"Schuyler"
From: Karen P.
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:45 AM

Merial Case # 09-115465

I thank you for posting yours and Rowdy's story on the net and offer my condolences.  But please take some measure of comfort in knowing you are helping to save hundreds if not thousands of dogs by posting your story. 

Schuyler went to the vet this past Tuesday due to going a bit lame in his front left leg during our morning walk.  I was concerned as he has had tenderness in both front legs for a week or so and then during the walk limped a few steps and then just pulled his leg up.  I carried him home and took him to the vet.   

By time we got to the vet, Schuyler was walking on his paw a bit.  I wanted to confirm what was going on since he had a muscle spasm the Saturday before.  Due to the muscle spasm the vet had done all of his blood work-up on Monday and prescribed Previcox (57mg, 1x daily) for 7 days to help reduce the swollen and tender paw joints. 

My vet made a specific and unsually strong point about going through the "normal" adverse reactions and that if I see anym to stop the medication.  I found this odd and asked if he was sure I should give him the pills.  The vet said yes and just told me to be aware of any adverse reaction.  I was a bit nervous, but my mother assured me that she had given the same drug to her dog for 2 weeks and it worked wonders without any problems. 

I gave Schuyler his first dose that Tuesday night after his dinner at 5:30.  Between the hours of 6 PM and 10 PM Tuesday night he drank a full days quantity of water and did not urinate.  At that point, the overally specific warning from the vet kicked in and I researched the web and found your site.  I became more fully aware of how lethal this drug could be and became even more vigilant in watching for signs of distress. 

By time we went up to bed at 11:30 PM he had labored breathing and would break into bouts of panting.  He also would wake with a startle and start gnawing at his hind quarters.   By 9 AM he was quite lethargic. I got him out for his walk around 10 AM and he seemed to be doing a bit better. 

I called the vet's office and another vet got on the phone and assured me what I was seeing was not side effects of the Previcox.  She went so far as to tell me the reason my baby was sleeping and not active was because the pill reduced his swelling and now that he is more comfortable he able to rest.  I agreed that is a possiblity but more likely this is another adverse side effect appearing and there is no way I would give him another pill. 

By 4:30 PM, Schuyler had not ate or drank a thing all day.  He went outside ate grass and prompty vomited blood and mucus.  Vet claimed again not the pills and there wasn't much they could do other than watch him, give him some other pill to calm his stomache or do an invasive procedure.  I opted to keep him home and watch him.  By 10 PM his breathing returned to normal, but still no appetite or desire to drink water.  At 2 AM he woke me up to go outside.  From 2 AM to 5 AM he was in and out, eating grass and defecating grass covered in mucus and his GI track was gurgling, swishing and screaming.  After our outing at 5 PM he eventually was willing to rest on the couch with me, he laid his head on my chest and fell asleep until 9 AM. 

This morning - 43 hours after 1 dose he is slowly starting to be himself.  He wanted his walk, though he did no business on the walk, he ate some boiled chicken and drank some water.  My vet called this morning to confirm that I have ceased the pills and told me to definately not give him anymore.  He said since he ate and drank this morning that is a good sign and to keep a close eye on him and if anything new develops or anything changes to call him.  While he wouldn't admit it was the Previcox, I am confidant that he knows. 

If it wasn't for your story and noting Rowdy's labored breathing, I never would have realized that was a sympton of the toxicity of this drug.  I thank you again and will update in a day or two to let you know how Schuyler is doing.  I am worried about permanent damage, though the vet doesn't think it is likely.