We’ve prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication for your pet. NSAIDS have both benefits and risks.
They are effective drugs for reducing pain, swelling and inflammation, and today’s NSAIDs are safer than they’ve ever been. But the use of any medication carries some risk. The very mechanisms that make the drugs work so well against inflammation can also produce unwanted side effects. For the majority of our patients, the benefits far outweigh the risks…but that doesn’t mean the risks should be ignored.
BENEFITS:
- Less pain
- Faster return to normal activity levels
- Shorter recovery times
- Reduced risk of complications from swelling, inflammation and pain
RISKS:
As with any NSAID you may take for your own pain, NSAID use carries potential risks for your pet, and these risks can increase with higher doses and/or long-term use.
- Stomach or intestinal pain or damage (such as ulcers)
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Follow the prescription orders closely, including how often it should be given, how much should be given, and how it should be given (with food, without food, etc.).
- If you get the NSAID from a pharmacy, do not allow the pharmacy to make any changes to the prescription without consulting us.
- Don’t give your pet any medications, including over-the-counter products, without asking us.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s condition or the prescription, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Contact us immediately if you observe any of the following problems:
Vomiting – Diarrhea, visible blood in stool, or dark, tar-colored stool – Changes in your pet’s frequency or amount of urination – Loss of appetite – Depression/lethargy – Worsening of your pet’s problem
Brought to you by your veterinarian and the American Veterinary Medical Association
