Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs
Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Deramaxx Poisoning?
Deramaxx is a brand name version of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Deracoxib, and is used to relieve post-operative pain or pain in canines who are afflicted with osteoarthritis. Although it is generally a safe medication when given as prescribed there is the possibility of serious toxicity if the dog overdoses on a large amount at once, if your dog has a sensitivity to it, or if it reacts to another chemical in the patient’s blood. You should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if symptoms develop.
Deramaxx is a brand name version of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Deracoxib, designed to relieve pain in canines. NSAIDs have a high level of interactivity with other medications, including herbal remedies.
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Deramaxx Poisoning Average Cost
From 63 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs
Either a sensitivity to the Deracoxib that the Deramaxx is composed of or an overdose of the substance can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, or heart. 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Black tarry stool
  • Bruising
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive urination 
  • Fatigue
  • Itching
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rash
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting, possibly bloody
  • Weight gain
Types
Deracoxib/Deramaxx is just one of several NSAID medications available, and each of them has the potential for toxicity if your canine has a sensitivity, if the amount ingested is too high, or if there are any interactions with other drugs. 
These are additional NSAIDs approved by the FDA for use in dogs, and the brand names they are known under.
  • Carprofen (Rimadyl,Novocox,Vetprofen, Carprieve, Quellin, Carprofen)
  • Etodolac (EtoGesic)
  • Firocoxib (Previcox)
  • Meloxicam (Metacam, Loxicom, Orocam, Meloxicam)
These are common over the counter NSAIDs for humans, and a few of the more common brands that use them.
  • Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen Sodium (Aleve)
Causes of Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs
NSAIDs like Deramaxx repress the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This enzyme stimulates the production of many substances within the body, including the prostaglandins that contribute to pain and inflammation after cell damage has occurred. The repression of the enzyme reduces the amount of pain and inflammation, but it also reduces the other functions of the prostaglandins, such as protecting the stomach lining from acid, maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, and supporting platelet formation. When administered to your pet as prescribed by a veterinarian these medications are relatively safe, however certain circumstances such as overdose, oversensitivity to the drug, or reactions to other drugs, it can become fatal. If your pet develops symptoms of toxicity due to Deramaxx or similar NSAIDs, stop giving the drug and contact your animal’s veterinarian right away. 
Certain patients should not take Deramaxx or should be very closely monitored by the veterinarian. Disorders and conditions that can increase the likelihood of the medication to become detrimental instead of helpful:
  • Cardiac disease
  • Dehydration
  • Gastric ulcers 
  • Hepatic disorders
  • Hyperproteinemia
  • Pregnant or nursing dogs
  • Renal disease
Concurrent use of other NSAIDs or any form of steroids should be avoided as that can increase toxicity.
Diagnosis of Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs
Your veterinarian will need to get your pet’s full history from you, taking special note of the diet and any opportunistic eating as well any concurrent prescriptions or supplements that your dog is on. A complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis are likely to be done at this time as well. This will help determine not only the concentration of the drug in the system, but also the functionality of the kidneys and liver. If due to a reaction from a prescribed administration of Deramaxx, such as use for osteoarthritis or post-operative pain, your veterinarian will likely have taken a baseline test prior to starting treatment to compare the current results to. This will give a clear picture of what changes have occurred since the treatment plan for the pain started. In many cases of Deramaxx toxicity a hospital stay will be required to monitor the patient’s liver and kidney functionality.
Treatment of Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment for NSAID poisoning, such as you would see from a single overdose of Deramaxx, generally starts with instigating vomiting in the patient or gastric lavage, also known as gastric irrigation, at the veterinarian’s office. This proceedure is done to remove as much of the medication from the digestive system as possible before it can be absorbed into the blood and is usually done under general anesthesia. Activated charcoal will be administered after the the stomach contents are removed to prevent reabsorption of any remaining toxin. Any required supportive treatment will be administered at this time as well. This can include IV fluids, pain medication, and gastro protective medications. The fluids are particularly essential to the patient’s healing as the potential for renal failure can be exacerbated by even mild dehydration. Prognosis of this condition is dependant on the amount eaten, the speed of initial diagnosis and treatment, and the size of the dog.
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Recovery of Deramaxx Poisoning in Dogs
Once your pet has returned home from the hospital a calm and quiet environment to recuperate in will help ensure a speedy recovery. Patients recovering from anesthesia may have difficulty with coordination and muscle control when they first get home, and they are often disoriented. Isolation from other pets and from children is often wise until the anesthesia has fully cleared your companion’s system. Any medications that were prescribed by your veterinarian should be given as directed. It is vital that fresh water be available for your dog at all times as even minor dehydration has a high probability of making the situation worse. Dogs diagnosed with Deramaxx overdose will likely need several follow-up appointments to check their liver and kidney function.
Deramaxx Poisoning Average Cost
From 63 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
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Deramaxx Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Australian Shepherd
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Sixteen Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
None
This is stupid, but I wasn't thinking this morning when I was giving him his usual dose of 1 1/2 pill. The pills are 25 mg. I took them by mistake, dummy that I am. I should have no problem should I? I weigh 121 pounds if that helps. Thank you.
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. You would be surprised how often that happens, and it isn't stupid. I cannot give you medical advice, however, with my license. It would be best to contact your physician and ask if you need to take any actions. I hope that all goes well!
July 25, 2020
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Golden Retriever cross
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Bruiser
dog-age-icon
9 Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Arthritis
Hi we have just started on half a Deramaxx every 24 hours, but we pay over $6 a pill and I waa wondering is there a cheaper or generic version on this med? Oh and I am in Canada. My dog is 34.6 kg. Thanks
May 15, 2018
2 Recommendations
There are cheaper places to purchase Deramaxx (deracoxib), there are online pharmacies which will sell cheaper than $6 per tablet; PetSmart in the US (not in Canada) will sell 100mg tablets from US$3.10 per tablet (or CA$4,00), there are other options but I am not familiar with Canadian online veterinary pharmacies. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.petsmart.com/dog/pharmacy/rx-medication/deramaxx-chewable-tablet-for-dogs-5274380.html
May 16, 2018
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Husky
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Molly
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7 Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Post Surgery
Molly, 7-8 yr old husky/Akita. Tplo and ccl surgery about 10 days ago. She has not eaten much. Last 4 days eaten nothing. Still drink water. Took her back to the vet, told that she has high potassium and low soldium. She was on Deramaxx. Please help. Can’t afford another 4 grand to leave her the vet for a night. Please, pleas
Feb. 28, 2018
1 Recommendations
There are various possible causes for the symptoms you are seeing and for the high potassium and low sodium found by your Veterinarian; none of the symptoms themselves are diagnostic of one particular issue and without examining Molly I cannot recommend any course of (prescription) therapy. Hydration is important and ensuring that other maintenance needs are met, I cannot think of anything you can do at home to help her at this time. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 28, 2018
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lab
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Scout
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12 Months
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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Tarry Stool
Diarrhea
My lab was nuetrered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday he was accidently given double doses of deramax. His stool is runny and very dark. I was told to give him OTC antacids and fluids. Should I be more concerned? It is now Monday night and I haven’t given him a dose all day.
Feb. 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. A small overdose of an NSAID can cause stomach upset, gastric bleeding, and kidney damage. If his stools improve, and his appetite is normal, you should be okay to continue the treatment that your veerinarian has recommended. If he starts vomiting, continues to have dark stools or diarrhea, or has a decrease in appetite, it would be best to have him examined, and possible lab work run, to determine his health status and make sure that he is okay.
Feb. 13, 2018
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chihuahua mix
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Tonto
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4 months
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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My dog took a 12mg dose of Deramaxx about three hours ago. The bottle perscribed 1/4 of the pill, and we gave him the first amount but the other three fourths were also ingested by him. He is not displaying any symptoms, and actually is running around and such. Even went potty, ate and drank normally. Will he be okay?
Dec. 13, 2017
4 Recommendations
A dose of 12mg shouldn’t cause much of a problem for Tonto, but you should keep a close eye on defection as gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common problem with overdosing but 12mg is pretty close to a therapeutic dose for a dog Tonto’s size. Keep an eye on him and visit your Veterinarian if you notice any symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.fda.gov/downloads/animalveterinary/products/approvedanimaldrugproducts/druglabels/ucm050385.pdf www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/deramaxx/
Dec. 13, 2017
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Shih Tzu
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Moe
dog-age-icon
8 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Thirsty, Loss Of Appetite, Wight Lo
I went out for errands and came back to a broken up bottle of Derramax that had been on a desk, normally in the drawer. Bottle was almost full, somewhere around 27 pills of 25mg We had company over so the boys and I were in a different room. One of the boys, born blind takes Durramax for a back problem and it has saved his life, of what was constant, crying pain. He has been taking 12.5 dose every day for almost 2 years. At 13 his test results have all been great. Out of the 4 dogs, I had no idea which one or if all of them ate it, didn't know what to do but thought I would wait and see if anyone seemed ill. It wasn't unusual to see a puddle of watery substance from the older Blind one with his treachea issue (that was more an enlarged heart issue) but thinking back, it could have been one of the other 3 that can see and jump up on the desk. Nothing was really noticed in the first week or two, then we went out of town, noticed he was thirsty a lot, but seemed good otherwise. A couple weeks later I noticed the weight loss, the more time he lays away from us. I can't help but kick myself (very very hard) for not rushing them in to vet that night. It would have been around 3 or 4 hours after ingesting. Would it have helped at all, was it the damage is done, just a matter of time? We are at 9 weeks since ingestion and his last test results went from Creatinine 3.9 on 2/9 to 4.8 on 2/24 Bun was 80 but went down to 55; Bun ratio 20.5 to 11. Did he have a chance to recover??, or just a chance to have lived, just shorter of a life than his birth brother he will leave behind also.
Deramaxx Poisoning Average Cost
From 63 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
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