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NSAID Toxicity
 

 

DOGS

  
 

 

In the past few weeks, I have run into situation after situation in which dogs who have been victims of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) toxicity have not been properly treated by their vets with the result that the dogs have died after the owners have spent thousands on useless diagnostics and treatment.

While I am most familiar with Deramaxx, the following suggestions apply in most cases to all of the veterinary NSAIDs: Deramaxx, Rimadyl, Metacam, Zubrin, EtoGesic.

As a preface, there are many situations in which an NSAID is an appropriate medicine and only a small number of dogs will have an adverse reaction.

The problem is that when a dog shows signs of an adverse reaction, vets are often hesitant to take the steps necessary to establish what is going on and begin aggressive treatment when necessary.

If a dog shows signs of an adverse reaction, here are the steps that need to be taken:

1. Stop the drug.

2. Take the dog to the vet and insist on a full examination and blood work to determine the extent of the problem.

3. While it is vital that a differential diagnosis determine the exact cause of the problem the dog is experiencing, if there are signs of kidney, liver, heart or GI problems, keep your vet focused on the liklihood that the problem is related to the NSAID. Too often vets chase zebras trying to find some other explanation for the problem, generally at great expense to the owner and a waste of valuable time that postpones necessary treatment.

4. Contact both the drug manufacturer and the FDA (888-FDA-VETS)and put both in direct contact with your vet. If it is after hours, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435)whose vets are trained in NSAID toxicity and in most cases, under contract with the manufacturer to handle cases after hours so there is no charge for their advice.

5. Finally, if your dog dies, elect to have a necropsy done, preferably by the nearest veterinary teaching hospital or independent veterinary pathology lab. Most diagnostic costs, including necrospy will be paid for by the drug manufacturer. While often a difficult step, a necropsy is often vital to establishing what was wrong and the information is invaluable to your vet, the manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration.

 

Edward Murray
Understanding Deramaxx

[PLEASE CROSS POST]

 

 

 
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"All truth passes through three stages:
First it is Ridiculed.
Second, it is Violently Opposed.
Third, it is Accepted as being Self-Evident."
~Arthur Schopenhauer~ (1778-1860)