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- Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory Drug Toxicity in Dogs
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- Abdominal pain
- Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Fever
- Pale or yellowed eyes or mucus membranes
- Dehydration
- Thirst
- Discolored urine
- Weakness
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Loss of bodily control
- Vomiting which could be bloody
- Diarrhea which may contain blood
- Loss of appetite
- Dark stools containing blood (melena)
- Seizures
- Coma
- Is rapidly absorbed by canines
- 8 - 16 mg/kg for 30 days can cause chronic toxicity
- 100 - 125 mg/kg can cause an acute episode
- Over 600 mg/kg can be lethal
- Long-term use may lead to increased bleeding time
- Prolonged use can cause ulcers
- Mucosal erosion has been seen in short-term use
- 450 - 500 mg/kg can induce seizures and coma
- Oral absorption is quick
- Many changes in the blood have been recorded (anemia, increased creatinine, decreased protein)
- Acute episode has been seen with 35 mg/kg
- 5 - 10 mg/kg over a period of one week has been attributed to melena, vomiting, and perforated ulcers
- Usually used after surgery or for osteoarthritis
- Can lead to kidney damage
- If ulcers are present, use will exacerbate the problem
- Death has occurred with ingestion of 500 mg/kg
- NSAID’s of any form, whether for human or veterinary use, are made to stop the body from producing prostaglandins as part of the anti-inflammatory function
- The prostaglandins protect the stomach so a reduction makes for less protection and leaves it more prone to damage
- The stoppage of prostaglandin also reduces blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure
- The liver is sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore, pre-existing liver disease can allow for toxic effects
- NSAID’s can be slightly acidic, affecting the stomach lining
- Pre-existing gastrointestinal troubles can open the door to poisoning; for example a pet with slow gastric emptying will carry the drug longer in the stomach
- The use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and glucocorticoids together can cause toxicity
- Using more than one NSAID at a time induce poisoning
- Human medications will remain in the canine system longer and have a higher absorption rate
- Animals recently under anesthesia may have a residual reduced blood flow to the kidneys which can promote toxic effects from medication
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