I tried to avoid using Rimadyl for Carina and we tried everything else without any good results. Her arthritis, in the hips and spine, is so bad that she has a very hard time getting up. Finally I had to accept the fact that Rimadyl works better than all the other new drugs. She has liver enzyme tests often and so far is doing well.
She's also taking glucosamine/MSN and organic flaxseed oil to lubricate her joints.