Deramaxx problems

[stormysmom]

Stormy was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament in her left hind leg last week, and the vet prescribed Deramaxx for her until we could schedule the surgery (which was set for next Thursday). She was fine the first 5 days, but on the sixth day she got very bad diarrhea, which lasted for 2 days. Yesterday I called the vet, and he said take her off of Deramaxx and prescribed Metronidazole for the diarrhea. The diarrhea seems to have improved a little, and she has her appetite back, but now we have more problems. She has started leaking urine - and has been drinking an excessive amount of water (and urinating a lot too). I'm getting really scared - I did some searching online about Deramaxx, and found some articles saying that Deramaxx can cause kidney failure - and I know these are signs of that. It also said some dogs have even died from the effects of this medication, even when taken short-term. I of course called the vet again this afternoon, and he told me to watch her the next day or two to see if there is an improvement. But honestly, it kills me to just sit here and wait. I just touched her back area, and its soaked.

Am I just being a paranoid boxer mommy? Or should I take her in and get some tests done now? (To add to all this drama, we just moved a few months ago, and so this is a new vet we have no history with....)

Oh, I also called Novartis, the maker of Deramaxx, to report this. They took an adverse effect report, which they must file with the FDA. I was hoping they would be more helpful, but they more or less took the info and referred me to our vet.

Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[boxers4life2001]

Is the Deramaxx the only medication she is taking? Did they give her any other meds or injections? What dose was she on (and whats her weight?)

You could always ask the vet to run bloodwork just to be safe, i'm sure you will feel a lot better knowing if all her values are ok.
I gave Chance Deramaxx after his surgery and did not have any problems with it, but every dog can react differently. I have heard of a few dogs having bloody urine when the dose was at the higher end but I have not seen it cause excessive thirst/urination. Deramaxx is still pretty new to the market so i'm sure as time goes by we will see a lot more side effects from it like we did with rimadyl.
I do not think you are being paranoid, you know your baby the best and obvisiously somthing is going on with her. If she is still having problems, I would call the vet and take her in. I think you and Stormy will feel a lot better if she gets checked out!!!!! I hope Stormy feels better soon. Good Luck with her surgery next week (if she still has it) Please keep us updated on her!!!!!!

~Carrie~