Etodolac for Dogs

Etodolac, also known by the manufacturer prescription name EtoGesic, is one of the leading pain relief drugs used in veterinary medicine and particularly for dogs. This medicine is classified as an NSAID, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These drugs are alternatives to aspirin and other formulations of pain relievers that previously were used in veterinary medicine but were known to cause pets a larger set of side effects. Etodolac can be used for a variety of types of pain.

Etodolac Overview

Etodolac works by limiting the body's ability to produce a certain type of chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals are produced as a result of injury and other pain sources and are associated with your dog's feeling of discomfort and the sensation of pain. By limiting the production of these chemicals, Etodolac helps to reduce your pet's overall sense of pain. Etodolac is commonly used to relieve pain caused by different types of arthritis, but it can also be used for other purposes.

Etodolac is a prescription based drug. This means that you will have to take your pet to a veterinarian in order to have him examined before you can get a prescription and purchase the drug from a pharmacy or a pet store. The reason for this is so that vets can help to monitor the administration of the drug and to be sure that your pet doesn't have any other medicines that may cause complications or adverse reactions.

Etodolac Side Effects

Compared with many other pain relief drugs, especially those that are based on steroid compounds, Etodolac is relatively mild in terms of its side effects. Because of this, it is often used for treatment of chronic pain and can be continued for a longer period of time than similar types of medicine. Some of the most common side effects found in dogs that take Etodolac include the following:

The more severe side effects and complications that pets experience while on Etodolac are generally a result of either an allergic reaction to the drug or, in most cases, a reaction with another medicine already in your pet's system. For this reason, it's absolutely vital that you let your vet know about every other medicine that your pet is taking. You should not give this drug to your pet if he has any known gastric problems or if he is already on another pain reliever medicine.

Delivery of the Medicine

Etodolac is available in tablet form to be ground up in your dog's food. The exact dosage will depend not only upon the severity of your pet's health concern, but also on the size and overall health of your dog.

For more information about whether Etodolac is right for your pet, speak with your veterinarian and schedule an appointment.

 

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