Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs

The severity of signs of carprofen poisoning will be contingent on how much of the medication was ingested by your pet. The peak plasma concentration (the highest level of medication in the blood) is reached in one to three hours.  Symptoms you may see in your dog will vary.

• Vomiting (can be bloody)
• Diarrhea (can be bloody)
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Muscle twitching

In severe cases, additional signs will be seen.

• Tremors
• Seizures
• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Stupor
• Coma

Signs of kidney failure are as follows.

• Blood in the urine
• Extreme thirst
• Excessive urination
• Fatigue
• Vomiting

In addition, if the liver is experiencing damage, jaundice might be present in the form of yellow colored skin, mucus membranes, and whites of the eyes.

Types

Carprofen poisoning in dogs can be acute after the ingestion of a large qunatity over and above the prescribed amount. Chronic carprofen poisoning may result if your dog develops a sensitivity to it over a period of time. There are side effects and possible adverse reactions to carprofen in some canines, this is why a dog who is on a regular prescription will be monitored through regular check-ups with the veterinarian.

Although adverse reactions to the drug are rare, ingestion of high amounts due to a canine gaining access to his medicinal supply is common. NSAID’s in general can be responsible for gastrointestinal issues with long-term use; therefore, an overdose of a chewable tablet or capsule will cause your pet to experience stomach upset in mild cases, to gastrointestinal irritation or perforation in severe cases of poisoning. Reduction of gastric acid secretion and blood flow to the mucosa can occur causing hemorrhaging along with kidney and liver failure. Other risk factors for severe carprofen poisoning can be:

• Dogs with coagulation disorders such as von Willebrand’s disease
• Other medication that is prescribed concurrently like glucocorticoids and sulfonamides
• Dehydration
• Predisposition to liver and kidney disease
• Compromised liver and kidney due to age

If you have witnessed your pet indulging in his carprofen tablets, do not question or wait for the result. A visit to the veterinary clinic is essential. Bring the empty packaging with you, along with any other medications your pet may be on (if any). The veterinarian will base his diagnostic decisions on clinical signs exhibited by your dog (like nausea and abdominal pain) and will also rely on information you can provide. The veterinarian may ask questions as he examines your pet’s mucus membranes and eyes and takes his vital signs.

• How long has your pet been on the carprofen?
• What is the reason is it was prescribed?
• How long ago did you realize that he may have ingested an overdose amount?
• What have the symptoms been so far?
• Are they getting worse as time progresses or staying at the same intensity?
• How much is he drinking and urinating?

The veterinary team will take blood tests in the form of a complete blood count and blood serum chemistry to evaluate levels such as BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, electrolytes, and liver enzymes. A urinalysis will determine the concentration or dilution of the urine.

Decontamination

Depending on the timing between ingestion and hospitalization, the veterinary team may choose to induce vomiting and administer active charcoal (to bind the remaining medication).

Supportive Care

IV fluids will provide much supportive and corrective care. Nausea medication, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, vitamin K1 for the liver, and diazepam if there are seizures can all be administered during supportive therapy. Kidney and liver function, as well as urine outflow, will be assisted through intravenous fluids. Your furry family member will be monitored carefully and will remain in the hospital as needed until blood levels are normal and organ function has returned.