[pyrnet] Re: rimadyl

[Shirley McGreal <spm@awod.com>]

It is my unproven belief that rimadyl caused the death from megaesophagus 
of my beloved Sebastien, my first Pyr. He was prescribed this drug for 
non-incapacitating arthritis. I have subsequently received messages from 
two people with similar suspicions of rimadyl who found my names on the 
Pyr-L Archives. Unless a condition destroys a dog's quality of life such 
that it makes the risks of rimadyl tolerable, I think this drug is one to 
avoid. IMHO.

 From Susan Gilley

My German Shepherd was just diagnosed with Megasophagus. After reading the
above article, I remember that my dog, Bailey who just turned 3, was given
Rimadyl around 6 months old for growing pains, when I lived in Charleston,
SC. This medication made him vomit and have diarrhea for 5 days straight, he
even had to be placed on an IV. Ever since he has been rather thin, but
seen healthy. Over the last few months, Bailey has started regurgitating
and vomiting, that's when I took him in to get checked out. The x-rays show
severe megasophagus, and my vet said it has probably been developing for
quite some time. Do you know if this may be a result of the Rimadyl. What
is the status lawsuit by Jean Townsend? I am not only interested in the
lawsuit, but more importantly, I am trying to find a remedy for my poor dog.
This condition is so unfair.

Stacy Santoro

Shirley,

I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about "Sebastien" and
other possible cases of Rimadyl-induced megaesophagus?  I am a
veterinary student whose dog had to be euthanized last year. He had been
on Rimadyl and developed megaesophagus -- just wondering if there is
some sort of connection?


Dr. Shirley McGreal, Chairwoman
International Primate Protection League
POB 766, Summerville SC 29484-0766, USA
Ph. 843-871-2280 Fax. 843-871-7988
E-mail: ippl@awod.com. Website www.ippl.org

"We need not think alike to love alike."  Francis David