Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM • 403
newer NSAID. It requires only one dose a day. This drug may prove as effective
as Rimadyl. These drugs are available through your veterinarian by prescription.
See the chart Osteoarthritis Medications (pages 404–405) for other drugs
that may be used. Note that many over-the-counter NSAIDs used for pain
control in people are dangerous when given to dogs. Do not use any drugs without
veterinary approval, and never use more than one NSAID at the same time.
Due to potential serious side effects, dogs on these drugs should have blood
work first to assess liver and kidneys. The drugs may prolong bleeding times
and interfere with clotting, and have the potential to cause life-threatening
liver and kidney problems and gastrointestinal ulcerations. Nausea and vomiting
may be the first indication of trouble. Blood work should be rechecked
every six months, or sooner if there are problems. These drugs should not be
combined or given with steroids.
The most common side effect is GI bleeding. This can be difficult to diagnose
and quite extensive before signs become apparent (see Stomach and Duodenal
Ulcers, page 261). Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a drug that prevents ulceration and
helps heal ulcers caused by NSAIDs. Sulcrafate (Carafate) is another drug that
protects against mucosal damage. Your veterinarian may prescribe one of these
stomach protectants if your dog is taking an NSAID for chronic arthritis.
Steroids
Oral glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) are used for their anti-inflammatory
effects. Low dosages appear to protect cartilage, while high dosages (those
needed to relieve pain) destroy cartilage. Future formulations may have better
protective effects and a wider margin of safety.
Unfortunately, dogs are unusually sensitive to the adverse effects of both
the NSAIDs and glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are best used for short periods
in dogs with osteoarthritis who have failed to respond to NSAIDs. Longterm
therapy should be reserved for dogs with immune-mediated arthritis.
Steroids are regarded as highly dangerous medications with many side
effects. These can range from interfering with cartilage repair to causing
increased drinking and eating (with the associated increased elimination).
Long-term use can lead to liver and adrenal problems. Still, steroids can provide
quick relief for many conditions, and for immune problems they may be
the drug of choice. They should not be combined with any of the NSAIDs.
Most steroids, such as prednisone, are given orally, but long-lasting injections
may also be used. Dosing schedules will vary greatly and usually work on
a decreasing dose schedule to wean the dog off the medication, if possible, and
minimize side effects.
Chondroprotectants
These compounds appear to modify the progression of osteoarthritis by preventing
further breakdown of cartilage. Breakdown of cartilage is the first step