NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are widely used in veterinary medicine as a means of controlling inflammation and pain. Most commonly prescribed after surgery or as a short-term treatment, these medicines are powerful and may have a range of effects on cats, both good and bad. Read on for a brief overview of prescription NSAID use in feline medicine and some of the most common drugs used for these purposes.
NSAID Functions
NSAIDs function by limiting your pet's ability to create certain chemicals that cause inflammation. Specifically, NSAIDs stop your pet's body from creating prostaglandins. These chemicals are typically linked with pain, inflammation and ulcers in your cat's body. NSAIDs help to treat these symptoms by addressing their chemical source.
Treating Your Pet's Condition with NSAIDs
NSAIDs are very common in canine medicine but are much less so in feline practice. The reason behind this is that dogs' bodies are better able to break down NSAID compounds over time. Many drugs that are perfectly safe for canine use will build up to toxic levels in your cat's body because he has no adequate way of passing or processing these chemicals through his system.
As a result, it is important that you work in close connection with a veterinarian while addressing your pet's symptoms with NSAIDs. Most veterinarians will monitor your pet's condition and reactions to the drug carefully in order to make sure that the benefits of the drug program outweigh the potential risks. It is for this reason also that NSAIDs are typically used for acute pain and short-term treatment, not for chronic or persistent conditions in cats.
Common Feline NSAIDs
Meloxicam is one of the safest NSAID for cats. Veterinarians also prescribe Metacam, Butazolidin and Rimadyl for feline use as well. An individual cat's reaction to these medicines can vary significantly.
NSAID Side Effects in Cats
NSAIDs should not be administered to cats with known kidney or liver conditions or damage. Furthermore, avoid NSAIDs if your pet has any blood pressure or heart conditions or is pregnant, as these drugs can exacerbate these problems and interfere with the pregnancy.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can interact with aspirin, steroid-based medicines and other chemicals in your pet's system to cause a variety of negative effects. For this reason, it is crucial that you inform your veterinarian of any and all other medicines that your pet may have in his system before beginning a treatment program involving an NSAID.
The most common side effects of NSAIDs include:
- Blood cell damage
- Seizures
- Liver damage
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Stomach ulcers
If your pet experiences any of these side effects, consult with a veterinarian immediately. Do not discontinue the drug regimen without first consulting with a veterinarian, as canceling a treatment program midway through can cause further damage to your pet's system.
NSAIDs are powerful medicines that can greatly increase your cat's quality of life. However, it is important to recognize the dangers of these drugs and to be vigilant when treating your pet.