Carprofen

Carprofen For Dogs and Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Inhibits COX-2, which reduces the amount of prostaglandins that are produced and contributes to inflammation.

Uses of Carprofen

• Control of postoperative pain and inflammation following surgery.
• Reduction of chronic inflammation, e.g. degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis.

Dose of Carprofen in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 4.4 mg/kg i.v., s.c. preoperatively or at the time of anesthetic induction (single dose should provide analgesia for up to 24 hours.)
• Continued analgesia can be provided orally at 4.4 mg/kg/day, in single or divided doses for up to 5 days after injection.
• In dogs started on oral medication, subject to clinical response the dose may be reduced to 2 mg/kg/day, single dose, after 7 days.

Cats:

4 mg/kg i.v., s.c., single dose preoperatively or at the time of anesthetic induction.

Side Effects of Carprofen in Dogs and Cats

• Mild GI signs (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inappetence) may occur in all animals after NSAID administration.
• Stop therapy if this persists beyond 1–2 days.
• A 3–5 day wash-out period should be allowed before starting another NSAID after cessation of therapy.
• Stop therapy immediately if GI bleeding is suspected.

Contraindications of Carprofen in Dogs and Cats

• Do not give to dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive patients or those with GI disease or blood clotting abnormalities.
• Administration of carprofen to animals with renal disease must be carefully evaluated and is not advisable in the perioperative period.
• Do not give to pregnant animals or animals <6 weeks old.

Some Notes:

• Different NSAIDs should not be administered within 24 hours of each other or glucocorticoids as they are more ulcerogenic when used concurrently.
• The nephrotoxic tendencies of all NSAIDs are significantly increased when administered concurrently with other nephrotoxic agents, e.g. aminoglycosides.
• In cats, carprofen is only licensed as a single perioperative dose for the control of postoperative pain.
• Carprofen also has antipyretic effects.
• All NSAIDs should be administered cautiously in the perioperative period.
• Although carprofen preferentially inhibits COX-2, it may still adversely affect renal perfusion during periods of hypotension.
• If hypotension during anesthesia is anticipated, delay carprofen administration until the animal is fully recovered from anesthesia and normotensive.
• The liver disease will prolong the metabolism of carprofen, leading to the potential for drug accumulation and overdose with repeated dosing.
• Prolonged long-term treatment should be under veterinary supervision.
• In cats, due to the longer half-life and narrower therapeutic index, particular care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose and the use of a 1 ml graduated syringe is recommended to measure the dose accurately.
• Tablets are not authorized for use in cats.