Side effects caused by non-licensed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID) in 21 dogs.Original Title Nebenwirkungen durch nicht zugelassene nichtsteroidale Entzundungshemmer (NSAID) bei 21 Hunden.

摘要

Diagnostic tests, side effects, therapy and the outcome of dogs treated with non-licensed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were evaluated retrospectively in 21 dogs. The following drugs had been given: paracetamol/acetaminophen (n=10), diclofenac (n=7), ibuprofen (n=1), dexibuprofen (n=1), flurbiprofen (n=1) and naproxen (n=1). In 14 instances, the drugs had been administered by the owner whilst three times veterinary instruction preceded drug administration. Gastrointestinal clinical signs like vomiting (n=13, three with haematemesis), diarrhoea (n=6), melaena (n=6), anorexia (n=9) and inappetence (n=3) were common. Blood analysis showed leucocytosis (n=9), left shift (n=5; n=3 with leucocytosis), toxic degeneration of neutrophils (n=7; n=4 with leucocytosis), and anaemia (n=7, six were regenerative). Three dogs showed azotaemia and one anuria. In two cases, gastritis was suspected ultrasonographically due to thickened gastric mucosa. 17 patients were discharged from the hospital in good general condition; three were euthanized or died in the clinic, one of them with suspicion of a perforated ulcer. One patient was discharged to be euthanized. Therapy with non-licensed NSAID in dogs can have severe side effects or even a fatal outcome. Symptomatic therapy in dogs with clinical signs should be initiated immediately. Complications like perforating gastric ulcer or acute renal insufficiency have a poor outcome. This investigation shows that non-licensed NSAID should not be used in dogs, not only because of legal reasons but also due to their severe side effects.