Rimadyl is a brand name for the generic veterinary equivalent drug carprofen, which belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used to reduce inflammation in dogs with fewer negative side effects than steroids, making it more suitable than steroids for long-term use. Rimadyl is generally safe for dogs, but it should only be given to a dog with a veterinarian’s prescription.

Rimadyl is primarily used for pain relief for dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, acute or chronic pain, and inflammation. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and orthopedic surgery, ultimately improving mobility. The anti-inflammatory properties of Rimadyl help reduce the joint inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which reduces pain, and the analgesic properties of the drug also reduce pain. Since the drug is tolerated relatively well by the majority of canine patients, Rimadyl is a good choice for long-term pain management of arthritis in dogs.

Rimadyl is also used off-label for pain relief and inflammation in other species, among them horses, cows, sheep, birds, rabbits, ferrets, other small mammals, and reptiles. However, off-label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian who has direct and personal knowledge of the pet and when there are no other appropriate medications for a particular pets circumstance.

In summary, Rimadyl is used to reduce inflammation and pain in dogs with fewer negative side effects than steroids, making it more suitable than steroids for long-term use. It is primarily used for pain relief for dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, acute or chronic pain, and inflammation. Rimadyl is generally safe for dogs, but it should only be given to a dog with a veterinarian’s prescription.