the irreversibility of liver damage caused by Rimadyl vs the reversable liver damage caused by Deramaxx and the other NSAIDs. On the other side of the coin Rimadyl has the best response for pain relief. It's understandable that a Vet might prescribe Rimadyl if confronted with an owner who is suggesting that if the dog's arthritic pain can not be relieved, then euthanasia might have to be performed. Especially when they have seen dramatic pain relief results with the drug in the past. But that still doesn't change the fact that Rimadyl which was first to market tends to be a very dangerous drug in its class.

FDA warnings in 1999

Frankly given that there are other NSAID drugs on the market for dogs, it's amazing Rimadyl continues to be the main stay drug for treatment of arthritic pain. One has to question why it's still on the market.

More bad publicity for Rimadyl