Rimadyl: Canine Overdose Risk And Prevention

Rimadyl, also known as Carprofen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to dogs to treat pain and inflammation. While Rimadyl is usually well-tolerated by dogs, an overdose can have severe consequences and even result in death. Dogs can easily overdose on Rimadyl if given access to the medication, as the tablets are designed to be tasty. Ingesting more than the prescribed amount of Rimadyl can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, kidney damage, seizures, and even death. If you suspect that your dog has overdosed on Rimadyl, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention.

What is Rimadyl?

Rimadyl is a brand name for the generic veterinary drug carprofen. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps to reduce inflammation and pain in dogs. It is often prescribed to dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) and to manage post-surgery pain and inflammation. Rimadyl is also used off-label for pain relief and inflammation in other species, such as horses, cows, sheep, birds, rabbits, ferrets, and reptiles.

Rimadyl is available in different forms, including caplets, chewable tablets, and injectables. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian and to store Rimadyl out of the reach of children and pets, as it can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Rimadyl works by blocking the production of certain body chemicals that cause inflammation. It is generally well-tolerated by dogs, but it can have side effects, especially with long-term use. The most common side effects are related to the digestive tract, but liver and kidney issues, while rare, can be very serious. It is recommended to monitor your dog's health through regular blood work, especially in older dogs or those taking Rimadyl long-term.

Rimadyl is one of the safest NSAIDs available for dogs, but there are alternatives if your dog experiences an adverse reaction. It is important to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian and to follow their instructions for dosage and administration.

Signs of overdose

Rimadyl, or carprofen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. It is often prescribed to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis and muscular and orthopedic injuries, as well as to manage post-surgical pain. While Rimadyl is generally well-tolerated by dogs, an overdose can have severe consequences and even lead to death. Here are some signs that may indicate a Rimadyl overdose in dogs:

• Vomiting (can be bloody)
• Diarrhea (can be bloody)
• Abdominal pain
• Increased thirst and urination
• Yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes, and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Pale gum colour (very light pink, white, or grey gums)
• Incoordination or weakness
• Seizures
• Behavioural changes
• Increased lethargy or depression
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Fatigue

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Rimadyl, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or provide any treatment without the supervision of a veterinarian. Bring any remaining medication and its packaging with you to the vet, and inform them of any other medications your dog is currently taking.

Causes of overdose

Rimadyl is a popular anti-inflammatory drug often given to dogs to help combat surgical pain or as part of treatment for osteoarthritis and muscular and orthopedic injuries. It comes in an injectable form, a caplet, or a flavoured chewable tablet. The latter is popular among dog owners, but it is the appealing liver flavour that may contribute the most to Rimadyl overdoses. If a dog were to get hold of the bottle, they would likely eat as many tablets as they could. This can also happen with the caplet form, but it is less likely because it is unflavoured.

Injectable Rimadyl may also be the cause of an overdose if the dose is determined improperly or if it is repeated too soon. This is far less likely to happen, though.

Dogs that take Rimadyl for the long term, especially in higher doses, may show digestive or other signs after being on the medication for weeks or even months.

In summary, the causes of a Rimadyl overdose in dogs are:

• Dogs getting hold of the bottle of flavoured chewable tablets
• Dogs getting hold of the bottle of caplets (less likely)
• Improperly determined dose of injectable Rimadyl
• Repeat dose of injectable Rimadyl given too soon
• Long-term use of Rimadyl, especially in higher doses

What to do if you suspect an overdose

Rimadyl, also known as carprofen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. It is commonly prescribed to treat osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, as well as post-surgical pain. While Rimadyl is generally well-tolerated by dogs, an overdose can lead to serious health issues and even death.

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Rimadyl, here are the steps you should take:

• Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately: Do not delay seeking veterinary advice. You can call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Alternatively, you can reach out to the manufacturer of Rimadyl at (888) 963-8471.
• Provide information about the medication: Inform the veterinarian or poison control specialist about the medication your dog has accessed. Have the medication packaging ready, and provide details such as the brand name, dosage, and time of ingestion. This information will help them assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance.
• Monitor your dog for symptoms: Depending on the amount of medication ingested, your dog may exhibit various symptoms. These can include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, black or tarry stools, increased thirst and urination, weakness, seizures, and behavioural changes. Some of these symptoms may indicate severe toxicity, so it is crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly.
• Follow veterinary instructions: The veterinarian or poison control specialist will provide specific instructions based on the information you provide. They may instruct you to induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, or bring your dog to the clinic for emergency treatment. Follow their guidance carefully, as prompt and appropriate action is essential for your dog's recovery.
• Provide supportive care: If your dog is hospitalised due to the overdose, ensure they receive the necessary supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids, nausea medication, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, vitamin K1 for liver support, and diazepam for seizures. Your dog's vital signs will be closely monitored, and treatment will be adjusted as needed until the drug is flushed out of their system.
• Prevent future incidents: To prevent future overdoses, keep all medications, including Rimadyl, in a secure location out of your dog's reach. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian, and do not leave medication unattended where your dog can access it.

How vets treat Rimadyl overdoses

Rimadyl (Carprofen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. While Rimadyl is typically well-tolerated by dogs, an overdose can lead to severe side effects and even death. If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Rimadyl, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention. Here is how vets treat Rimadyl overdoses:

• Induce Vomiting and Administer Activated Charcoal: Depending on the timing between ingestion and hospitalization, vets may induce vomiting to remove the excess drug from the dog's stomach. They may also administer activated charcoal, which helps absorb any remaining medication in the digestive tract.
• Intravenous (IV) Fluids: IV fluids provide supportive and corrective care. They help flush out the dog's system, aiding in the removal of the drug from the body.
• Medications: During supportive therapy, vets may administer various medications to address specific symptoms. This can include nausea medication, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, vitamin K1 for liver support, and diazepam if the dog is experiencing seizures.
• Monitoring and Hospitalization: The veterinary team will carefully monitor the dog's vital signs and organ function. Hospitalization may be required until the dog's blood levels return to normal and organ function stabilizes.
• Blood Tests and Diagnostics: Vets will perform blood tests to check the dog's complete blood count, liver enzyme levels, and kidney health. Urinalysis and ultrasound may also be used to assess kidney function and check for any damage to the liver and kidneys.
• Follow-up Care: If the dog is able to return home, they may require special care and follow-up appointments with the veterinarian. Blood tests may be necessary to ensure a full recovery and monitor for any long-term effects.

It is important to note that the treatment plan may vary depending on the severity of the overdose, the amount of medication ingested, and the individual health status of the dog. The vet will tailor the treatment plan accordingly to ensure the best outcome for the dog's recovery.

Frequently asked questions