My dog is on Rimadyl. He doesn't get it all the time except in the winter. He's fine but I don't know what a prolonged use of it would do. He's got some hip displaysia. You can probably find out a lot about it by searching for it on the internet. I've also heard accupuncture works well. But, you have to keep bringing them in for treatment. Also, look for MSM in your health food store. They were using it on horses a long time ago but now even people take it.