Which nsaids for dogs

Fortunately, NSAIDs can be given with most other medications, but if your pet is taking anything else, it's best to check with your vet first. Find out more about PDSA's vet care services. Published: Feb Did you find this page useful? Tell us more Has this page helped you to care for your pet?

Yes No. Have you learnt something new from reading this page? Has this article helped you to understand when a vet is needed? Did you experience any of the following issues? There was too much text to read. Did you find the information that you wanted? What information were you looking for? Do you feel any information on this page is incorrect? What information do you feel is incorrect?

Had you heard of PDSA before you came to this site? Which of the following best describes you? Please describe. Any comments Please note, our vets and nurses are unable to respond to questions via this form.

NSAIDs help to control signs of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. NSAIDs mediate the production or function of prostaglandins enzymes involved in inflammation. Your veterinarian may prescribe an NSAID to treat the pain of osteoarthritis in your dog or to control pain following a surgical procedure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs are used for treating your pet's arthritis , inflammation in the eye anterior uveitis , knee ligament injury cruciate disease , hip and elbow dysplasia, knee cap dislocation patellar dislocation , rheumatoid or septic arthritis, abnormal joint cartilage development osteochondritis dissecans or OCD , spinal arthritis spondylosis deformans , and cancer pain.

If your dog or cat has recently undergone surgery your veterinarian may also prescribe a NSAID pain medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by blocking production of prostaglandin molecules that promote pain.

NSAIDs revive the spirits of pets by resolving pain, allowing them to exercise so that the heart, lungs, and gut all function normally. With exercise, pets maintain their muscles, and this helps them hold their joints in correct alignment, another reason they experience less pain. All the cells in the body are surrounded by membranes. One of the molecules found in cell membranes is arachadonic acid. Arachadonic acid can be modified to produce several different types of prostaglandins PG molecules, according to what the body needs.

Prostaglandin molecules tend to have two functions: they either promote inflammation or promote normal cell function. The type of PG produced is determined by which enzyme modifies arachadonic acid. Generally, prostaglandins of the E1 series work to promote normal function, including normal function of the stomach, liver, heart, and kidney. For example, in the stomach PG E1 helps maintain the mucus lining that protects the stomach from hydrochloric acid. In contrast, prostaglandins of the E2 series work to promote inflammation.

Inflammation can be good when the body needs to attack diseases, such as cancer, feline leukemia, or canine parvo. But inflammation can also be bad—for example, when it causes the body to attack itself, as with an immune-mediated disease such as pemphigus, some thyroid diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Inflammation is also bad when it occurs to excess, and immune cells attack like a swarm of bees. This type of excessive inflammation can occur with wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, and with elbow or hip dysplasia. This may be good because the latest research suggests the best pain relief may come from products that affect both COX 1 and COX 2. Your pet may refuse to eat, vomit, and pass dark, tarry stool. Another side effect is kidney damage, causing your pet to drink more and urinate more, a condition called PUPD, or polydipsia, polyuria.

Pets may become anemic with pale gums, or they may have yellow icteric gums. Although NSAIDs provide pain relief, it's important to note the risk of side effects including damage to the liver and kidneys.