Prednisone and Rimadyl

[PuppyPaws]

Hello All,
I will probably wait until Monday morning to call my vet, but I was wondering if anyone know if you can give Prednisone AND Rimadyl to a dog? Are they contraindicated? Crosby is still struggling. As a quick background for those that have missed my previous posts. Crosby is a white boxer (sorry not a mastiff, hope that's ok with y'all), approximately 12 or 13. He has had hemangiosarcoma for years and we just found out about 3 weeks ago that he has Lymphoma and severe Arthritis also.

We had a major scare last Monday morning at about 3am. I thought he was definately going to die, but we managed through. He had several seizures beginning at about 3:30 or 4am. It was horrible. We got him into the vet. They gave him a steriod injection and we started him on phenobarbital. He is doing better, but... He is having a difficult time with his back legs. His arthritis is complicating his issues. I was hoping to start him on some Rimadyl to see if that helped at all.

It is not my plan to prolong any suffering. Right now, he is still giving me signs that he wants to live and has not given up. I will do what I can to fight for him as long as he seems to want to. He is currently taking Phenobarbital 2x daily and just started prednisone today 2x daily. Would Rimadyl be a possibility for his arthritis pain?

Thanks for your help.

 

[PuppyPaws]

I talked to the vet. He is NOT to take Rimadyl and Prednisone. As an aside, we are backing off the prednisone taking 1 pill every other day due to increased urination and thirst. Although, I have to say, the increase in urination and thirst was noticed prior to beginning the prednisone. But, I think the prednisone exacerbated the issue

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I am sorry to hear about your boxer, getting old sucks!

I do remember a friend using Cayenne Pepper as a way to naturally relieve pain in her dog. I have looked up some articles to see if I could find the right info. I don't know if it is a possibility for not interfering with the other medication your boxer is taking but it can't hurt to ask.

http://www.longevity-and-antiaging-secrets.com/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=140
http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/therapies/pain.htm

 

[Mambo]

Are you sure about Hemangioscarcome usually once its found dogs are given 6 to 8 weeks, I recently lost seven German Shepherds (all related) to this, Never a good outcome, Im sorry for you baby boy my heart goes out to you, and I wish you all the best. Sounds like your doing you homework to keep him as comfortable as possible.=)

 

[PuppyPaws]

Mambo, thanks for your words of encouragement. I am sure about the hemangiosarcoma. My vet took about 5 spots off and sent them all off to the lab. 2 of the 5 came back as hemangiosarcoma according to the vet. He explained everything to me and said that he lost his australian shepherd to the same thing. He was always amazed at how well Croz had done. My new vet was also amazed. It could have been a mess up at the lab, I guess, but either way, I will take it! I have counted everyday with him as a blessing and will continue to do so. I don't know what the answer is regarding how well he has done, but I think it has something to do with the raw diet and lots of prayer actually I know it is simply astounding that he has lasted this long from everything I have heard and researched. I can't imagine losing 7 GSD's to this. That is almost unimaginable for me. I am so sorry for your loss!

As an aside, my vet told me that I should avoid giving the prednisone and rimadyl as they are both processed through the liver. She said the prednisone should help with the arthritis too. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers and encouragement!

 

[Mambo]

puppypaws, Im guessing Hermangioscarcoma of the skin, my guy all had it in either spleen or heart and over a course of 1 1/2 years they were all gone, The oldest lived until he was 9 years 3 months to the day, at that time they were also all on raw, and all out lived relatives by 3-4 years. So whatever you are doing keep up the good work!

 

[PuppyPaws]

Yes, you are right. Hemangiosarcoma of the skin. It is my understanding that it often can transfer to the blood vessels and organs and reek havoc. I also understand that it often goes to the spleen and causes the most problems and fatalities. So you used raw also? I know not everyone is a fan of it, but for me and my crew, I have only seen great benefits. The fact that yours out lived most of their relatives says something to me also. I seriously hurt for your great loss. I hope you are not having to fight it (hemangiosarcoma) with any of your current dogs...


I LOVE Boxers (as well as mastiffs), but they (boxers) are so very prone to cancer. It really makes me second guess getting another one. Cancer is the worst, canine or human.
Thanks again!