dalefuller said:
Hi:
I know your post is two weeks old, but I just read it and had to jump in. Please be very careful... overly careful... with NSAIDs. The combination of Rimadyl and aspirin can be (and has been) fatal. Both products can destroy the mucous lining in a dog's stomach leaving it vulnerable to digestive acids that will literally eat a hole in their stomachs. Ulcers, infection, and peritonitis are often the results.
Several people here have suggested nutritional and natural treatments that are much less likely to cause this kind of problem. If you're not sure about which ones to try or if your present vet won't suggest anything, I would locate a nearby holistic vet and make an appointment for a second opinion.
Warm thoughts and good wishes, I've been where you are more times than I care to remember.
Dale
Thanks for the warning. Just to clarify, we are not giving rimadyl and asprin

It was an either/or case. My vet recommended getting the specially coated asprins for the people who take daily asprin. I bought her the Anacin brand. I tried a higher dosage and she started vomiting, so I am giving her the "heart maintenance" dosage (i.e. 81mg) twice a day and watching her closely. It seems to be working, no stomach upsets and LOADS of energy! She is driving me nuts now!

and I wouldnt have it any other way. I guess I got lucky with my vet, I found out about him through the rescue and he is the greatest. All I have to do is bring in information and he will review and research it.

Top notch! When I took one of the foster boys in for neutering, I told them "No Ace" and the vet said "People still use ACE"
He got my vote on that alone.
Right now, we are monitoring her. He said on a scale of 1-5 he would grade Katie at a 2.