Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that include such medications as aspirin, ibuprofen, Vioxx and Celebrex for human use. We refer to these medications as NSAIDs to distinguish them from steroids, which can also be used to treat similar health issues. These medications work on controlling pain and inflammation by modifying certain pathways in the body that produce such mediators as prostaglandins. While prostaglandins are important mediators of pain, they also serve in protective roles in the body, especially in the lining of the stomach and in the kidneys. Animals are sensitive to NSAIDs as a class of medications and they must be used with appropriate safeguards in place. You should never give steroids and NSAIDS at the same time due to the increased risk of causing serious, even life-threatening stomach ulcers.
For example, aspirin use in dogs is commonly associated with an increased risk of serious stomach ulcers. No pet should EVER take any ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) as even small doses can result in kidney failure in animals . Aspirin use in cats is associated with the development of a Heinz body anemia. One extra-strength Tylenol can cause liver failure and death in a cat. You should never give any of your own prescription pain/anti-inflammatory medication to your own pet.
Drug companies have worked very hard to create NSAID medications that are safer to use in our pets than the medications previously mentioned. While there are still very few medications that are labeled for use in cats, there are an increasing number of NSAID choices for use in our dogs. All of these medications have the potential to cause side effects however, and should be used in accordance with guidelines determined by your veterinarian. For a short-term use (such as an injury), it may not be necessary to perform a serum chemistry panel to check liver and kidney function. If you have an older pet that may be taking NSAIDs long term to control arthritis or some other painful condition, it is recommended that this bloodwork is performed prior to the initiation of the medication to make sure no pre-existing problems are present. If the bloodwork is reasonably normal and a choice of medication is made, repeat blood testing is done 1-2 months into therapy to make sure that nothing has changed since the start of the medication. If changes have occurred, your vet will discuss whether or not changes in medication are warranted. If the bloodwork is normal, then repeat testing is performed once every 6 months to one year depending on the health of your pet. The most common side effect of NSAIDs is stomach upset. If your pet is prescribed an NSAID, the specific side effects of that medication should also be discussed. Just because your pet shows intolerance to one medication in this drug class, it does not mean that he or she could not take another brand. However, there needs to be an appropriate "washout" period between taking one type of NSAID and switching to another. This is usually 7 days at the minimum and should be coordinated with your veterinarian. Please tell your vet if you have given ANY other medication before being dispensed a NSAID for your pet. |
About Dr Sally Suttenfield
Sally Suttenfield, DMV, CCRP, fourpawsvetrehab.com. Dr. Suttenfield is a veterinarian with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice. She is a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner through the University of Tennessee program. Four Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation Service is based in the New River Valley of Virginia and offers an individually tailored rehabilitation program for your companion animal based on your pet's physical needs and goals for return to function. Contact us at info@FourPawsVetRehab.com or Rehab4paws@aol.com.
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