Rimadyl to treat cats

Question
I know Rimadyl's manufacturer states this should not be used with cats.  I know "off-label use" of meds are legal for both people doctors and animal doctors.  It seems many state Boards of Veterinarians place an emphasis on a "veterinarian-client relationship".  If my cat is treated at an Emergency Clinic staffed by a veterinarian that has never seen me or my cat, and he spends all of about 10 mins. talking with me about my cat's problem, shouldn't there be a reason for there to be an "informed consent" before sending me home with Rimadyl to give to my cat?  Also, I have read that the TX State Board of Veterinarian Medical Examiners (I don't live in TX) has adopted a rule requiring a veterinarian to secure the informed consent of a client before undertaking a treatment consisting of "off-label use of a drug ....... if the off-label usage does not have an established safety record."  Would you agree that Rimadyl does not have an established safety record for it's use in cats?

Answer
Kathy -

UNSAID use in cats can be safe if used and dosed properly.  Riamdyl has been used anecdotally in cats for post surgical pain and as an overall antiinflammatory.  Its record for safely has been clearly established. It can also be used for horse, birds, and small mammals.  

Is your question about Rimadyl or any NSAID? As I stated above, it can be used quite safely.

As far as the veterinarian-patient -client relationship, those factors are dependent upon the state in which you reside.  


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM