This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. Your
9-year-old German Shepherd is limping, and you think that arthritis may
be setting in. A trip to the veterinarian proves that you’re right—it’s
osteoarthritis, a degeneration of the cartilage and bone that affects joints. The veterinarian prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are a class of drugs extensively used in both
human and veterinary medicine for their anti-fever, anti-inflammatory
and pain-relieving properties, and they are the most commonly prescribed
pain relievers for animals. Inflammation—the body’s response to
irritation or injury—is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and
pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of chemicals produced by
the body that play a role in inflammation. “Scientists consider
NSAIDs the cornerstone of osteoarthritis therapy in dogs,” says Melanie
McLean, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). Some NSAIDS are also used to manage pain after surgery in both
dogs and cats. No NSAID has been approved for long-term use in cats. NSAIDs
carry risks as well as benefits, however, and all dogs and cats should
undergo a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian—including a
discussion of the pet’s medical history— before beginning NSAID therapy.
McLean notes that it’s also important that you talk to your
veterinarian about possible side effects, including those that could
signal danger. Risks and Side EffectsNSAIDS
are associated with gastrointestinal ulcers/perforations, kidney, and
liver toxicity (damage done by exposure to medications or chemicals) and
must be used cautiously in animals with pre-existing kidney or liver
problems. Because most liver-associated toxicities occur during
the first three weeks, it’s especially important to closely monitor the
results of blood tests during the early stages of long-term NSAID
treatment in dogs. Also, before starting long-term treatment with NSAIDs
in dogs, blood tests should be conducted to establish baseline data and
then repeated on a regular basis. McLean recommends that you talk with
your veterinarian about how often this blood work should be done. Some of the most common side effects of NSAIDS in animals reported to FDA are: - vomiting
- decreased to no appetite
- decreased activity level
- diarrhea
While
your animal is taking NSAIDs, continuously monitor the pet for these
side effects as well as looking for blood in the feces, tar-like stools,
yellowing of the whites of the eyes, or yellowing of the gums. If you
see these, call your veterinarian immediately, McLean says. Other
reported side effects include stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal
perforation (a hole in the wall of the intestine), kidney failure, liver
failure and death. Giving two NSAIDs at the same time, or giving
an NSAID with a steroid, such as prednisone, can significantly increase
the risk and severity of side effects, especially gastrointestinal
toxicity. Risks associated with NSAIDs are detailed on the package
inserts and the client information sheets that accompany all
FDA-approved veterinary oral NSAIDs. Are OTC Meds for People Safe for Pets?McLean
says that it’s not unusual for pet owners to want to give their animals
NSAIDs or acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands, which are not
NSAIDs) straight from their own medicine cabinets. “Many people don’t
realize that a medicine that’s safe for people may not be safe for dogs
or cats, or that a dose that is safe for people may not be safe for
their pets,” she notes. In fact, some over-the-counter (OTC) human
pain relievers can be toxic, or even deadly, in pets. McLean suggests
that you check with your veterinarian first if you want to give your
animal OTC human drugs. “You should always check with your
veterinarian first before giving your animal any kind of medication,
prescription or over-the-counter,” she notes. Similarly, pet owners
should not assume that a medicine that is safe for one animal is
necessarily safe for another. Communication with your veterinarian is essential. Before giving your animal an NSAID: - Make sure you know what the medication is being prescribed for, how much to give and how long to give it.
- Discuss possible side effects and symptoms, especially those that require an immediate call to the vet.
- Tell
your veterinarian if the pet has a history of gastrointestinal
problems, such as stomach ulcers, or surgery on the stomach or
intestines.
- Tell your veterinarian if your pet is on any other medications or supplements.
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