EFFECTIVENESS:
Confirmation of the effectiveness of Carprofen for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for the control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, was demonstrated in 5 placebo-controlled, masked studies examining the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effectiveness of Carprofen in various breeds of dogs.
Separate placebo-controlled, masked, multicenter field studies confirmed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effectiveness of Carprofen when dosed at 2 mg/lb once daily or when divided and administered at 1 mg/lb twice daily. In these two field studies, dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis showed statistically significant overall improvement based on lameness evaluations by the veterinarian and owner observations when administered Carprofen at labeled doses.
Separate placebo-controlled, masked, multicenter field studies confirmed the effectiveness of Carprofen for the control of postoperative pain when, dosed at 2 mg/lb once daily in various breeds of dogs. In these studies, dogs presented for ovariohysterectomy, cruciate repair and aural surgeries were administered Carprofen preoperatively and for a maximum of 3 days (soft tissue) or 4 days (orthopedic) postoperatively. In general, dogs administered Carprofen showed statistically significant improvement in pain scores compared to controls.
Can I Give My Dog Carprofen?
Yes, you can give your dog Carprofen – just keep in mind that you need a prescription from the vet. Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by managing pain and inflammation.
Carprofen is the active ingredient, and based on the manufacturer, it is available under several brand names, including Rimadyl, Vetprofen, Canidryl, Levafen, Norocarp, Rovera, Carprieve, Novox, and Quellin. Carprofen is FDA-approved for use in dogs.
What is Carprofen?
Carprofen is an anti-inflammatory for dogs, belonging to the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) class. It was first introduced for veterinary use under the brand name of Rimadyl® in 1997. Since its introduction, carprofen has been widely used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and it is currently available under a number of different brand names. While this drug was also used in humans for approximately 10 years, it is no longer available in a human version.
Carprofen acts by inhibiting enzymes that are involved in pain and inflammation. It acts quickly, alleviating pain and inflammation within one to three hours of oral administration. Carprofen is related to ibuprofen (a commonly-used NSAID in humans), but it is much less likely to be associated with toxicity in dogs.
Most veterinary practices keep carprofen in stock and prescribe it regularly. Additionally, carprofen may be available for purchase through veterinary pharmacies (with a prescription).