Previcox Toxicity

Previcox is a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. A popular treatment for arthritis and post-surgical pain relief, Previcox is safe for most dogs. However, some dogs may be sensitive to the drug, and high doses can cause serious side effects. If your dog acts strange while on Previcox, consult your veterinarian.

  1. Previcox

    • Previcox is the brand name of a firocoxib drug produced by Merial for use in dogs. It is a non-narcotic NSAID that interferes with the enzymes responsible for inflammation and the perception of pain. Available in a chewable tablet, Previcox is popular for its ease of administration as well as its effectiveness. In clinical trials, 87 percent of the dogs treated were rated as improved by both their owners and the study veterinarians, and decreased pain and increased range of motion were noted.

    Toxicity Description

    • Toxicity results when the concentration of a certain chemical in the blood becomes so great that the body is unable to process it efficiently. This can happen suddenly, as from an overdose, or it can happen gradually, if the body does not appropriately filter out the medication as new doses are given. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy may be early warning signs that can quickly progress to behavioral changes, bleeding problems, and liver or gastrointestinal damage.

    Dogs At Risk

    • Most dogs tolerate Previcox without a problem, but dogs with sensitivities to other NSAIDS should not use it. Dogs who are severely dehydrated or have heart, liver or kidney disease are at a greater risk of reaction, and should not take Previcox. Using Previcox along with another NSAID or a corticosteroid drug may increase the risk of toxicity, and is not recommended.

    Treatment for Previcox Toxicity

    • If you suspect that your dog is experiencing a Previcox toxicity, take him to the vet immediately. The vet will induce vomiting, and may administer activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of any medication that may not have come out. The vet will give the dog a large amount of fluids under the skin, on an intravenous drip. All of this liquid eventually will flush out the system. If the toxicity has reached the point where seizures occur, valium or an anti-convulsant may be administered, and vitamins and electrolytes may be added to the IV fluid to support the dog's immune system and replace lost salts. Of course, the vet will also prescribe a different pain reliever for long-term care.

    Prevention/Solution

    • It is impossible to tell which dog will react negatively to Previcox. In clinical trials, the study dogs displayed a lower rate of side effects than the control group, and the reactions that did occur were not confined to one breed, age or gender of dog. Be sure to give the medication exactly as prescribed, and call your veterinarian for clarification if you are unsure of what to do. If you notice your dog acting lethargic or ill while on Previcox, a quick trip to the vet may save his life.