My vet is very reluctant to prescribe Rimadyl at all, so when my Cody was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, she was put on a trial of Etogesic. Unfortunately, it made her quite sick to her stomach and it was discontinued. Now she is on a long term course of Glyco-Flex II (a glucosamine/chondrotin supplement) and an occasional coated aspirin when she "over does" it. I know that many dogs respond very well to Etogesic! Hope sweet Bandit starts to feel better very soon. It's so hard to see them struggling to do steps, jump up, etc.