Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics - Indications and contraindications for pain management in dogs and cats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIAs) are effective in control ling most acute and chronic pain conditions. In veterinary practice these a nalgesics may be superior to opioids in that the duration of action is much longer, with equal efficacy in many instances, making effective pain manag ement possible for most veterinary patients. NSAIAs act synergistically in combination with other modalities of pain management, including all opioids , local anesthetics, and various sedatives. Because of their mechanism of a ction, however, there is a potential for perturbation of several homeostati c functions mediated by prostaglandins. Not all NSAIAs are equal in efficac y and safety, so careful patient and NSAIA selection with appropriate monit oring is advised. This article discusses the indications and contraindicati ons for NSAIA use with a short description of the currently available NSAIA s approved for use in veterinary patients.