Non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs in dogs and cats-what's new

摘要

Recently, several new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs have come on the market. The mechanism of action of NSAIDs in influencing the function of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and, therefore, the production of prostaglandins responsible forhomeostasis as well as the inflammatory process is reviewed in this article. Side effects mainly on the renal and gastrointestinal (Gl) systems are reviewed. Amongst the 'older established" NSAIDs, carprofen. meloxicam and firocoxib seem to be of comparable efficacy and better than some of the very old NSAIDs like ketoprofen and flunixin. Three of the drugs of the coxibs which have come on the market recently (Cimicoxib, Mavacoxib, Robenacoxib) have different pharmacological characteristics resulting ina potential benefit through ease of use and possibly better adverse effect profile. Naturally, they have not been evaluated in as many scientific studies as the older products and therefore comparison is as yet still difficult. Paracetamol, which oftenis not classed as a typical NSAID anymore, has actions on systems other than prostaglandin production and might be a multimodal analgesic for dogs in itself.