Anti-inflammatory Agents For Dogs And Cats
Anti-inflammatories for dogs and cats are medications the veterinarian prescribes to help reduce inflammation and pain. Usually they are used for joint and bone diseases, which are especially found in older animals.
When should we use anti-inflammatory agents ? One has to weigh the risks and benefits, but of course the drugs – both in humans and animals – must always be prescribed by a doctor’s prescription.
Classification and some risks to consider
Anti-inflammatory drugs fall into two groups: non-steroids, such as aspirin, or steroids, such as acetaminophen.
The steroid agents are more problematic to use in pets because they contain corticosteroids. However, their effects are stronger.
Because anti-inflammatories can produce dangerous side effects for dogs and cats, it is especially important that they are prescribed by a veterinarian.
There can be irreparable damage if a pet is given medication without a doctor’s recommendation.
Just one tablet of aspirin can kill a cat. This drug also has a stronger effect on dogs than on humans, as the fur noses excrete them more slowly.
You have to adjust the dose for this drug individually to the individual animal. You should also share your pet’s history with the vet before prescribing anything.
We also recommend blood and urine tests before and during treatment to check for possible side effects.
Anti-inflammatories for dogs and cats: side effects
Anti-inflammatories in dogs and cats can cause side effects. Sometimes this can even lead to premature death.
Special features of the side effects in dogs and cats
Even if dogs and cats share some symptoms of side effects, one should still be informed about the specifics of each species so that warning signs can be recognized early.
In dogs, the most common side effects are as follows: progressive weakness, blood in the urine and feces, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, increased heart rhythm, intestinal ulcers, and even death.
Cats can experience loss of appetite, hypothermia, depression, weakness, dark phlegm, increased saliva production and vomiting. Edema on the face and claws are also typical symptoms.
In particularly severe cases, we have to be very careful, because these symptoms are followed by a coma and then death between 18 and 36 hours after taking the drug.
If the animal suffers from very severe poisoning, then organs can also be injured. Liver and kidney damage can be noticed through yellowish skin, gums and eyes.
The animal also suffers from increased thirst and urination.
Precautions
Anti-inflammatory agents should not be combined with other corticosteroids unless this is done by a veterinarian. The drug should be given after feeding so that the active ingredients are absorbed by the body without causing harm.
During treatment, it is particularly important to offer the animal enough water so that it does not suffer from dehydration.
The end of treatment
When treatment comes to an end, it is important to slowly taper off the medication rather than stopping it abruptly.
Otherwise symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, vomiting, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing can occur.
When anti-inflammatory agents are used in dogs and cats, the animals must be carefully observed for the next few hours.
Their behavior shows us whether everything is okay or whether they are suffering from side effects. If so, see your veterinarian immediately.
