My collie-shepherd died from taking Rimadyl. Some years later, another vet put my arthritic husky-shepherd on a safer drug. It was much cheaper, too, as it comes in a generic. I'll see if I can remember what it was and get back to this thread.

Larger dogs are prone to arthritis. Usually in their hips. I had blueheeler with that problem who really began to have a lot of pain and couldn't get around. We were having to carry him down the steps and out into the pasture several times a day to do his business. Ask your Vet about a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement for your girl. You can also google for info. We used two different types. One a liquid we put in his water and another a capsule we sprinkled in his food. It was a tremendous help and made his last years more bearable. When your girl begins to feel better, she will become more active which should help with the weight. Also, older dogs do not process protein well so a formula for older dogs should also help with the weight. Again, ask your Vet if you should consider changing dog food.

Good luck and I hope she gets better.

"5 years mostly chained to a tree in all kinds of weather but garaged at night".

It is nice of you to give this senior dog a break.

MSM is helpful for canine arthritis and may be less expensive (and less harmful) than the Rimadyl.

DOG MSM
"Pets who suffer from arthritis often benefit greatly from dog MSM supplements. Several studies have shown, that supplementation of MSM, significantly reduced joint degeneration and inflammation. "

Links that might be useful:

www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_msm.htm

www.ehow.com/facts_4867438_home-remedies-dog-ear-infection.html

www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_msm.htm

I didn't realize MSM works for dogs. I can't take it myself; it actually increases my pain. But I don't know anyone else who has this reaction.

My Wolfy (the husky-shepherd) was on Previcox (very expensive), and was then switched to meloxicam (Metacam). He had a bad reaction to the full dose of the latter (dizziness, loss of appetite), so the dose was cut in half. Later, he was on tramadol, a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Good for you for rescuing this dog!!

Nanny.... we have been giving our 7 year old boxer GOJI JUICE for her arthritis for several years now. The vet was amazed at how much better she is. She does need to lose a few pounds too so we are walking, but the GOJI is really helping her joints. We get it at Vitamin Shoppe and just put an ounce in her food (she is 100 pounds, so less for smaller dog) and she loves the taste. IT will not hurt her, my friend who is an acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine recommended it. She tells her human patients to take it, with great results. Our vet said much better for her than the prescription drug he was giving her.

Google rimadyl. DD's dog was on it for a long time, she got it like half the price online. I can't remember for sure but think it was 1800PetMeds. I don't know what you pay, but you can check the prices here by clicking on the milligrams.

Here is a link that might be useful: 1800PetMeds

Just had to pop in here and bless you for caring for that older (ka-ching!) dog. I had a springer and those ears aren't fun to deal with either. Mine had surgery so they would get more air into them - that did not good. It was just a matter of monitoring her all the time and keeping meds going.

Thank you for being so concerned about an older dog. I see a bright future for her! Bless you!

you might want to check the prices for meds here

Here is a link that might be useful: KV Vet Supply

I have a diet tip for you if you are interested... When my Chi got overweight and blew out her back knees and had to have surgery the vet gave me a prescription for Science Diet RD for Canines. For the initial weight loss I would mix half of what she was supposed to have with the other half being canned saltless green beans. I smashed the green beans up real good with a fork and mixed it all together. She loved it! When she reached her ideal weight I switched to dry Science Diet RD and she has kept the weight off for 7 years. She is now back on the canned meat because she is old now and doesn't have many teeth. She really lost the weight quickly and seemed very satisfied with it, didn't beg etc..and we didn't have to go on walks to lose the weight, she couldn't have for a very long time, till her surgery healed anyway.. walking may be an issue with your poor dog too because of the arthritis.. so this diet might be worth a try for her.

Thanks for all the responses. She is a sweetheart and actually my DD rescued her and both are living with us now and for the foreseeable future (I am delighted). The green beans are on the counter to start adding to her "new" food that was approved by the vet and she has perked up even more today. (Like me) She has many pounds to lose...so in many ways we are in this together (we three, inc. DD). I have known her since puppyhood and have been 'pained' by her lifestyle these last 5 years. Another one remains there for the time being. It is just really hard for me to accept the idea of "farm dogs" as being less than human companions and she is so grateful to be loved.