[Corky/Max]

I hate all these drugs but I know sometimes these will be prescribed by your vet---I personally will never give Rimadyl or Novox--The brand names for the drug carprofen whether my vet would prescribe or not! Even though I am against all of these I want to give some info before you put your dogs on any NSAIDS. This is all quoted from a pamphlet I have that is put out by the FDA--and no I did not get this from a vet's office, but wish they did have it to pass out! Here goes: What are NSAIDs?---NSAIDs help to control signs of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Inflammation---the body's responce to irritation or injury---is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals produced by the body that cause inflammation. Some NSAIDs may also be used to control the pain and inflammation following a surgery. (THis is me 'talking'--not a quote--As I stated in this forum before---My vet did not ask my permission to administer Rimadyl while my dog was on the operating table--So if there are any drugs you don't want your dog to have at all---You best tell your vet that and have it on your dog's records and even then I would remind the vet just before your dog undergoing any surgery-including teeth cleaning!!) Back to quoting: Your vet may prescribe an NSAID to treat the pain of osteoarthritis (AND I would look for an alternative 1st!!) in your dog or to control pain following a surgical procedure.
Vetinary NSAIDs approved for use in dogs:
...ETOGESIC (etodolac)
...RIMADYL (carprofen)
...NOVOX (carprofen)
...METACAM (meloxicam)
..DERAMAXX (deracoxib)
..PREVICOX (firocoxib)
...ZUBRIN (tepoxalin)-------(I would put all these words in my browser--example: Rimadyl (or carprofen)/side effects before giving any of them to my dog!!)[/B]Note for cat lovers: In the U.S, there are no vet NSAIDs approved for oral use in cats.
What should you discuss with your veterinarian?Before giving an NSAID, or any drug, you should first talk with your vet. You should discuss:
...what the NSAID is being subscribed for
...HOW MUCH to give
...HOW LONG to give it
...POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
...WHAT TO AVOID while your dog is taking an ASAID
...WHAT TESTS ARE NEEDED BEFORE GIVING an NSAID to your dog
...how often should your dog be RE-EXAMINED
...your dog's PREVIOUS MEDICAL HISTORY and ANY PREVIOUS DRUG REACTIONS
...ALL MEDICATIONS and PRODUCTS (I imagine this would include vitamins and supplements like fish oil, etc) your dog CURRENTLY RECEIVES
------I am continuing this in the following post---------------->

[Corky/Max]

What should you know before giving your dog an NSAID?
...NEVER give aspirin or corticosteroids along with an NSAID to your dog.
...NSAIDs should br approached CAUTIOUSLY in dogs with KIDNEY, LIVER, HEART and INTESTINAL PROBLEMS (Me talking here --Your vet should do blood work and check for all these problems! Blood work, etc. is important because your dog may have problems you or your vet are unaware of until seeing the results of these tests!!!)
...NEVER give your dog an NSAID unless directed by your vet.
...DON'T assume an NSAID for one dog is safe to give to another dog. Always consult your vet before using any medication in your pet. (Me again--I would not just consult the vet--I would research also!!!)
...ONLY give the NSAID as prescribed by your vet. DO NOT increase the dose, the frequency, or the length of time you use the drug unless first discussing this with your vet.

[/B]What Side Effects should you watch for?
Common side effects seen with the use of NSAIDs in dogs may affect the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract and may include:
...Not eating or eating less
...Lethargy, depresson, changes in behavior
...Vomiting
...Diarrhea, black tarry-colored stool
...Yellowing of gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes
...Change in drinking (more or less often!!)
...Changes in skin (scabs, redness, or scratching)

WHAT TO DO?
If you suspect a possible side effect to an NSAID,STOPgiving the drug to your dog and call your vet IMMEDIATELY!

Corky/Max: If you must use these drugs---Please take all precautionary steps to ensure that your dog is healthy enough to be able to handle these potent drugs!! Please look for an alternative that is safer before allowing the use of some of these drugs!