Deramaxx...makes headline news

[Ilovemypuppy]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...051101883.html

[Sharon Marples]

Originally Posted by Ilovemypuppy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...051101883.html

Very interesting, thanks so much for the info. I will be passing this along to all we know.

[2rotties2luv]

This article states that Deramaxx was originally intended to be used to treat old and ill dogs. It is particularly effective in treating the pain of osteosarcoma, especially when combined with a narcotic painkiller such as Tramadol. The two drugs work synergistically to provide amazing pain relief.

When an animal is terminally ill, sometimes the theraputic effect of the drug is more important than any possible side effects. If the animal is going to die in a short time from cancer, is liver failure really a worry if the animal is pain free and comfortable?

My Jazz was given a combination of Deramaxx and Tramadol for treatment of pain from osteosarcoma. He was comfortable and as far as I could tell, pain free for the three months before he was euthanized. He enjoyed his food, he had zoomies almost daily, and he loved to sit outside in the yard surveying his domain. He didn't have much stamina though and he slept a lot - but he was comfortable.

I would, however, think twice about using it in the long term for a younger dog with chronic pain who is not terminally ill.

[LORHEL]

I am confused, are you saying don't use this for osteoarthritis in a dog such as Makita? She is not terminally ill. I am really disappointed, as I thought this was going to be the route for her, after a failed attempt with Rimadyl earlier on, is this now unsafe????

Please give me some kind of direction on this, its all new and I am extremely concerned. Obviously my vet doesn't know about it so there's no point in talking to him about it.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Lorhel...what about Tramadol..it's SUPPOSED to be very safe.

[2rotties2luv]

Originally Posted by LORHEL

I am confused, are you saying don't use this for osteoarthritis in a dog such as Makita? She is not terminally ill. I am really disappointed, as I thought this was going to be the route for her, after a failed attempt with Rimadyl earlier on, is this now unsafe????

Please give me some kind of direction on this, its all new and I am extremely concerned. Obviously my vet doesn't know about it so there's no point in talking to him about it.

If you do a google search on "deramaxx side effects" you will find some good articles about what the problems are associated with this drug. If I were in your situation, I would print out some of the information and take it to the vet. Then I would discuss with the vet whether or not this is the best drug to treat my dog. If I decided to stay with Deramaxx I would discuss with the vet what tests need to be done and how often, and also what danger signs to look out for. If my vet was not agreeable to this or was not willing to learn about the side effects of this drug, I would find another vet.

[LORHEL]

Thanks so much, I'm printing this out, and tommorow we are going to get an answer on this. I have went to their actual website, it does address the concern about the side effects, but it doesn't tell me what I want to know, long term use for early osteoarthritis.

I realize all drugs have side effects, but I also don't want to be causing more harm than good. Thanks again. I can't thank you enough.

[LORHEL]

Found this piece of info,

"Deramaxx is supposed to be given for "post orthopedic surgery" not arthritis. Even if its use could be interpreted as an anti-inflammatory to stem arthritis, the drug was not to be used beyond (7) days according to the manufacturer, Novartis."

I think that is enough info for me to say, we are done.

I am not happy with this, and I will continue to search for what will work for Makita.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by Ilovemypuppy

Lorhel...what about Tramadol..it's SUPPOSED to be very safe.

Tramadol is a narcotic - hardly a good choice for long term use.

2rotties2luv - I completely agree with you. When a dog has a terminal illness that will take their life in a short time, why be concerned with "long-term effects"? The goal needs to be keeping the dog comfortable NOW, not worrying about organ damage two years down the road when the life expectancy is more like 6 months.

[LORHEL]

From everything I've read this seems to be key:

Whether or not your dog is a fast absorber of the drug or not, makes all the difference. If they absorb it and excrete the medicine out, then it is not going to build up toxic levels in their system.
The problem is, you can't to a test to see if your dog will be a slow absorber or rapid...

It says that 50% of dogs are slow, and 50% of them are fast. Obviously in the case of an extremely ill dog, this is not a factor to consider.

But in our case, where I am looking at giving a medication long term, and with weighing other side effects, problems presented, it is just not worth it.