Diagnosis of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
If you have witnessed your pet indulging in his carprofen tablets, do not question or wait for the result. A visit to the veterinary clinic is essential. Bring the empty packaging with you, along with any other medications your pet may be on (if any). The veterinarian will base his diagnostic decisions on clinical signs exhibited by your dog (like nausea and abdominal pain) and will also rely on information you can provide. The veterinarian may ask questions as he examines your pet’s mucus membranes and eyes and takes his vital signs.
The veterinary team will take blood tests in the form of a complete blood count and blood serum chemistry to evaluate levels such as BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, electrolytes, and liver enzymes. A urinalysis will determine the concentration or dilution of the urine.
Causes of Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs
Although adverse reactions to the drug are rare, ingestion of high amounts due to a canine gaining access to his medicinal supply is common. NSAID’s in general can be responsible for gastrointestinal issues with long-term use; therefore, an overdose of a chewable tablet or capsule will cause your pet to experience stomach upset in mild cases, to gastrointestinal irritation or perforation in severe cases of poisoning. Reduction of gastric acid secretion and blood flow to the mucosa can occur causing hemorrhaging along with kidney and liver failure. Other risk factors for severe carprofen poisoning can be:
What if my dog has an allergic reaction to Carprofen?
Some dogs might be allergic to Carprofen. In rare cases, such reactions can be dangerous to your dog and even result in death. Be sure you talk to your veterinarian if you notice symptoms like hives, skin redness, and facial swelling after you’ve given the drug to your pet.
Carprofen might also affect lab tests, such as liver enzymes, thyroid levels, kidney values, blood cell counts, bleeding times, and potassium levels.
If you notice any of the clinical signs listed above, or anything else out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian right away. Side effects can have serious consequences, which is why it is important to catch them sooner rather than later.
Yes, dogs can overdose on Carprofen if the drug is given in too large of quanity. The symptoms of Carprofen overdose include vomiting (especially if the vomitus is bloody), black or tarry stools, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, malaise, abdominal pain, excessive drinking or urinating at inappropriate times, and seizures.
The treatments for a Carprofen overdose can vary, but the most common ones include gastric lavage, induction of vomiting, charcoal slurry, and supportive care.
The safe dose range for carprofen is very small so even if you accidentally double your pet’s dose you should contact your vet.
If you suspect a Carprofen overdose, call your veterinarian right away. Contact an emergency facility if they are unavailable.
Pro tip: Treatment for accidental poisoning can cost hundreds of dollars and the best way to ensure peace of mind for emergency expenses is to safeguard your dog with a pet insurance policy.
Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!
Carprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug often used to treat pain and inflammation in various animals, including dogs. Carprofen for dogs actually goes by multiple brand names, including Rimadyl, Canidryl, Carpox, Aventicarp, and Levafen.
Before giving your dog Carprofen, its important to learn more about this medication, what it treats, and the side effects that can occur.
Pro tip: Make sure that your pet is covered for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis in dogs by enrolling in pet insurance. Note that plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, so its best to enroll your dog while they are young and before any illness occurs.
Carprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These types of medications are used to treat pain caused by inflammation in a variety of animals including dogs, cats, reptiles, and birds.
NOTE: Carprofen is not safe for use in cats and several other species, so do not share this medication with any pet other than the one its prescribed for.
Carprofen is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the relief of pain because its safer for dogs than some human NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Many drugs intended for human use can be harmful to dogs, which is why you should never give your pet drugs from your own medicine cabinet.