For many animals that need pain control medication, steroids are not a viable option. In these cases, veterinarians prescribe non-steroidal drugs such as carprofen to alleviate pain. Carprofen is available under many brand names, the most famous being Rimadyl manufactured by Pfizer. Veterinarians only prescribe Carprofen for dogs in the United States, though veterinarians prescribe if for cats in other countries.
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Identification
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Carprofen is both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug, classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is available only by a veterinarian's prescription.
Significance
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Veterinarians prescribe carprofen for dogs to reduce fever and inflammation, as well as to reduce pain. Dogs frequently receive it for pain management after they have undergone surgery. Dogs also receive carprofen as a daily medication to help treat pain stemming from chronic arthritis.
Types
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Carprofen is available as a chewable tablet, as well as in capsule form. An injectable form of the drug is also available. Oral carprofen normally comes in dosing levels of 25, 75 and 100 mg. Injectable carprofen is available as a liquid concentrated at 50 mg/ml.
Dosing
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Typical oral dosing levels for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given every 12 hours. The oral dose given once a day is 2 mg per pound of body weight. Dogs normally receive injectable carprofen after surgery, at a dosing level of 1.8 mg per pound of body weight.
Side Effects
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Dogs sometimes experience vomiting when treated with carprofen. Stomach ulcers, urinary tract infection and liver damage are also possible side effects. A veterinarian should perform blood tests before placing a dog on a carprofen regime.
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