One of my vets refuses to use Rimadyl due to kidney issues. Another of my vets last week told me of a greyt that just crossed over due to acute renal failure who was on Rimadyl. I agree with Burpdog. Pills are not always the answer. Many times there are other effective options. It just boils down to personal preference and thats just my opinion.
New vets. I wouldn't put my dogs life into the hands of somebody that cannot even tell what a pair feels like. You are not a vet. Yet you made the correct diagnosis when you examined him. Why pay and trust somebody that doesn't know as much about dogs as you do?
I have had super OUTSTANDING results for years with Fresh Factors- plus it is real easy to give it to them because the dogs think they are delicious treats and gobble each tab down! Their addy is www.springtimeinc.com but you'll have to cut/paste as I don't know how to make the linky work.