Tom K. Kelly asked:
In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for use in dogs for pain relief after surgery or for dogs with joint problems.
Like all drugs, these NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most are mild, but some may be very serious resulting in permanent damage or even death, especially if they are not used according to the directions on the label.
Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., who is the director of the Food & Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) stated: “It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and benefits of all drugs, including NSAIDs, so that they can make informed decisions about their pets’ health care. Owners who give their dog NSAIDs need to know the side effects to watch for that indicate their pet needs medical attention.”
Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, depression, and diarrhea are the most common side effects. The more serious adverse effects include problems such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, perforations and liver problems.
Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the Center for Veterinary Medicines Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation says “The side effects of NSAIDs are very well known and very well documented, but this information is not always getting to the pet owner. If the pet owner can recognize a possible reaction, stop the medication, and get veterinary help, it could mean the difference between a good outcome and a disaster.”
Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Dog From Adverse Drug Reactions
Ask Questions – Ask the vet about the risks, benefits, and side effects of all medications. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the possible side effects or signs you should be watching for when treating your dog.
Tell All – Be sure to tell the vet your dog’s symptoms and any medications that you have used, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins and any flea control products. Combining certain medications could harm your dog.
Read the Client Information Sheet – You should receive a “Client Information Sheet” with every prescription. These are summaries that explain the results to expect, what to discuss with the veterinarian before giving the drug to your dog, possible side effects to watch for, along with other important information. If your veterinarian can’t provide the Client Information Sheet, you can print it from the CVM’s Web site or by calling the drug companies toll-free number.
Get the Recommended Tests – Testing is particularly important with long-term use to identify any problems and monitor how well the dog is tolerating the drug.
Work With The Vet to Find the Best NSAID – Many choices are available, and sometimes, the process of finding the best one can mean changing the prescription.
If There is a Bad Reaction Stop Medication and Call the Vet – If you suspect an adverse reaction, stop administering the drug and contact your veterinarian right away.
Side effects to watch for include: A decrease or increase in the dog’s appetite, yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of eyes, vomiting, seizure, lack of coordination, changes in bowel movements (such as diarrhea or black, tarry, or bloody stools), behavior changes (such as decreased or increased activity level or aggression), changes in drinking habits, changes in urination habits (such as frequency, color, or smell), changes in skin (scabs, redness or scratching).
Not all possible side effects are included on the Client Information Sheet or label. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you have any questions about your dog’s medication. Something that starts out as a minor problem can rapidly progress to an emergency.
Report All Bad Reactions – Adverse experiences with NSAIDs should be reported to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, Division of Surveillance, HFV-210, 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, (888) FDA-VETS (332-8387).
Migraine
In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for use in dogs for pain relief after surgery or for dogs with joint problems.
Like all drugs, these NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most are mild, but some may be very serious resulting in permanent damage or even death, especially if they are not used according to the directions on the label.
Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., who is the director of the Food & Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) stated: “It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and benefits of all drugs, including NSAIDs, so that they can make informed decisions about their pets’ health care. Owners who give their dog NSAIDs need to know the side effects to watch for that indicate their pet needs medical attention.”
Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, depression, and diarrhea are the most common side effects. The more serious adverse effects include problems such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, perforations and liver problems.
Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the Center for Veterinary Medicines Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation says “The side effects of NSAIDs are very well known and very well documented, but this information is not always getting to the pet owner. If the pet owner can recognize a possible reaction, stop the medication, and get veterinary help, it could mean the difference between a good outcome and a disaster.”
Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Dog From Adverse Drug Reactions
Ask Questions – Ask the vet about the risks, benefits, and side effects of all medications. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the possible side effects or signs you should be watching for when treating your dog.
Tell All – Be sure to tell the vet your dog’s symptoms and any medications that you have used, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins and any flea control products. Combining certain medications could harm your dog.
Read the Client Information Sheet – You should receive a “Client Information Sheet” with every prescription. These are summaries that explain the results to expect, what to discuss with the veterinarian before giving the drug to your dog, possible side effects to watch for, along with other important information. If your veterinarian can’t provide the Client Information Sheet, you can print it from the CVM’s Web site or by calling the drug companies toll-free number.
Get the Recommended Tests – Testing is particularly important with long-term use to identify any problems and monitor how well the dog is tolerating the drug.
Work With The Vet to Find the Best NSAID – Many choices are available, and sometimes, the process of finding the best one can mean changing the prescription.
If There is a Bad Reaction Stop Medication and Call the Vet – If you suspect an adverse reaction, stop administering the drug and contact your veterinarian right away.
Side effects to watch for include: A decrease or increase in the dog’s appetite, yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of eyes, vomiting, seizure, lack of coordination, changes in bowel movements (such as diarrhea or black, tarry, or bloody stools), behavior changes (such as decreased or increased activity level or aggression), changes in drinking habits, changes in urination habits (such as frequency, color, or smell), changes in skin (scabs, redness or scratching).
Not all possible side effects are included on the Client Information Sheet or label. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you have any questions about your dog’s medication. Something that starts out as a minor problem can rapidly progress to an emergency.
Report All Bad Reactions – Adverse experiences with NSAIDs should be reported to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, Division of Surveillance, HFV-210, 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, (888) FDA-VETS (332-8387).
Migraine
