"I have hesitated writing this, as I learned you were no longer gathering information on ADE's (adverse drug experiences) associated with Rimadyl. However, after reading the two latest cases in your December newsletter, I feel compelled to tell you about our experience:

"Our beloved Yellow Lab Bayfield (Biff for short) was 11 years old when he started to slow down considerably due to arthritis. The vet had him on EtoGesic without much success. I asked about other options. Rimadyl was recommended. I immediately expressed concern, as I had heard reports of negative side effects. However, I was assured that they had seen promising results and that he would be monitored. I eventually agreed to give it a try.

"Within a couple of days of starting Rimadyl, Biff perked up and was moving freely. We were optimistic. However, within approximately 10 days, he started vomiting large quantities of blood. Alarmed, we took him immediately to the vet. The vet felt there was a pre-existing condition that was complicated by the effects of old age. We took Biff home and, within a month, he became lethargic, could not stand, became incontinent and could no longer eat or drink. Biff, who was just one, big, goofy Lab with a heart of pure gold looked so sad and as if he was in a great deal of pain. His condition deteriorated so quickly, we were at a loss as to what to do. Our vet could offer us no hope. We finally decided to have the vet come to our house and put him down.

"The guilt I feel is tremendous. I wish I had known that vomiting blood was the 'classic' initial symptom of a reaction to Rimady. I wish I had known there was a possible 'treatment' for a reaction. I cannot believe that Pfizer can continue to dispense this medication. This just should not have happened. Other than the arthritis, Biff was in great health. Our other Lab, Jesse, is 13 1/2 years old ...also with arthritis. She will never go on Rimadyl. We have changed her diet to include holistic remedies, and she is doing remarkably well. I am writing this in the hopes that no one else has to go through what we did...." Kazzi100@aol.com

To read other reports about Rimadyl, please see the Rimadyl page.

You may also want to take this opportunity, at the beginning of the new year, to review the information on the srdogs "Care" page, which makes note of the signs and conditions of aging and how you can help your dog stay as healthy and comfortable as possible throughout the senior years.

Beloved "Twinkle"

"This is our beloved Twinkle. She is about 9 years old. We found her lying, exhausted, under a neighbor's porch this summer. We had noticed her walking around the neighborhood for about two weeks or so, but she would never let us get close to her. Twinkle was in sad shape: she was deathly thin, she limped, her eyes were cloudy and her hair was matted and full of ticks and fleas. The only way we could get her to our home was to let our puppy, Star, lead her to our back yard. We believe our gentle Twinkle had been abandoned at the park near us. She had no collar or ID tags. It disturbed us that, when we raised our hand to pet her, she flinched as though she had been mistreated by her previous family. Now, after four months of care and attention, Twinkle is beautiful. We are fortunate to have found such a beautiful, loving, devoted dog to take in as a member of our family." Contributed by Melinda McWilliams, Baltimore, MD. January 2002.

Original ad: Happy's family has suffered illnesses and they have asked for help in finding a loving home for their devoted friend. To watch Happy, you would never guess his age. He is agile enough to play ball with wild pigeons! He nurses kittens, often sleeps cuddled with them, loves all dogs and is especially connected to his humans. When asked if he would like to go for a walk, he gets his leash and brings it to you. He speaks on command.. and knows three languages...English, Greek & hand signals. Easy going, precious loving companion. A very special type of doggie whose heart is worn on his sleeve. He so deserves to live out his life surrounded by warmth, love and happiness. Smiley Dog Rescue Telephone: 510-496-3484. E-mail: smileydogrescue@yahoo.com