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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Husky
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Dakota
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7 Years
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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Malaise
Our 54 lb dog, Dakota, took 400 mg of derramax in an opportunistic moment. We didn't even realize it had happened for about 8 hours. She has seemed a little (not much) more sleepy than normal but we thought it was because of the injury that she needed the derramax for in the first place. Planning on calling the vet tomorrow. Anything else we should do?
Oct. 6, 2017
4 Recommendations
At 54lb, Dakota is around 25kg in weight; when Deramaxx is used in dogs it is typically dosed at 1-2mg/kg/day which would mean a normal dose for a dog Dakota’s size would be 25-50mg meaning in this instance, Dakota has received 16mg/kg. In the link below, you will see animal safety studies of dogs receiving up to 100mg/kg/day over a two week period; you will expect to see some gastrointestinal irritation, blood in the faeces, increased thirst among other symptoms. It would be best to check in with your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.fda.gov/downloads/animalveterinary/products/approvedanimaldrugproducts/druglabels/ucm050385.pdf www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/deramaxx/
Oct. 6, 2017
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Louisiana catahoula leopard dog
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Marble
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4 Years
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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Vomiting.
Malaise
Our dog ingested 15 75 mg pills of daramax pills. That was 4 days ago. We induced vomiting within approx 1-2 hours from the time it was ingested. We called the vet in our hometown and he thought that we got the toxin out within enough time. Now, she has not been eating, and when she does, she vomited yesterday and today. She also bit our neighbors dog.. which is uncommon for her. Should we bring her back into the vets? Should I try to feed her again? What are your thoughts. I'm worried about toxic effects like liver or kidney failure.
Aug. 30, 2017

6 Recommendations
Normally inducing vomiting within two hours of ingestion usually results in a more favourable prognosis as the absorption of the active ingredient is usually low; Marble may still be suffering from the side effects of what was absorbed but you would need to wait for a blood test to determine whether or not there was kidney damage. If you have concerns, it would be best to visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMwww.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/DrugLabels/UCM050385.pdf
Aug. 30, 2017
My dog died from my vet giving him deramaxx. I'm outraged
April 18, 2018
Judy K.

My dog just died from taking one tablet per two days of 25 mg. Kidney failure ! All that was wrong with him was hip problem. Rx murdered him!!!
Aug. 29, 2018
Laurie B.
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Pitbull mix
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Casey
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8 Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Drinking Lots Of Water
Urinating
Acting Strange
We had a 3 month supply of Deramaxx - 1 month of medications were previously given (leaving two months remaining. We were moving apartments and our 40 lb. Pit Bull opened the container and consumed some portion of the contents. Our other dog consumed some of the medication, although is exhibiting symptoms only of diarrhea. The Pit Bull has been drinking more than usual and vomiting about every 30 minutes especially when active. We believe she may have consumed the pills approx. 12 hours ago, now is vomiting mainly clear fluids. Diarrhea has continued and she is active, but sleeping on the bed. versus sleeping out in the living room with us which is more common. Also, she is urinating in the house even when we are home. She at times urinates when we are gone, but rarely when we are home which has been the case. She is not lethargic or malaise - acting almost normal minus the above. She can't have much left in her stomach due to the diarrhea / vomiting, but just awoke from the bedroom and came out and vomiting clear fluids. She is otherwise acting normal (normal on walks, playing with toys, etc.). It appears she vomiting shortly after consuming as it has solid portions of this medication and the vomit was the color of the medication. Should we do more than watch her and give her fluids? I have no problem taking her to the vet, but have nothing open tonight and by the time we get her there, it will have been approximately 24 hours since consumption. Please let us know!
Aug. 30, 2017
1 Recommendations
It is very important that you visit your Veterinarian when they open as Deramaxx toxicity causes gastric ulceration and in severe cases kidney failure; it is important that you visit your Veterinarian as soon as they open so that supportive and symptomatic care may begin. The vomiting and diarrhoea is good as it will get any remaining product out of Casey’s gastrointestinal tract but the danger now lies with what has been absorbed. Activated charcoal would be too late to administer as the ingestion was over twelve hours ago and the amount of vomiting. Until you see your Veterinarian ensure that Casey is drinking as dehydration may add to complication from this event; the Pet Poison Helpline may be more specific information for you. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMwww.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/deramaxx/www.fda.gov/downloads/animalveterinary/products/approvedanimaldrugproducts/druglabels/ucm050385.pdf
Aug. 30, 2017
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Deramaxx Poisoning Average Cost
From 63 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
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