I had a little miniature poodle named Tuffie. In September of 2007 he had an operation on both of his legs; he was 8.5 years old. After the operation my vet put him on Deramaxx, which is used for arthritis for arthritis, inflammation or osteoporosis. He continued to use the Deramaxx for the next 2.5 years.

During this time I questioned the vet on the continuous use of Deramaxx, which I was told was OK. During this period the vet did not check at any time his vital organs. As I was continually in the clinic every four to five weeks since he was one year old due to cleaning his glands the vet was well aware of his presence.

Well on Dec. 6, 2009 he bled to death due to a tumor on his liver. This tumor had been there for a long period of time and even though I checked him every day I could not feel anything in his tummy.

In July he had a medical problem, which actually relates to the use of Deramaxx, but the vet stated it was his age and nervousness about traveling. If an ultra-sound or x-ray had been done at that time the vet would have located the tumor.

Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc. that manufactures Deramaxx suggest that you check the animal’s vital organs every six to 12 months. This medication definitely improved my little dog’s ability to walk. But due to the length of time he was given Deramaxx he should have been given an x-ray or ultra-sound.

Please have your vet do an ultra-sound or x-rays on your pet’s vital organs if he or she has been on this medication for any length of time, it could mean his/her life.

ELAINE SKISTOD

Kamloops