Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Analgesics for Acute Pain Management in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

SummaryThe recently developed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, discussed in this article, have been shown to be efficacious in controlling post-operative pain, used either alone or in combination with opioids, in both cats and dogs. In some instances selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics appear to confer superior analgesia to opioids after orthopedic surgery. However, the side-effects of these drugs are an important factor in selecting the appropriate candidate to receive these analgesics. The contra-indications for use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be strictly adhered to. The trade names listed in this article may differ from those used in individual countries. The reader is advised to consult their own pharmacopea for trade names in the individual’s own country.Recently developed, parenteral NSAIAs have been shown to be effective in managing postoperative pain in cats and dogs. In some instances, individual NSAIAs are equal to, and may be better than, opioid agonists in treating moderate to severe post-operative or medical pain. However, due to the concern for renal failure, gastric ulceration with hemorrhage and hemostatic abnormalities with individual NSAIA administration, caution must be used when selecting patients to receive these analgesics. Indications, relative contraindications and absolute contraindications for NSAIA use are discussed. A pain assessment scale (p. 128) with descriptors and suggestions for pain management are also discussed.

Effect of administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery on renal function in clinically normal dogs

“…3 The NSAID are inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which may be either reversible or irreversible. 5 The COX-1 isoenzyme maintains normal physiologic function, whereas COX-2 is an inducible form and is activated by damaged and inflamed tissue. 5 The COX-1 isoenzyme maintains normal physiologic function, whereas COX-2 is an inducible form and is activated by damaged and inflamed tissue.…”

“…2,4 There are 2 isoenzymes of COX, namely COX-1 and COX-2. 5 Several NSAID have been developed with a higher specificity for COX-2 than COX-1. 5 Several NSAID have been developed with a higher specificity for COX-2 than COX-1.…”

“…5 The COX-1 isoenzyme maintains normal physiologic function, whereas COX-2 is an inducible form and is activated by damaged and inflamed tissue. 1,5 Other actions of NSAID include inhibition of phosphodiesterase, antioxidants, free oxygen radical scavengers, and competition for prostaglandin binding sites. The greater the specificity for COX-2, the less the adverse effects of gastric ulceration and renal failure should be.…”

“…The greater the specificity for COX-2, the less the adverse effects of gastric ulceration and renal failure should be. 5 New generation NSAID are becoming more popular in human medicine as a result of their synergistic effect with opioids and fewer adverse effects when compared with opioids. 4 The kidney is active in the synthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins.…”

Effect of seven-day administration of carprofen or meloxicam on renal function in clinically healthy miniature pigs

“…Junot et al (2008) applied meloxicam at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg when comparing its adverse effects to ketoprofen. Since the latter dose is close to the meloxicam dosage for dogs and cats (Mathews, 1997;Lascelles, 2000), we chose 0.1 mg/kg for week-long repeated administration of meloxicam dose.…”