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Why is my dog's hip still painful after Rimadyl, itchy, and bony?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 44 lbs

My 1 -1/2 year old lab mix (44 lbs) began having pain in her right hip when touched on Wednesday. Thursday, the vet gave her Rimadyl to help, but it has not helped much since. She is still painful at the site and is reluctant to stand up after laying down or go up stairs. She also has been extremely itchy lately (before pain occurred) and it seems like you can see her spine/ hip bones more.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 22nd, 2017

If the vet didn't do x-rays at her last appointment, that may be the next logical step. She may also need pain medications to be used in conjunction with the Rimadyl if there is soft tissue pain. You can try applying an ice pack or frozen bag of peas wrapped in a thin towel for 15 minutes several times a day.

Itching is probably not related to her pain, and can be caused by fleas, mange, lice, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies, among others. I would recommend that you discuss this with your vet at Avery's next appointment so that she can be appropriately treated for it.

More prominent skeletal structures can be caused by dehydration, weight loss, or muscle loss. This is also something that should be discussed with your vet, since there can be so many things that could lead to any of these possible causes.
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