[pyrnet] HEALTH: long-term use of Deramaxx and Australian drugs

[Shirley McGreal <smcgreal@ippl.org>]

Our senior dog Ivy (aged 9) has a bad case of arthritis. She has been on 
1.5 deramaxx pills per day (cost, $1.80 per pill) for around two months. It 
seems to be very effective.

However, I am concerned about potential long-term side effects and wonder 
if any list members have had any dog(s) on long-term deramaxx therapy. Is 
there any kind of testing that should be done while Ivy's on this 
medication, and how often should it be done? Any good reference articles? 
Should any vitamins be used contemporaneously?

What alternative drugs are there? I am suspicious of rimadyl as I had a bad 
experience with our late Pyr Sebastien who developed the only case of adult 
onset megaesophagus in the Pyr health database, and which may or not have 
been linked to his use of rimadyl.

Also, the thread on another list about getting drugs from Australia was 
fascinating. I have already placed orders for Heartguard and Frontline! 
Assuming all goes well, I'll get six months supplies of each product for 
half of what I pay here, and the postage is included.

However, deramaxx is not available from Australia, apparently with or 
without a prescription. Does anyone have a suggested reasonable cost 
source? We were paying $3 per tablet ($4.50 per day for one and a half) 
until we called our vet who said he would meet the Internet price on a 
90-tablet bottle, but only for US prices. Still, $3 a day, though better 
than $4.50, is a lot of money so I would greatly appreciate any suggestions 
as to how to get a better deal for our wonderful senior citizen Ivy. I 
wonder what the vets are paying THEIR suppliers? Anyone know?

Shirley McGreal

Dr. Shirley McGreal, Chairwoman
International Primate Protection League
PO Box 766
Summerville, SC 29484, USA
Phone - 843-871-2280, Fax- 843-871-7988
E-mail - smcgreal@ippl.org, Web: www.ippl.org

"He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. 
He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord 
would suffice."
        --Albert Einstein