Duramax warning

[Squawksx3]

I just received this email and am posting for FYI.... I have no personal experience with this drug.

Jan

---Original message---

Hi guys,

As several of you know I am a nurse at the Veterinary Emergency Hospital. I wanted to let you know about a problem we have been seeing. There is a newer drug out (maybe a year or so) called Duramax. It is usually prescribed for pain like limping, arthritis, etc.. similarly to Rimadyl or Ascripton. We have now seen about 10 cases of dogs that have come in and been on this drug and have developed abdominal ulcer perforations and internal bleeding. We have been able, if caught early enough and with surgical intervention, to save some of these dogs, however we have also lost many otherwise healthy and young patients. I do not have everyone's e-mail address in the club so if you get this message please pass it on. I would hate so see any of our beautiful rotties as patients at my hospital. The company is being notified and if anything changes I will let you know.

Thank you,

Kristin

[krazy4birds]

Egads!!!!!! Thanks Jan!!!!!!

[MariaRosa]

Thanks for the heads-up on this, Jan. Bootsie has a full bottle of Deramaxx for arthritis, but I try to avoid giving it to her. Before Deramaxx, we tried Rimadyl. I took her off of that immediately when I read that Rimadyl had been linked to liver problems. Bootsie already has liver disease, so I don't want to exacerbate the problem.
If anyone's interested in safer ways to relieve arthritis in their pets, I would suggest the following:
* Keep your dog's weight within his/her normal weight range.
* Keep your dog active, but don't overtax them.
* Ask your vet if you should use glucosamine tablets.
* If possible, take your dog swimming! There are some cities who have swimming pools specifically for dogs needing physical rehab.
* Try accupressure. I was taught how to use accupressure, and it really does work for Bootsie, so well that I rarely if ever need to resort to using anything else.

And a final thought on Deramaxx....I wonder if the dogs who suffered from ulcer perforation/internal bleeding were being given regular doses over an extended length of time? I feel safe giving Bootsie the Deramaxx on occasion....but not as an everyday regimin. Not worth the risk when there are other options available that do not require the use of potentially harmful meds. :)