Does carprofen upset a dog’s stomach? Find Out Here

Urinary Effects Of Carprofen For Dogs

Adverse reactions that lead to urinary issues are most likely due to issues affecting the kidneys since those are part the urinary tract system.

Hematuria— blood in urine

Polyuria— increased frequency of urination

Polydipsia— excessive thirst

Urinary incontinence— involuntary leaking urine

Urinary tract infection— all previously listed conditions are symptoms of a UTI

Azotemia— high levels of blood nitrogen

Tubular abnormalities, including acute tubular necrosis, acute kidney failure, and glycosuria

Glomerular disease

Involve any effects on the nervous system, including the spine and brain. Catching these symptoms involves closely monitoring your dog while they are taking Carprofen. It’s unknown why adverse neurological reactions may occur, but there have been a few reports of it happening.

Ataxia— loss of balance and coordination of limbs, head, and/or trunk

Paresis— partial paralysis

Paralysis— loss of ability to move

Seizures— sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain causing convulsions throughout the body

Vestibular signs— loss of ability to balance, symptoms include walking in circles, head tilting, stumbling, falling, etc

Disorientation

Gastrointestinal Effects of Carprofen for Dogs

These are side effects that have to do with issues involving the stomach and small intestines. Gastrointestinal effects are most likely due to the drug cross-inhibiting the COX-1 enzyme, which synthesizes prostaglandins necessary for normal gastrointestinal and renal function. Although Carprofen has specificity for COX-2, the two enzymes are almost identical and cross-reaction can occur. The majority of these side effects subsided once treatment was discontinued.

Vomiting

Diarrhea— loose or watery bowel movements

Constipation— difficulty with passing bowel movements

Lack of appetite

Melena— stools appear black and tarry due to the presence of digested blood in feces, which is caused by gastrointestinal bleeding

Vomiting Blood – caused by gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal ulceration— formation of ulcers due to the thinning of mucosal lining of the stomach

Pancreatitis— inflammation of the pancreas

These side effects occur from issues related to the liver and its function. Liver damage from Carprofen is seen in about 0.02% of dogs. Labrador Retrievers account for approximately one-fourth of all adverse hepatic reactions. You may be able to catch early signs of liver damage by getting blood tests regularly to check for elevated liver enzymes.

Inappetence—lack of appetite, generally the first sign of hepatopathy (liver dysfunction)

Vomiting

Jaundice—yellow discoloration of mucous membranes (gums, nostrils, genitals, and other areas) due to a high concentration of bilirubin, aka hyperbilirubinemia

Hepatotoxicity—drug-induced liver damage that can lead to acute and chronic liver disease (occurs in 1.4 out of 10,000 dogs)

Abnormal liver function tests, including hepatic enzyme elevation, bilirubinuria, and hypoalbuminemia

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:

Dogs with coagulation disorders such as von Willebrand’s disease

Other medication that is prescribed concurrently like glucocorticoids and sulfonamides

Dehydration

Predisposition to liver and kidney disease

Compromised liver and kidney due to age

Carprofen Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!