by contrast, contain a large number of tragic stories that are associated with the reception of this tool. All of them are connected with one sensational case, when a large batch of counterfeit medicine is on sale. A large number of dogs of different ages were injured; at necropsy, extensive lesions of the liver, kidneys and heart were found. And it does not matter at all whether the animals took the drug for months or only once, after a while they all refused food and water, hid and died. It was not possible to save them. However, these cases do not suggest that the drug is bad. In fact, it is one of the most effective and safe drugs in the series of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Let's sum up
Today, many veterinarians and dog owners say that "Rimadyl" is a real salvation. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are almost inevitable, especially when the pet's life is drooping, and this drug can relieve pain symptoms and give your pet the joy of movement. Arthritis and arthrosis, from which previously the dog could only whine from pain, recede, and if you use the drug wisely, you can continue this supportive therapy throughout life, relieving the pet of suffering.
Operating principle
Rimadyl is based on carprofen.which is the main active substance. By reacting with arachidonic acid, it promotes the production of cycloxygenase II, which in turn blocks the release of inflammatory mediators, which leads to a blockage of the synthesis of prostaglandins, and accordingly, and to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. Also, the use of Rimadil contributes to the development of substances (glycosaminoglycans) that strengthen the cartilage structure and normalize the work of the joints.
The maximum content of the drug in the blood is observed after 1-3 hours. The decomposition process takes place in the liver. Excreted from the body with waste products, mainly by defecation, as well as urine.
Rimadyl in any modification refers to moderately hazardous drugs. (Grade 3 according to GOST 12.1.007).
Mode of application
Pills
Used orally. The daily dose of carprofen at the beginning of treatment is 4 mg / 1 kg or 1 tablet with a content of caprofen 20 mg per 5 kg. It is recommended to divide the daily dose into two doses per day in equal shares. After seven days of administration, the daily dose is halved to 2 mg / 1 kg.
Injection
The calculation of the daily dose is made at the rate of 4 mg / 1 kg of body weight, that is, 1 ml of the solution is designed for 12.5 kg. The drug is administered once. Repeated use of Rimadyl takes place in half volume 24 hours after the previous administration. With long-term treatment, the injections are replaced by a tablet form.
Duration of use drug prescribed by the doctor according to the state of the animal. In some cases, Rimadyl is prescribed for life. With long-term administration, it is recommended to take tests every 3-6 months, including renal and hepatic tests.
Side effects
With accurate dosage and time between doses, Rimadyl is well tolerated by animals.. In some cases, there may be a decrease in the efficiency of the kidneys and irritation of the gastric mucosa, in rare cases before the appearance of ulcerative foci. For any negative manifestations, you must stop taking the drug and consult a veterinarian for advice.
Indications for discontinuing the drug:
- vomiting
- diarrhea,
- discoloration of feces (blackening),
- convulsions
- refusal to eat and drink
- incoordination
- yellowing of eye proteins, mucous membranes and skin,
- violation of urination (sharp smell, the appearance of blood, increased frequency or incontinence).
Rimadyl for dogs: characteristics of the drug
It is a classic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID). Manufacturer - well-known company "Pfizer" from the United States, which produces many thousands of types of drugs for medicine and for veterinary medicine. This medicine is very powerful, it helps even in cases of severe inflammation, and therefore every year it is increasingly used by veterinarians in our country.
Important! Use of the drug is allowed only with the knowledge of the veterinarian. Self-prescribing medications is unacceptable, since its use may be accompanied by the development of fairly severe side effects.
In addition, the dose of this tool must be calculated very carefully, because otherwise the risk of developing severe side effects is extremely high.
Its anti-inflammatory effect is due to the active substance. The drug is based on carprofen compound. It affects the reactions involved in the arachidonic acid synthesis cycle. In this case, the basic processes occurring in case of any inflammation are violated.
Carprofen begins to act after 35-40 minutes from the moment it enters the body. So, the dog around this period becomes calmer, its edemas begin to subside and the general body temperature normalizes (provided that it has been elevated before).
The period of complete removal of the composition from the body - 10 hours. Кстати, в этом случае проявляется другое преимущество препарата: большая его часть выходит из организма с калом и лишь меньшая – вместе с мочой. Это означает, что нагрузка на выделительную систему питомца минимальная, а оттого невелик и риск почечных осложнений.
Раствор для инъекций
As a rule, the solution for injection is preferred by veterinarians, since not every breeder will decide to give injections at home. In this case, the drug is available in the form of a 5% solution.
Appearance means - clear, colorless liquid. Packed in dark glass bottles of 20 ml each. They are closed with rubber stoppers, additionally sealed with aluminum protective caps. The bottles are additionally packed in boxes made of thick cardboard, which also contain detailed instructions.
They have a light brown color and a deep risk of separation on one side. On the opposite side of the risks there is an imprint of the letter R. Unlike many other drugs, Rimadyl tablets are packaged in vials. Their capacity can vary from 14 to 180 tablets.
Thus, both “individual” breeders and nursery owners, as well as veterinarians, can choose a convenient packing. It should be noted that tablets, depending on the form of release, may contain 20, 50 or even 100 mg of the active substance. And it is necessary to look at this concentration before serving the medicine!
Drug dosage
In many ways, the dosage depends on the specific dosage form. First consider the dose in the case of tablets:
- The daily dose is 4 mg of active ingredient per kilogram of live weight.
- It is strongly advised to divide the daily mass into two steps - the morning and evening.
- After a week of therapy, the dosage is reduced to 2 mg per kilogram of weight.
Accordingly, dosing using an injection solution is as follows:
- You can dose the drug at the rate of one milliliter for every 12.5 kilograms of weight. Simply put, for a dog weighing 6.3 kg, 0.5 ml of the drug is required. The only problem is that such a calculation is not very convenient in practice.
- Therefore, it is easier to dose it in the same way as in the previous case, i.e. 4 mg of active ingredient per kilogram body weight.
But there is one small nuance in the case of the solution: it is advised to inject it once! If there is a need for this, the administration can be repeated every other day, but already in a dose of 2 mg per kilogram. In the future, should continue treatment with pills!
Side effects
Once again: the side effects of improper use (or overdose) of this drug are very serious. Not to be unfounded, we list some of them:
- A characteristic sign is a change or a distortion of appetite. So, some pets start to eat everything that is not “nailed”, others completely refuse to eat, in other cases, dogs eat inedible things.
Attention! In the latter case, possible suspicion of rabies!
- With a strong overdose, the dog may constantly vomit.
- Possible diarrhea, in the fecal masses with this often appears blood, or abundant mucous inclusions.
- Some animals change their behavior. In some cases, inadequate reactions to any stimuli from the external environment are possible.
- In cases where unreasonably long-term use of the drug has resulted in damage to the liver, all visible mucous membranes and skin are noticeably yellow.
- Often, overdose animals begin to drink a lot. Accordingly, the daily volume of urine is sharply increased.
- For cases of Rimadyl overdose, the development of skin lesions is characteristic (in the form of reddening, appearance of baldness, in severe cases ulceration is possible). However, when using pills such complications are rare. They are much more characteristic with the introduction of the injection form, in the presence of an animal intolerance of some components of the drug.
And one more general note. If it seems to the owner that after some time after taking Rimadil with his pet something is wrong, he is behaving "incorrectly" or somehow looks unnatural, then we should not wait for further deterioration. You must immediately report the incident to the veterinarian.
