Protecting Your Pet: Pet Arthritis

WSVN -- Sooner or later, animals show their age, and arthritis is very common.

Among the treatments used to help ease it are aspirin, but it can cause stomach problems.

Natural supplements are less risky, but they don't always work.

Rimadyl - a prescription medication is often effective.

Veterinarian Dr. Murray Decklebaum: "A lot of animals that were crippled before they went on this drug are now walking normally and leading relatively pain-free lives."

But beware as with any drug Rimadyl can have side effects in some animals. These include vomiting and diarrhea and behavioral changes, liver disease and death.

A simple blood test can determine if your dog will have a bad reaction. Make sure it's done before they're given them Rimadyl.

While they're on the drug they must be monitored constantly and closely. When used correctly, rimadyl can make a world of difference for arthritic animals.

Pet owner George Niedermuller: "She was just laying around and having big problems getting up and now every morning she goes around and every evening she does the same thing and she's much better."

Rimadyl is not a cure. Even if your dog is doing well on it, after six months they should be reevaluated - and perhaps even take a break

From it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: mmitzel@wsvn.com

Veterinarian Dr. Murray Decklebaum
954-432-5611