If you read my last blog post, you already know that my dog was diagnosed with DJD (degenerative joint disease) at a young age. After I found out that my dog has early signs of DJD, otherwise known as osteoarthritis, I decided to research more about this disease in general and also medications that are often used as treatments for chronic pain in canines.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
NSAIDs are the primary treatment for canine degenerative joint disease because they target inflammation, which is a major source of pain. These drugs work by blocking prostaglandin production. However, they can cause gastrointestinal issues such as ulceration and bleeding, so it’s important to monitor for these symptoms and use the correct dosage.
One of the most frequently prescribed NSAIDs for dogs is carprofen (Rimadyl), typically given at a dose of 4.4 mg/kg/day for arthritis. Other commonly used NSAIDs include deracoxib (Deramaxx) and grapiprant (Galliprant), with grapiprant generally having fewer side effects compared to others. Less commonly prescribed NSAIDs for osteoarthritis I’ve seen include meloxicam and firocoxib (Previcox).
Signs of potential gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from NSAIDs include black, tarry stools, loss of appetite, and vomiting. To minimize side effects, NSAIDs should be given with food. Veterinarians may also prescribe a gastroprotectant drug to protect the GI tract or recommend monitoring lab values, such as liver enzymes and creatinine levels, periodically if NSAIDs are used long-term.
Other Commonly Prescribed Pain Medications
Tramadol is often used alone or with an NSAID to manage mild to moderate pain, while gabapentin can be added for neuropathic pain. Most common side effect of tramadol and gabapentin is sedation. Amantadine is also used for chronic pain, particularly in cancer cases.
Can I Give My Dog Human NSAIDs?
After reading this article, you might wonder if it’s safe to give your dog over-the-counter human medications like ibuprofen (Advil). After all, it is also NSAID, right?
The answer is NO. Ibuprofen has a narrow margin of safety in dogs, which means the difference between a therapeutic and toxic dose is not too far apart. While a dose of 5 mg/kg/day was once suggested, toxicity has been observed with doses as low as 8 mg/kg/day over 30 days in dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog.
What About Cats?
For cats, there are no FDA-approved NSAIDs for long-term use, though some are approved for acute pain. Also, it is important to note that acetaminophen is toxic to cats.
Summary
NSAIDs are the primary treatment for canine degenerative joint disease because they target inflammation, which is a major source of pain. Approved NSAIDs for long-term use in dogs include carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), and grapiprant (Galliprant). For chronic pain management, tramadol and gabapentin can be used in combination with NSAIDs.
