Mavacoxib

Mavacoxib In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• This compound exhibits selective inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, hence restricting the synthesis of prostaglandins that play a role in the inflammatory process.
• The extended duration of mavacoxib’s activity necessitates a thorough assessment of animals’ appropriateness for NSAID treatment prior to initiating medication.

Uses of Mavacoxib

• Pain and inflammation management in dogs diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, who are at least 12 months old, and require continuous treatment for a duration surpassing 1 month.

Dose of Mavacoxib in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 2 mg/kg p.o. q14d for 2 doses then q1month for a total maximum of 7 doses.
• Should be given immediately before or with the dog’s main meal.

Cats:

• Do not use.

Side Effects of Mavacoxib in Dogs and Cats

• If an animal necessitates anaesthesia or experiences any illness while being administered mavacoxib, it is imperative to take precautions in order to prevent dehydration, hypotension, and hypovolemia.
• While the prolonged duration of action of mavacoxib is acknowledged, it is advised to focus solely on symptomatic care of any potential side effects that may arise from medication delivery until the clinical signs have resolved.
• There exists a potential for NSAIDs to induce heart failure in humans, but the extent of this danger in animals remains uncertain.

Contraindications of Mavacoxib in Dogs and Cats

• Individuals who are dehydrated, hypovolemic, hypotensive, or have gastrointestinal disease or blood clotting disorders.
• The evaluation of mavacoxib administration to animals with renal dysfunction necessitates cautious consideration.
• The presence of liver disease has been found to extend the metabolic process of mavacoxib, resulting in a heightened risk of drug accumulation and potential overdose when administered repeatedly.
• It is advised to refrain from administering this substance to animals that are pregnant or animals who are less than 12 months old or weigh less than 5 kg.

Some Notes:

• Do not administer concurrently with other NSAIDs and glucocorticoids.
• Do not administer another NSAID within 1 month of dosing with mavacoxib.
• Do not administer with other potentially nephrotoxic agents, e.g. aminoglycosides.
• Continuous treatment may have the potential to reduce central sensitization and breakthrough pain.
• Approximately 5% of dogs are poor metabolizers of mavacoxib.
• The treatment regimen recommended below is designed to prevent drug accumulation in
  this sub-population of animals.
• Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that treatment can be re-started after a 1-month break from dosing.
• No recommendations have yet been made regarding whether to give a loading dose (first and second doses separated by 14 days) each time treatment is restarted.
• If necessary, analgesia should be provided in the 1-month break from treatment using a
  a different class of drug.