I've not had experience with ACL, but I am learning from all of the posting being done here.

What your vet is suggesting seems a bit off. I am confused why the vet wants to switch meds if Tramadol is working. You don't mention the age of your dog or breed. You are walking her twice a day (mine get twice a day walks) and are healthy.

I seems if progress is being made, what is the issue here? If you are taking dog for somewhat longer walks twice a day, perhaps you should adjust them to 3-4 short walks a day.

I did have a dog with HD and she took Ascription coated aspirin for pain that worked really well for her. ItÂs coated and easy on the stomach.

Not all dogs are the same and their needs are different.

Just a thought.

SG

My old gal has been on Deramaxx for nearly 2 years. I don't think Celebrex has been taken off the market, but something very similar, Viox has been. I was on Celebrex and this disturbed me. I am now taking a natural supplement and am off all of those medications. I started giving it to the dog and her mobility improved enough that she is on 1/4 of what was prescribed. She is a prety pickey eater and does not always eat what she has been given in a day, of course I put the supplement in her food (it is a juice). If she would eat all of her food everyday I think I could have her off the Deramaxx all together. This post has made me think I may try force feeding it on the days she does not eat well, while I dont really think the Deramaxx is life threatening, I sure would like to have her off of it.

The vet gave the meds to you, "to try", there is no law saying that you HAVE to use it. If you are uncomfortable with it, don't use it.

I would encourage you to have a discussion with your vet, call her up and ask questions. It never hurts to ask "why"? or report observations that you are concerned about, particularly post surgery. If you're vet isn't willing to answer your questions, or if you are uncomfortable asking your vet questions, then you probably should get a different vet...

You might try asking about Metacam. It is metabilized better and isn't quite as likely to cause problems as the others. Did the vet do bloodwork before the surgery to see if everything is in normal limits?

Lisa

I appreciate everyones input, it helps a lot.
dobesrule...;sorry but goldens rule...He HE :)..Yes the vet did do bloodwork before surgery and everything was good.
I decided to give it a try, gave her the first pill last night and today she was acting like her old self, meaning happy and playful, to much so that I have to now keep her from jumping around. I guess it is only for 7 days, but it still makes me nervous. That is why I was wondering if any one has experienced any type of ill effects from Deramaxx or Rymadil.

From what I gather, Rymadil and Labs do not mix, it has something to do with liver function I believe.

My old Shepard/Lab with the HD used it on occasion, before I have my current vet. Sometimes she just could not walk, and I gave her one or perhaps 1/2 a dose and a few hours later she was walking with no problem.

It is a very powerful drug, and I only used it when necessary. My current vet hates it, so do I because of the potential side effects, but it works.

SG

Very recently my dog was on Tramadol and it wasn't working so he was swtiched to metacalm in which worked for his problem but ended up making him very sick. I have also had a problem with Deramaxx. I am told he may have to use tramadol or similar opiods in place of NSAIDS for any future problems that may arise.
Ironically 5 years ago he was on a brief dose of Deramaxx with no problems, but both deramax and metacalm recently has made him very sick in just a couple doses.
If the tramadol is helping I am suprised your vet wants to switch.

If your dog has been on Rymadil at all, please have your vet recheck liver enzymes in 6-8 weeks. One of our dogs developed serious liver problems after only 2 weeks of taking this drug. She had bloods drawn before she was started on this drug which were normal. She was one of the lucky ones that survived, but had liver problems the rest of her life. I know some have had no problems with this drug, but some of us have had major problems. Our vets no longer uses Rymadil in their practice. I know I will take heat for posting this, but the more people that know how dangerous this drug can be, the better. OK, I am off my soap box now.

I have not used Deramaxx so I cannot comment on that one.

The scarry thing is that PEOPLE are still taking this stuff too!