Deramaxx

[Katernia]

My 9 month old baby is having hip problems. When I took her to the vet he wanted to give me Rimadyll. After reading many posts here I protested. He then gave me Deramaxx (Deracoxib). Has anyone heard of this new anti-inflammatory durg?

[Rottlva]

No, I had never heard of Deramaxx until you brought it up. So, I did a little bit of research and came up with an answer that I thought was complete and was what you may be looking for.

Generally before I put my animals on any drugs I ask the veterinarian to give me some information on it... or at least where to look. Your opinion on Rimadyl is shared by many, including myself, so good for you in speaking up.

Take this information as you may, I have always found knowledge is power! I located this info on ivillage.com. Good luck with the pup. Jessica

"Deramaxx belongs to a new class of NSAIDS that preferentially inhibit activity of the COX-2 enzyme (the bad enzyme that causes pain, inflammation and cartilage damage) while minimizing inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme (the good enzyme which maintains normal function of the kidneys and gastrointestinal system.) However, there is still some COX-1 inhibition. In people, the new COX-2 products (Vioxx, Celebrex) are usually incorrectly prescribed for anyone with mild joint pain. These more expensive products do not work any better than less expensive generic NSAIDS and are best used for pets requiring chronic NSAID therapy who are also predisposed to side effects from other NSAIDS. Deramaxx product literature reveals erosions of the intestines at 2.5 times label dose, and as doses increase so does kidney damage. To quote the company's own literature, "All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before the initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data prior to administration of any NSAID is recommended." Sadly, few dogs have this extensive and regular testing prior to chronic administration of NSAIDS, which is why I see their owners bringing them in for second opinions for treatment of serious side effects. (Fortunately, I have been able to help all of these pets with aggressive integrative therapies.) My best recommendation is to use NSAIDS as needed for control of severe pain in dogs with arthritis (or in the immediate post-operative period following any surgery in which pain is possible, such as spaying and neutering) and rely on more natural therapies (acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, joint supplements, etc.) for long term relief."

[Katernia]

Thanks for the information. My pup is scheduled to see the orthopedic department at Michigan State next week. I am pretty possitive surgery will be the only solution to her problems.

[Rottlva]

Well.... if she is having a TPO then things should go beautifully. Caught and treated this early you should have good luck!

[Leader]

If this is any help...I personally use Celebrix cause I have bursitus or something like that in BOTH shoulders. I don't take it steadily, only when I can't stand the pain. So that means maybe 1 week a month and I take it at night cause it can cause swelling in the legs. So, it works great for me and no bad side effects. But I'm really careful about taking allopathic meds. And it out does cortisone shots any day:D

Leader