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Rimadyl Injectable is a carprofen injection used in dogs for osteoarthritis pain and perioperative discomfort. It offers veterinarian-administered relief when oral dosing is not ideal. You can access US delivery from Canada and review options without insurance.
What Rimadyl Is and How It Works
Rimadyl® contains carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes that drive inflammation and pain. The treatment helps reduce joint swelling and improves comfort after orthopedic or soft-tissue surgery. Effects are analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory.
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This medicine is commonly given by a veterinarian as a subcutaneous injection. It may be used once around surgery or as part of a broader plan for canine osteoarthritis. When longer-term control is needed, clinicians often transition to oral NSAIDs or other modalities. See our overview of joint disease in pets in Arthritis in Dogs and Cats.
Who It’s For
This injection is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis, and for postoperative analgesia. The product is not approved for cats. The use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been fully evaluated.
Clinicians may consider Canine Osteoarthritis treatment pathways based on age, weight, and comorbidities. The Bone and Joint Health guide discusses supportive care alongside veterinary therapy. For clarity, carprofen injection for dogs is chosen when rapid onset and controlled dosing are needed.
Dosage and Usage
Administration is subcutaneous, typically performed by a veterinarian. The exact dose and frequency depend on the dog’s weight, clinical diagnosis, and surgical plan. For some dogs, a single perioperative dose is used. Others may receive follow-up oral therapy for continued control.
Carprofen injection dogs is not usually a take-home medication. If home administration is prescribed, the care team provides training on aseptic technique and timing. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless a veterinarian advises and an appropriate washout period is observed.
Address questions about activity, feeding, and adjunct therapies with the veterinary team. See broader medication options under Pet Medications to understand where this medicine fits within a plan.
Strengths and Forms
This formulation is a sterile injectable solution. A commonly published presentation is 50 mg/mL; vial sizes and pack options can vary by market and supplier. Availability may differ by clinic and by country.
For ongoing management, veterinarians may consider oral carprofen or other NSAIDs. When a liquid alternative is needed, meloxicam suspensions are sometimes used under veterinary guidance. Concentration details and vial sizes can differ, so confirm the rimadyl injectable concentration on your dispensed carton.
Missed Dose and Timing
If a clinic-administered dose is missed due to a scheduling issue, contact the veterinary practice to rebook. For any at-home plan, do not give extra doses to make up for a missed administration. Resume as directed by the prescriber. Call the clinic if vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior occurs around dosing time.
Storage and Travel Basics
Store unopened vials at room temperature as directed on the label. Keep the product in its carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Once opened, follow the veterinarian’s instructions for vial handling and beyond-use dating.
Maintain vial sterility by cleaning the stopper before puncture and using a new sterile needle for each withdrawal. Discard if the solution becomes discolored or contains particles. Check expiration dates before use.
For travel, keep the vial in original packaging with prescription information. Pack in a secure, upright container to prevent breakage. When flying, carry documentation for security screening and keep medicines in your carry-on. If your veterinarian provides syringes or needles for transport, secure them in a puncture-resistant container.
Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal
This product is supplied as a vial, not a pen. If your clinician instructs you to draw doses at home, use single-use needles and syringes only once. Place used sharps in a puncture-resistant FDA-cleared sharps container. Follow local regulations or clinic guidance for disposal.
Benefits
This NSAID class can provide timely pain relief around surgical procedures. It may help dogs bear weight more comfortably and rest better as inflammation decreases. Parenteral dosing allows precise administration when oral intake is limited.
In multimodal plans, the injection can reduce the need for additional analgesics. Veterinarians may pair it with physical rest, controlled exercise, or joint-support nutrition. See practical tips in our Arthritis in Dogs and Cats article.
Side Effects and Safety
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Injection site tenderness
Serious, less common risks can include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, liver enzyme elevations, kidney effects, allergic reaction, or bleeding tendencies. Stop treatment and contact the veterinarian immediately if black stools, persistent vomiting, jaundice, facial swelling, collapse, or seizures occur. The risk of hypoglycemia is not typical with NSAIDs, but dehydration and pre-existing kidney, liver, or heart disease may increase adverse event risk. Discuss rimadyl injection for dogs side effects and monitoring plans with the prescriber.
Drug Interactions and Cautions
Concomitant use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or anticoagulants may increase gastrointestinal and bleeding risks. Use caution with nephrotoxic agents, certain diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or highly protein-bound drugs. Alcohol is not relevant to canine use, but avoid human medications unless explicitly prescribed for the dog.
Do not use in dogs with known hypersensitivity to carprofen. Use cautiously in dehydrated patients or those with pre-existing renal, hepatic, or cardiac conditions. Baseline and periodic lab work may be advised for extended NSAID courses.
What to Expect Over Time
After injection, many dogs show qualitative improvement in comfort as inflammation is addressed. The care team may transition to oral therapy for maintenance when appropriate. Response can vary with disease severity, surgical factors, and activity level.
Veterinary follow-up can include pain scoring, gait assessment, and periodic bloodwork if longer-term NSAID use is planned. Adherence to rest and controlled exercise often supports better outcomes. If mobility or appetite worsens, contact the clinic for reassessment.
Compare With Alternatives
Firocoxib and deracoxib are NSAIDs veterinarians often consider for canine osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. See Previcox for a COX-2 selective option available as oral tablets. Another choice is Deramaxx, which may be used for chronic joint pain management under veterinary guidance.
Clinics may also use meloxicam for perioperative care when an injectable or liquid is preferred, based on the patient’s profile. The selection of an NSAID considers prior tolerance, comorbid conditions, and monitoring needs.
Pricing and Access
Canadian pharmacy pricing can help lower the rimadyl injectable price compared with some local options. We offer secure checkout and transparent listings. Ships from Canada to US supports access for verified prescriptions. If you are looking for additional opportunities, see Promotions for current site offers.
You can compare options and estimate out-of-pocket costs without insurance. For broader therapy categories and adjunct supplies, browse Pet Medications. Your prescriber’s instructions and the clinic’s dispensing policies determine final quantities and refill cadence.
Availability and Substitutions
Stock can vary by strength and vial size. If this item is unavailable, a veterinarian may recommend an alternative NSAID or a different presentation. Substitution requires clinical approval to avoid adverse interactions or duplicate therapy.
Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips
Good candidates include dogs needing perioperative analgesia or initial control of osteoarthritis pain where injection is preferred. Avoid use in dogs with known carprofen allergy or in situations the veterinarian deems high risk. Always inform the clinician about prior NSAID exposure and current medicines.
Consider multi-visit planning when postoperative care includes follow-up injections or lab checks. If longer-term control is needed, discuss transitioning to oral therapy to simplify refills. Care teams can set reminders so you never miss scheduled visits. Talk with the prescriber about carprofen injectable for dogs to align dosing plans with monitoring and budget.
Questions to Ask Your Clinician
- Eligibility criteria: Is my dog a candidate for this NSAID?
- Dose and schedule: How will weight and condition guide dosing?
- Transition plan: Will we move to tablets after the injection?
- Monitoring: What labs or checks are needed over time?
- Interactions: How long should the washout be from prior NSAIDs?
- Safety signs: Which symptoms require urgent evaluation?
Authoritative Sources
For official product information from the manufacturer, review the Zoetis Rimadyl Injection page, which outlines indications and safety.
Regulatory details for veterinary NSAIDs are summarized in the FDA database; see the FDA Green Book carprofen listings for approved entries.
Canadian reference data can be found in Health Canada’s database; search the Health Canada Drug Product Database for carprofen veterinary products.
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Is Rimadyl injection approved for cats?
No. Carprofen injections and tablets are labeled for dogs. Use in cats is not approved in the US and is generally avoided unless a veterinarian provides specific off-label direction with careful monitoring.
How long does a Rimadyl injection last in dogs?
Duration varies with the dose, procedure type, and the individual dog. Many dogs experience relief over the immediate postoperative period, after which oral therapy may be considered. Follow your veterinarian’s plan.
Can Rimadyl be given with prednisone or other NSAIDs?
Concomitant use with corticosteroids or other NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects and bleeding. A washout period is typically used when switching agents. Only a veterinarian should manage transitions.
What lab tests are recommended with NSAID use?
Veterinarians may order baseline and periodic liver and kidney panels when NSAIDs are used for extended periods. Monitoring plans vary by patient risk factors and duration of therapy.
What are common side effects after injection?
Dogs may have vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, lethargy, or injection site tenderness. Seek veterinary care if black stools, persistent vomiting, jaundice, facial swelling, or collapse occur.
Can I administer the injection at home?
This medication is most often given in a clinic. If at-home dosing is prescribed, your veterinary team will train you on sterile technique, dose measurement, timing, and proper sharps disposal.
How does the injection compare with tablets?
The injection allows precise dosing when oral intake is limited, such as around surgery. Tablets are typically used for ongoing management of osteoarthritis. The veterinarian chooses based on the dog’s needs.
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