NSAIDs in Pets: More Than Just Pain Relief

NSAIDs in Pets: More Than Just Pain Relief

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a cornerstone of pain management in veterinary medicine. However, they offer benefits beyond merely alleviating pain. By reducing inflammation and promoting overall wellness, NSAIDs can significantly enhance your pet's quality of life. Below, we delve into some common NSAIDs used in pets, exploring their modes of action, applications, side effects, and off-label uses.

Carprofen (Dogs)

• Mode of Action: Moderately COX-2 selective, reducing prostaglandins which results in less gastrointestinal and renal toxicity compared to non-selective NSAIDs.
• Uses: Effective in managing osteoarthritis, aiding recovery from soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and general pain relief in dogs.
• Side Effects: May cause vomiting, diarrhea, gastric ulceration, and rare idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity.
• Off-label Use: Occasionally administered short-term in cats but not routinely recommended due to safety concerns.

Meloxicam (Dogs & Cats)

• Mode of Action: Preferential COX-2 inhibitor offering a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
• Uses: Suitable for managing chronic osteoarthritis in dogs and perioperative analgesia in both dogs and cats.
• Side Effects: Includes gastrointestinal upset, renal compromise in dehydrated patients; caution advised with long-term use.
• Off-label Use: Low-dose, long-term protocols for chronic pain in cats require strict monitoring.

Firocoxib (Dogs)

• Mode of Action: Highly COX-2 selective, thus reducing inflammation and pain with minimal effects on GI and renal systems.
• Uses: Approved for long-term management of canine osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain.
• Side Effects: GI issues and potential renal effects during dehydration, though rare compared to older NSAIDs.
• Off-label Use: Being investigated in oncology for conditions like transitional cell carcinoma and in equine medicine for musculoskeletal issues.

Robenacoxib (Dogs & Cats)

• Mode of Action: COX-2 selective with short tissue half-life providing rapid onset and reducing GI exposure.
• Uses: Employed for perioperative analgesia, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and acute musculoskeletal pain in both dogs and cats.
• Side Effects: Most commonly causes GI upset with rare occurrences of renal compromise, generally well tolerated.
• Off-label Use: Extended use in cats for osteoarthritis management, with some protocols recommending daily dosing.

Piroxicam (Dogs)

• Mode of Action: Non-selective COX inhibitor providing potent anti-inflammatory benefits with higher risk of adverse effects.
• Uses: Rarely utilized for routine pain management due to side effects.
• Side Effects: High potential for GI ulceration, renal compromise, and significant toxicity risk with chronic use.
• Off-label Use: Extensively used in oncology, especially in treating canine transitional cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma for its anti-tumor effects.

Takeaway: Each NSAID serves a unique purpose, acting as a versatile tool in veterinary pharmacology. Selecting the appropriate NSAID and recognizing when off-label use might offer benefits is crucial to optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks for your pets.

For more in-depth consultation on how NSAIDs can benefit your pet, consider reaching out to our expert team at Vetlyf. Our professionals are ready to guide you through every step of your pet's health journey.