Very worried

[nanasluv]

Hi I have a 6 year old Pit Bull he was diagnosed with mid line hip dysplasia and knee arthritis and the veterinarian prescribed him the generic for Rimadyl which is Carproxen. Now he has been taking this medecine for about 3 months. The veterinarian told me that before he refills another bottle of  Carproxen my dog Bowzer will need to have a liver blood test done to make sure his liver is not being affected because this medecine can have a negative reaction in some dogs. I don't give it to him 2 times a day like the vet had put on the medecine I just give it once every other day because of fear of this medecine harming my dog but at the same time I do still give it because I don't want him to be in pain. Now my first question is it really a high risk to be taking considering this medecine could cause liver problems or liver failure? My other question is what are the main symptoms of liver problems or liver failure? I am very worried because today he was gagging a little like he wanted to throw up and he also was not acting like himself towards the end of the day he seemed less playful then usual. I offered him steak and he won't eat it. I put dog food in his bowl and he won't eat that yet either I'm hoping that will change before we go to bed. He looks pretty healthy besides what I told you. He did eat normal early in the day. Should I discontinue the medecine until I have him seen and his blood checked or is there another medecine that could give him some pain relief without the risk of liver problems. The vet also said I should put him on glucosamine in hopes of preventing the hip dysplasia of getting worse. Should I just start giving him Glucosamine and not give him Carproxen at all? I'm so confused as to what to do I want to do what's best for him but don't want to cause any harm to him by giving him a high risk medecine please let me know your opinion I don't know what to do:( Thanks alot I appreciate it.

[nanasluv]

Thank you very much for your advice. Therefore what you are saying is it is probably best not to use the Carproxen unless he shows signs of pain. What signs should I look out for? I have not given him the medecine  since that day because he seemed more tired then usual and was not eating but towards the end of the night he started eating so I'm starting to think maybe the hot weather was getting to him which caused a decrease in appetite but what I thought was abnormal was the gagging like he wanted to throw up but nothing came out. Anyhow, he is doing better he is eating, drinking water and energetic and acting like himself again and I'm very happy about that. Now another question I have  is does the Carproxen help the hip dysplasia from getting worse or is it only a pain reliever? Also I am feeding him a dog food which has Glucosamine will that help  prevent his hip dysplasia from getting worse? Thanks again for the advice you gave me and any other advice and have a great weekend:)

[Dan Sims, DVM]

Side affects to carprofen are rare and older dogs are more likely to have a problem with this medicine.
Used only as needed , as you are will reduce the risk also.
Your pets issue with not eating should be addressed now with a visit to your vet and the bloodwork run to rule out liver issues.
I would strart the glucosamine as soon as he is eating again.
Good luck!