As with any medication, safety is an issue. I asked McFarland about the safety of RIMADYL, especially since many of the dogs needing arthritis discomfort relief are older animals. McFarlane makes a good point when he says, " Whenever any medication is used for long term therapy for ongoing conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid dysfunction or kidney disease, the veterinarian will need to do some ongoing testing. That’s why blood chemistry parameters are routinely checked whenever long-term drug therapy is administered in the treatment of diseases. Periodic blood tests should be evaluated when any NSAIDS are used in the treatment of osteoarthritic pain.” NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is a class of anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin, that do not contain cortisone-like chemicals.

Another promising and effective discomfort relieving medication is called DERAMAXX from Novartis Animal Health.  On the market since August, 2002,  initial approval for Deramaxx was for postoperative pain in dogs and since it worked so well it has now been approved for use in alleviating the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Deramaxx is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 

All have side effects	COMMON PRESCRIPTION NSAIDs USED IN DOGS (and in special situations with caution in cats )						All have side effects
DERAMAXX	METACAM	ETODOLAC	ETOGESIC	PIROXICAM	RIMADYL	ZUBRIN	BUTAZOLIDIN

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Metacam (meloxicam) is a liquid NSAID that has been well accepted for arthritis management in dogs and is now available in the USA by prescription only from your veterinarian.  EtoGesic® (etodolac) has been used quite successfully in dogs for a number of years.  Other anti-arthritis medications are being studied and released for use in animals, much to the joy of dogs and their owners!

HOW TO MANAGE
Keeping excess body weigh to a minimum is a very important aspect of managing arthritis in dogs. Often, simply reducing the dog’s weight to a reasonable level will effect noticeable changes in the dog’s activity and mobility. Exercise is important to entice the dog to maintain and improve joint movement and flexibility. Soft, cushioned sleeping surfaces that keep the dog comfortable and warm may aid in lessening arthritic discomfort. A hardwood floor of a living room or doghouse will not serve the dog well in alleviating joint stiffness. Massage therapy should be considered, too.

In the past few years a number of products called nutraceuticals have had remarkable success in assisting dogs with various disorders, including arthritis. A nutraceutical is defined as a food or naturally occurring food supplement thought to have a beneficial effect on health. Nutraceuticals are not considered medications and can be obtained without a prescription. Among the most popular are chondroprotectives… substances that when eaten provide nutrients that are required for repair and maintenance of joint tissue. According to veterinarian Stacy Martin of Fort Dodge Animal Health, a leading manufacturer of anti-arthritis products such as the NSAID EtoGesic® (etodolac) Tablets for dogs, “Nutraceuticals with Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate have been proven to aid dogs with osteoarthritis. With so many choices of these products available it is very important to purchase a product that has been made by a manufacturer who maintains high manufacturing standards. All over-the-counter products may not have the same quantity or have the same quality of products listed on their ingredients. Oral nutraceuticals such as chondroprotectives repair and reduce cartilage breakdown in a joint,'' Martin adds.

One of the most effective treatment approaches can be to use NSAIDs and chondroprotectives together. “There are many ways to help battle the pain and progression of osteoarthritis. Based on the type of osteoarthritis and the individual dog, management may  require only one or possibly many approaches. Some approaches include exercise programs, weight control, nutraceuticals and NSAID use. Often, the nutraceutical is not enough to ease your pet's pain. An NSAID, such as EtoGesic, is often used in conjunction or alone in the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.” As well, there is evidence that Omega Fatty Acids in the diet can help alleviate the inflammation and discomfort of arthritis.

Caution! Some medications that humans commonly take to subdue arthritic discomfort may be totally inappropriate for use in dogs. Acetaminophen, for example, has been associated with liver damage in dogs. And Ibuprophen has been reported to cause gastro-intestinal bleeding. Martin provides good advice when she says, “Your veterinarian will help you decide which course of action is best for your pet. It is very important not to try treating your pet with any type of product, nutraceutical or NSAID, without consulting your veterinarian. It is also important to use FDA approved products for animals rather than a product made for humans. Together with your veterinarian, you can devise a program for your dog to let him have a happier, more active life.”