Clinical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs

Abstract

© 2019 Croatian Veterinary Institute. All rights reserved. This article presents an overview of the clinical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in dogs. NSAIDs are widely used in veterinary orthopaedic patients, most commonly in the perioperative period, as well as in the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis. The adverse effects of this particular group of drugs are mainly associated with either direct or indirect damaging effects on the digestive system, kidneys and liver. With the development of new COX-2 selective NSAID-s, these adverse effects are largely minimalized. This article compares the currently available NSAIDs, and provides guidance for their usage. Very little research has been done on NSAIDs and dogs already suffering from gastrointestinal, liver or kidney diseases. Therefore, the owner's written consent is preferred before starting NSAID therapy in such dogs. The authors also advise that other, safer therapies be used in such patients, whenever possible.