Scratching, itching
My 5 month westie is constantly scratching, he is eating a natural diet from his holistic vet. he scratches his neck his back, licks his anus and lately he is scratching his ears so much that they are bleeding. Took him to the vet twice and nothing has worked. He has had giardia 3 times already, i don’t let him touch the stool, what can i do to help him.
PRURITUS – ITCHING AND SCRATCHING
What is pruritus?
Pruritus is the medical term for itching. It is common in many types of skin disorders. Itching and scratching are commonly associated with flea allergy dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases.
Is it common?
Pruritus is a common clinical sign of many skin disorders. It is often accompanied by red, inflamed areas of skin and may lead to skin infection called pyoderma.
What causes pruritus?
Skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care. There are many causes of pruritus. Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis and sarcoptic mange are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs.
How can the problem be tackled?
Skin diseases can be challenging and frustrating both for owners and veterinarians. In order to diagnose the specific cause of itching in your pet, several tests and treatments may be necessary. In some cases this process may take weeks to months. Some pets may require lifelong treatment for their condition.
Is all pruritus that complicated?
No, in the majority of dogs pruritus is seasonal and the most common cause is flea bites. Other causes may be due to inhalant allergies (atopy) and food allergies.
Are some dogs more prone to pruritus than others?
Any dog can develop skin allergies or pruritus. Many purebred dogs have family histories of skin problems. Cocker Spaniels, French Poodles, West Highland Terriers and Retrievers are known to have high incidences of skin disorders.
Can pruritus be cured?
It depends upon the cause of your pet’s itching. Some pets will require intermittent treatment for the rest of their life. These are extreme cases and the majority of itchy dogs respond very well to relatively simple treatment.
Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Selmer with any further queries or concerns.
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Can what you feed your dog predispose him to a brain tumor? According to the veterinarian whom I asked this question to, it’s possible that diet can be part of the multifactorial process that can increase brain tumor risk in dogs.
My parents’ dog was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 8 years and 10 months. And I thought, Dammit, I just knew it; I knew what they were feeding him would eventually cause something like this. One of the diagnosing veterinary neurologist’s assistants told my mother, “There was nothing you could have done to prevent the tumor,” after she asked what could have caused it.
Is it remotely possible that bad diet can cause a brain tumor in dogs? I posed this question to Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, of Advanced Animal Care Center in Huntington, NY. He is not treating my parents’ dog, but he is my expert source for some of my dog health articles on this site.
Dr. Selmer’s response begins, “I believe that certain foods, additives, preservatives, processing agents, etc., can lead to an increase in incidence of cancer in general. I agree with you about your ‘pulling the trigger’ theory.”
My “pulling the trigger” theory is actually a commonly accepted theory in the world of genetic research: Genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger. Many dogs are fed a bad diet; the vast majority of dogs are fed a diet that does NOT mimic the diet that nature designed dogs to consume; yet most 8 year old dogs do not have cancer.
I’m supposing that a combination of what my parents fed their German shepherd for eight years, and “bad genes,” led to the brain tumor. Purebred dogs are more likely to get cancer than mixed breeds. It’s no secret that some purebred canines come from a line of inbreeding.
Dr. Selmer continues, “You may not realize it, but you and your pet have spent your lives altering your genetic activity. When you took your first sip of wine or beer, you turned up the volume on your body’s genetic ability to detoxify alcohol. Every summer, when you strive for that perfect tan, you activate the genes that protect your skin. Genes are not a fixed set of preprogrammed instructions. They are a dynamic, active part of your pet’s life, responding each day to the environment and their diet. Diet and the environment have the capacity to turn up the volume on some genes and silence others, vastly changing our health.”
From day one, I warned my mother about the possible harm of feeding the dog certain foods, namely processed meats, gravies from a can, and pancakes, waffles, potato chips, mashed potatoes from a box, and French fries, to name a few. I never told her or my father (whom I’ve witnessed feeding the dog apple butter on white bread) that these food choices could cause cancer, let alone a brain tumor.
Instead, I harped on the idea of general health and longevity, as well as weight control. My brother kept telling my mother to stop feeding the dog anything with grains, including pasta. Dogs should not eat grains! Grains suppress the immune system of dogs! In addition to the “human food,” the dog was fed standard dog food from a bag, plus doggie “cookies.”
A second veterinarian (an alternative practitioner) is now treating my parents’ dog. He told us, “If the immune system works, you won’t get cancer.”
I can’t help but wonder: Had my parents avoided feeding their dog anything that was processed – and that includes “dog food,” would the brain tumor still have developed?
That dog was also fed cereal, which, contrary to what the giant cereal companies have been advertising for years, is one of the worst things people can eat (with the exception of a very tiny percentage of minimally processed, whole grain cereals); many kinds of cereals are high in acrylamide, which was recognized in 2005 by the FDA to be a carcinogen, formed from the heating process used to make starchy foods. Many cereals are loaded with sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup.
“A little bit won’t hurt him,” was my parents’ mantra regarding processed food. Dogs’ bodies were not designed by nature to accept with open arms processed foods. Think of what dogs in the wild eat, what they have evolved over hundreds of centuries to eat: food in its natural state — raw! This includes vegetation; dogs are omnivores.
Toxins from processed foods and conventionally raised meats (manmade sugars, artificial colors and flavorings, preservatives, miscellaneous carcinogens, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics) accumulate in dogs. The day after you feed your pet junk does not begin at ground zero; instead, it’s an add-on to previous junk feedings!
I’ve never told my parents, and don’t intend to, that I think the dog’s brain tumor could have been prevented, indeed, with a diet absent of processed “human food.” I suspect that the incidence of brain tumors in dogs would be drastically reduced if dogs were fed a diet limited to raw meat from wild game or grass-fed livestock, plus organic vegetables and fruits. Keep in mind that some “healthy” foods are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, onions, cocoa, mushrooms and macadamia nuts.
Should Healthy Dogs Get Routine MRIs for Brain Tumors?
Cancer is the leading killer of dogs; purebreds are particularly susceptible to cancer, and that includes brain tumors. When my parents’ German shepherd was diagnosed with a brain tumor via MRI, the veterinary neurologist said, “I see this all the time.” An MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing brain tumors in dogs.
A vet tech at the general vet clinic told me that brain tumor risk really goes up once a dog hits 6 years of age. Dogs are very prone to cancer, and once they reach age 10, there’s a 50 percent chance of developing cancer.
By the time the MRI was taken of my parents’ dog, the brain tumor was “fairly large,” said the vet neurologist, and that the brain tumor had “been there for a while.”
This got me thinking: Had the dog been getting routine MRIs annually, the brain tumor would have been detected when it was smaller, and thus treatable, perhaps the size of a pea, even.
A dog can be the look of health, picture perfect, romping around like a puppy, with a ferocious appetite and a vivid soul pouring out of its eyes — and all the while have a tumor growing in its brain, producing no symptoms, which is why just a few months prior to the German shepherd’s diagnosis, the general vet declared him healthy as a horse.
A “fairly large” tumor that had “been there for a while” was certainly there a few months prior to the MRI finding.
Is it practical for dogs to get routine MRIs to screen for brain tumors? After all, many pet owners think nothing of spending outrageous amounts of money on elaborate doghouses complete with custom made leather furniture, oriental rugs and other high-end fixtures. I asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, of Advanced Animal Care Center in Huntington, NY. He responded:
“Although you may find that people are willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money on their dogs, if you did a study you would find that only 5 percent of the pet population will spend over $1,000 per year on the their dog’s medical expenses directed toward wellness and prevention…. I believe if their pet was having seizures they would definitely have an MRI done. I am hard-pressed to believe that if you asked them to have an MRI yearly, proactively to look for a tumor, they would say NO to the $1500 bill. They do love their elaborate doghouses, Gucci and Hermes collar and leash sets though…. sad, isn’t it…”
Are routine MRIs safe for a dog? Dr. Selmer explains, “Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is primarily a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structure of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, it uses no ionizing radiation, but uses powerful magnetic fields.”
A yearly MRI for your dog’s brain tumor screening is medically smart, and can ultimately save you tons of money (canine cancer treatment is wickedly expensive) because the earlier a malignancy is caught, the less extensive will treatment be; that $1,500 yearly investment could save your dog’s life.
Diseases that Make Dog Drink Tons of Water
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Might be illness.
Serious disease or illness can make a dog drink a lot of water. Though heavy water drinking is common among healthy active dogs, or even less active canines, what seems like an instinctive healthy habit — drinking lots of H2O — can actually signal disease in your dog.
I asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, of Advanced Animal Care Center in Huntington, NY, what could make a dog drink tons of water in the absence of a hot sunny day or vigorous exercise.
Dr. Selmer explains, “These clinical signs are non-specific and can be caused by many different diseases or conditions. Usually it is the production of excess, dilute urine that results in a compensatory increase in water consumption, but occasionally the condition is one of increased water intake resulting in the production of large volumes of dilute urine. The following is not a complete listing of the diseases that may result in increased thirst and urination. However it outlines the most common causes.”
Cause # 1 of dog drinking a lot of water: urinary/kidney/bladder conditions, and conditions affecting the uterus, such as infection.
Cause # 3 of heavy water drinking in a dog: hyperadrenocorticism, hypoadrenocorticism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. These are endocrine (hormone) related diseases.
Dr. Selmer adds: “Liver disease, certain drugs, fever, pain and certain electrolyte imbalances may also result in increased thirst and urination.”
If your dog drinks a ton of water, but otherwise exhibits active, healthy behavior, looks healthy and does not show any other suspicious signs such as lethargy, apathy, refusal to eat, vomiting, constipation, blood in stools, etc., then assume that you have a healthy, active pet that knows how to pay attention to the instinctive drive to quench its thirst.
Dr. Selmer also adds, “Rarely, a behavioral problem is at the root of increased drinking behavior.” Thus, if your dog often must quench its thirst, don’t assume this requires any kind of discipline or retraining.
When giving water to your dog, it’s best to give your pet that which has been treated with a filtration system. It is not healthy for dogs to drink from outdoor puddles, water that has collected in a gutter, etc. Get a treatment system and fill your dog’s bowl with H2O from the filter. A dog doesn’t need environmental toxins any more than you do.
when i bought him he was sent home with glucose syringes. For the first month I gave them to him a few times a day. The 1st & 3rd set of vaccines, he overdosed and almost died. He got a yeast infection & UTI the 1st & 2nd time ….he is allergic to pain meds and most foods…
He was eating nutro for the 1st 4 years and was ok until I changed him to wellness super5mix… started licking everything on him and around him. Became aggressive and anxious. About 3 months later after changing his food, he had his 3rd set of vaccines and
almost died…. 3 months after that is when it all started getting really bad….
He started staring into space.
chasing his tail, walking around aimlessly, barking aggressively at strangers(eyes bugging),
losing hair, urinating everywhere
sleeping tremors and twitching… they were getting really really bad at this point. He couldnt even keep himself awake, falling into full body spasms…stopped breathing at certain points of them and i couldnt wake him up, eyes rolling back….
hind leg weakness, joint problems,wheezing, coughing, facial twitching,rapid eye movements, ear flipping back n forth…. sleeping under blankets and in the sun…hair loss on his tail,armpits,abdomen,ears…. when he’s urinating and has his leg up he pushes it out(looks like it hurts)….
started sitting with one front paw up in the corner
we took him for an MRI, Spinal tap, blood work,MRI… to AMC and everything was ”WNL”
I dont believe ‘WNL’ is the same for every dog… especially when mine is having seizures
Ive taken him everywhere and one homeopath said it was emotional and had chronic inflammation….3 months:detox,food change’s(his seizures stopped but aggression was getting worse and so were his food allergies(couldnt afford it anymore) .I started cooking for him and his skin allergies got worse. The high amount or source of protein seems to be a problem….I am so confused at this point.. Ive tried by cooking him duck and a pre-mix from the holistic vet….he was allergic to that.Then switched to a gluten free mix and cooked lamb….im currently weaning him off and onto ‘honest kitchen grain free mix”… thinking of adding fresh cooked turkey??? Confused because he didnt have any issues on nutro(bizarre) Now he’s on chinese herbs, says he wont get better but wont get worse…
and to put him on IAM’s or Eukanuba….i wont do that 
! I know he can be ok again with the right help of a VET who actually loves animals more than anything else…
but its a year later and i havnt felt hopeless until today.. I need to save him he is truly everything to me
My problem is…. I know he will be healthier if he has the right tests done and not one of these vets tested for thyroid,liver,cancer, candida or focused on nutrition… what should I do next?
I am so sorry for this long email…thank you for reading this (mod.ny@live.com)
My 9 year old male Shep/Chow/Lab mix, Rocky, suffers from Lymphocytic Eosynophilic Colitis. Among other issues, he has chronic ear infections that flare up a few times a year and seem to be getting worse. A few months ago he had an emergency surgery – ablation, I believe – and we’re considering removing his left ear canal if things don’t improve. Meanwhile, he’s on a number of medications, including prednosilone, and an extensive, twice-daily ear-flush protocol. It’s a little exhausting.
My vet has suggested stem cell therapy as a potential aid in reducing the severity of his symptoms. Apparently there has been some success in treating inflammatory diseases in human subjects.
This would not be an inexpensive prospect, but if it works, it can improve both my dog’s life and mine. Especially if we could reduce the daily ear-flushes and potential for further surgery.
I’d be very interested in your thoughts on the matter.
Thank you,
Laura G
My dog has been diagnosed with diabetes im haveing a hard time injecting the insulin every one has a different method could i learn yours.
How to Make Your Own Dog Food
Suggested Ingredients for Homemade Dog Food
If you are concerned about the health and well being of your dog and wish to ensure they are getting uncontaminated foods there are ways of making your own healthy dog food. A suggested formula is 25% carbohydrates to 75% meat. A simple dog food recipe is to combine and cook brown rice, ground meat, vegetables, water and a small amount of brewers yeast. Dogs can’t digest vegetables very well, so they need to go through the food processor thoroughly before adding. Amounts of water vary depending on whether you want dry or wet food. Your dog food should be served at room temperature.
Ingredient ideas for dog food:
· Rice is a good carbohydrate for dogs. Brown rice is preferable as it has more nutrients.
· Brewers yeast which can be found in some grocers and health stores.
· Flour, such as corn flour, soy flour or whole wheat flour.
· Codliver oil or flaxseed in small amounts adds omega 3 and helps keep their coats shiny.
· Garlic can help get rid of tape worms and fleas as well as fight infection. (caution as large amounts can cause illness in dogs)
· Meats suggested to use are liver, beef, tuna, lamb or chicken. It’s easier to add to food if the meat is ground.
· Dogs also enjoy peanut butter and biscuits can be made with them by adding flour, bone meal and/or powdered milk, brewers yeast and even carrots. Peanuts are one of the few nuts that are safe for your dog.
· Some vegetables are ok such as carrots, broccoli and spinach, but they need to be put through a food processor first to aid in digestion. (Broccoli is not good in large amounts.)
· Bonemeal may need to be added to ensure they are getting calcium. Raw meaty bones are a good source of calcium. Powdered milk is also a popular ingredient in dog food.
Some foods to avoid which may be dangerous to dogs:
· Chocolate which can cause seizures in dogs.
· Coffee and tea can cause similar problems as chocolate.
· Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure.
· Nutmeg can also cause seizures.
· Raw eggs could contain salmonella, so they’re not worth the risk.
· Onions are not advised as they can interfere with blood circulation.
· Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to have tremors and lead to paralysis.
· Other food cautions include moldy foods, yeast dough and fruit pits. Many fruit pits contain cyanide.
“Our humanity is not measured by how we treat other people. Our humanity is measured by how we treat animals.” -Chuck Palahniuk.
Sincerely,
Michel Selmer, DVM
I have an almost 10 year old Belgian Malinois who seems to be very sore after playing in the snow yesterday. Is there anything I can give for pain?
Pain Drugs for Dogs: Be an Informed Pet Owner
A decade ago, few drugs were available to treat pets in pain at home. Pups were spayed or neutered at the animal hospital, stitched up, and sent home without pain medication. And dogs with painful arthritis limped along without drugs that were safe and effective for long-term use.
Today, a new generation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is bringing relief to millions of dogs with joint problems or with pain after surgery.
“NSAIDs are extremely effective for controlling pain and inflammation in dogs,” says Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). “These are very valuable drugs that help many pets live to a ripe old age.”
But like any drugs, NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions are mild, but some may be serious, especially if the drugs are not used according to labeled directions. Some reactions result in permanent damage or even death.
“It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and benefits of all drugs, including NSAIDs, so that they can make informed decisions about their pets’ health care,” says Sundlof. “Owners who give their dog NSAIDs need to know the side effects to watch for that indicate their pet needs medical attention.”
The most common side effects from NSAIDs include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, and diarrhea. Serious side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, perforations, kidney damage, and liver problems.
“The side effects of NSAIDs are very well known and very well documented,” says Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the CVM’s Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation. But this information is not always getting to the pet owner, she says. “If the pet owner can recognize a possible reaction, stop the medication, and get veterinary help, it could mean the difference between a good outcome and a disaster.”
Safety and Effectiveness
The CVM, which regulates drugs for use in animals, has approved some NSAIDs for use in dogs with pain from degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or with pain after surgery. These include Etogesic (etodolac), Rimadyl (carprofen), Metacam (meloxicam), Zubrin (tepoxalin), Deramaxx (deracoxib), Previcox (firocoxib), and Novox (generic carprofen).
NSAIDs help to control signs of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Inflammation–the body’s response to irritation or injury–is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation.
The FDA considers approved NSAIDs to be safe and effective when used according to the label and when dog owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions.
And veterinarians are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of recognizing and controlling pain, says Charles Lemme, D.V.M., a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee. “We recognize that pets are healing better and faster with pain control.”
Lemme says that the emphasis on pain management may be partly because of the availability of the newer NSAIDs. “The NSAIDs we have available now are a lot safer than what we’ve had before and we’re seeing far fewer side effects than before.”
Before the newer generation of NSAIDs came along, “people were using NSAIDs such as aspirin in an attempt to mitigate arthritic pain,” says Michael Andrews, D.V.M., president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “We saw the consequence of their use,” adds Andrews, who recalls seeing a client who gave her dog aspirin for six weeks, two times a day. “The dog had a bleeding nose that wouldn’t stop.”
“NSAIDs are used in many, many dogs and the frequency of problems is quite low,” says Andrews. “The duration of use makes a difference in safety. If used for a day or two, the risks often are much lower than when used over long periods of time for a chronic arthritic condition.”
Drugs used to control pain should be given only when necessary, and in the smallest dose that is effective, says Sharkey. “Arthritis waxes and wanes. Some animals get worse in cold weather. If the dog seems to improve to the point of not needing the drug, the owner should discuss continued use of the NSAID with a veterinarian.”
An owner should never give an NSAID to a pet, or increase the dose or frequency of a drug, without the veterinarian’s instructions, adds Sharkey. “Just like different people respond differently to a drug, the way each dog responds to an NSAID varies.” Because of this individual response, no one NSAID is considered more effective than another, and because every NSAID can cause adverse reactions, none is considered safer than others.
If a pet is prescribed an NSAID, the CVM recommends that pet owners take the following steps to make sure they are fully informed about the drug and can make the best decision for their pet’s health.
Ask Questions and Tell All
Ask your veterinarian about the benefits, risks, and side effects of any medication, including NSAIDs. “An informed dog owner is the best defense against serious side effects from NSAIDs,” says Sharkey. “Owners should not hesitate to ask questions and inquire about possible side effects or signs to watch for when treating a dog.”
Tell your veterinarian your pet’s symptoms and current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, and flea control products. Giving NSAIDS and other medications together could harm your pet. Aspirin, for instance, may be in a supplement you’re giving to your pet, says Sharkey, and should not be used in conjunction with an NSAID.
Ask for the Client Information Sheet
Pet owners should receive a “Client Information Sheet” with every NSAID prescription. Client Information Sheets, also called “Information for Dog Owner Sheets,” are user-friendly summaries that explain the results to expect from using the drug, what to discuss with your veterinarian before giving the drug, possible side effects to look for, and other important information. The FDA has helped the pharmaceutical companies who make NSAIDs for dogs develop these sheets for the owners, and the companies provide them with each NSAID they ship.
Ask your veterinarian for the sheet if you do not receive one, and read the information carefully before giving the medication to your dog. If your veterinarian can’t provide the Client Information Sheet, you can get one by printing it from the CVM’s Web site or by calling the toll-free number of the drug company.
Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., deputy director in the CVM’s Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, explains why some veterinarians may be unable to locate the Client Information Sheet. “They often have the role of veterinarian and the role of pharmacist,” she says. Veterinary hospitals get shipments of drugs from the pharmaceutical companies or distributors. Then they may repackage the drug in their hospitals’ bottles, often in smaller quantities for distributing to clients. In the repackaging process, the Client Information Sheet, which is often printed on the package insert for the veterinarian, may be tossed out inadvertently.
The FDA, the veterinary community, and the pharmaceutical companies are working together to ensure that NSAIDs are used safely and responsibly and that owners are given the Client Information Sheets.
“The pharmaceutical companies are trying to come up with creative ideas to make it easier for busy veterinarians,” says Dunham. Many companies are making the Client Information Sheet a tear-off sheet that can be easily separated from the drug labeling.
Some companies also are packaging drugs in smaller quantities with the Client Information Sheet sealed inside the package. Therefore, the veterinarian can just attach the hospital label and dosing instructions on the drug container without repackaging the drug and inadvertently discarding the sheet.
Through published journal articles, electronic newsletters, and information posted on their Web sites, both the AVMA and the AAHA are reinforcing the importance of client communication regarding NSAIDs, including handing out the Client Information Sheets, to their veterinary members.
Get the Recommended Tests
NSAIDs approved for use in dogs contain the following information on their labels:
All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish baseline blood values prior to, and periodically during, the use of any NSAID are strongly recommended.
If the veterinarian recommends a blood test before administering an NSAID to a dog, don’t decline it, advises Sharkey. “There are good reasons for it.” The knowledge gained from these tests could be critical in deciding whether the drug is safe to use in a dog.
Testing is particularly important with long-term NSAID use, such as to treat arthritic pain, says Andrews. “It makes sense to do some preliminary screening blood work and periodic tests to identify any problems and monitor how well the pet is tolerating the drug over time.”
Work With Your Veterinarian to Find the Best NSAID
Many NSAID choices are available, and selecting the best NSAID for a particular pet is important, says Sharkey. “Sometimes, the process of finding the best one can mean changing the prescription.”
Lynne Heslip of Howell, Mich., tried several NSAIDs on her 4-year-old Irish wolfhound, O.B., who had painful hip dysplasia. “The first NSAID did not work well,” she says. “Pain relief seemed to be minimal, and she had vomiting and wasn’t interested in eating.” Heslip watched her normally outgoing dog seclude herself behind the kitchen table. “She was severely depressed. She didn’t want to interact with other animals or with people.”
Working with her veterinarian, Heslip stopped the NSAID, waited five days for the drug to clear out of the dog’s system, and tried another NSAID. “Within one week, I noticed a drastic change for the better,” says Heslip. “She was much more animated and happier.” O.B. was on NSAIDs for about three years until her death. Heslip reports that her current 6-year-old Irish wolfhound, Isabella, is on the same NSAID, with very good results.
Bad Reaction? Stop Medication and Call a Veterinarian
If you suspect an adverse reaction to an NSAID, stop administering the drug and contact a veterinarian immediately. Some reactions are mild and go away after stopping the drug.
When giving a pet an NSAID, watch for these side effects, which are listed on the Client Information Sheet and on the drug label:
Decrease or increase in appetite
Vomiting
Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea or black, tarry, or bloody stools)
Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, seizure, aggression, or lack of coordination)
Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Change in drinking habits (frequency or amount consumed)
Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)
Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching).
These side effects are the most common. But not all possible side effects are included on the Client Information Sheet or on the drug label. Always contact your veterinarian if you have questions about your dog’s medication.
What starts out as a minor problem can rapidly progress to an emergency. An owner should be encouraged to call his or her veterinarian with any concerns about the NSAID the dog is receiving. You may even call the drug manufacturer’s toll-free number that appears on each Client Information Sheet. When problems are experienced with a product, the manufacturer may have specific recommendations for your veterinarian regarding tests and treatments.
Cindi Brinkley of Danville, Ill., rushed her dog to the veterinarian at the first sign of a bad reaction. Maude, a cocker spaniel-collie mix, injured herself when she was 11 months old while playing with a littermate in the house. “She slipped on the basement floor coming out of a turn, and both back legs splayed out,” says Brinkley.
Maude was diagnosed with a deformed hip joint and scheduled for corrective surgery. In the meantime, the veterinarian prescribed an NSAID for pain control. “I was not told a thing about the drug other than how to give it to her,” says Brinkley.
Maude had been on the drug for a month when Brinkley came home from work one day to find the dog bleeding from her rectum. “It was very, very frightening,” she says. “The whole back of my dog was bright red–I thought she was bleeding to death.” After treatment in the veterinary hospital and discontinuation of the drug, Maude recovered from the incident. Now more than 7 years old, “she has some vomiting and loose stools every so often,” says Brinkley, who suspects the digestive problems may be a lasting effect of the drug.
Report Bad Reactions
If you or your veterinarian suspects that an adverse reaction is related to the use of an NSAID or any drug, it should be reported to the pharmaceutical company. Usually, the veterinarian reports it, but if the veterinarian doesn’t, the owner should. The company, by law, has to report all adverse reactions to the FDA, which looks for signals of increased frequency and severity of adverse reactions. The FDA works with the pharmaceutical firms to address these events and improve the ability of the product to be more safely used.
If unable to report problems directly to the pharmaceutical company, veterinarians and owners are encouraged to report veterinary Adverse Drug Experiences (ADEs) and suspected product failures to the government agency that regulates the product. Adverse experiences with NSAIDs should be reported to the FDA’s CVM.
Medicate Under Veterinary Supervision
The FDA has approved some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for use in dogs. In the United States, there are no oral NSAIDs approved for use in cats. Veterinarians can, however, legally prescribe human drugs to animals unless it presents a risk to the public health. This type of use is known as extralabel, or off-label, for uses not listed on the label. Extralabel use can also mean prescribing a drug to a different species, for a different condition, or in a different dosage than that for which the drug was approved. For example, a veterinarian may prescribe a lower dose of an NSAID drug approved for dogs to a cat with an inflamed joint.
But pet owners should not give their own drugs to pets or otherwise medicate their animals without veterinary supervision, says Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
Different species metabolize drugs differently, she says. “You take aspirin or Tylenol on any given day for a headache and not think twice about it, but dogs are more sensitive to aspirin than humans, and one Tylenol can kill a cat. Pet owners should always work with their veterinarians to make medication decisions.”