USE OF CARPROFEN FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN AND INFLAMMATION IN DOGS

Most studies of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) do not de monstrate appreciable differences in efficacy. Awareness of the advers e effects associated with NSAID use increases, safety is becoming the primary concern among physicians when selecting NSAID for use by their human patients. However, veterinarians may be less aware of the safet y concerns associated with NSAID use. A wide range of NSAID is used to treat human beings with osteoarthritis; however, it is imperative to remember that dogs are especially sensitive to these drugs, and report s of serious, and occasionally fatal, complications are numerous. Carp rofen is a propionic acid-derived NSAID that has anti-inflammatory, an algesic, and antipyretic activity. In animals, carprofen is as potent as indomethacin and more potent than aspirin or phenylbutazone, but ca rprofen appears to be safer than most other NSAID.