SAFE alternative for Metacam or Rimadyl?

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As said, all drugs have side effects, but I usually weight up the benefits of using something like Metacam/Rimadyl against not using something that works. In any case, with arthritis the dog should only need pain relief when the arthritis flares and if these dogs are elderly, by the time side effects become serious, they may not be around. Of course there are things people swear by which may or may not work. At least you are seeing some benefit from using Metacam. You may find hydrotherapy could help during the time they are suffering - gentle exercise, or even acupuncture.

Recent studies suggest that commonly used non-drug medication like glucosamine (which is in most good quality food in any case) doesn't work as suggested.

See what your vet says but personally, especially with an oldie, I'd go with the Metacam or Rimadly, as and when needed....Show more

ALL medications have side effects. So do "natural" alternatives to those medications. Natural does not mean safer. In some cases, they're even less safe because they are not well-regulated. From batch to batch, potencies can vary significantly. Herbal remedies like devil's claw that are used as anti-inflammatories also have the exact same potential side effects as rimadyl. Is there a small possibility of a serious side effect with the two named medications? Yes. Just as with anything else you could give your dogs. However, both pain medications you named are really very safe when used as directed and under supervision of a vet. My vet says he's had one serious side effect reported among his clients using rimadyl in the last ten years when used as prescribed. That dog has been taking a dose on the higher end for nearly a decade. Do check the joint supplement you're already giving. If it contains Devil's Claw, it's not safe to use in combination with rimadyl or metacam. Use caution when mixing supplements with pharmaceuticals or other supplements....Show more

Metacam and Rymadal are usually prescribed by vets for arthritis. Unfortunately both of these medications can cause internal bleeding and they horrify me; however at the onset of pain they give relief.

My GSD was diagnosed with arthritis in her knees, she suffered from internal bleeding when she was prescribed Metacam, this was apparent when her stools became almost black. I investigated other meds on the internet and discovered Flexadin. It’s about £70 from the vets and £20 on the internet. It contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin which helps enormously with pain and bone problems; however it also contains Devils Claw which also helps with pain. Later I accidentally discovered Seraquin which has other virtues because as well as the above stuff it also contains Turmeric, this is about £60 from the vets and £16 on the internet.
I was told that it could take up to six weeks for either Flexadin or Saraquin to take effect. In my experience it acts more quickly.
Flexadin and Seraquin are both available without a prescription....Show more

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