There are many options when looking at pet joint and
arthritis products and supplements. Pet owners looking for
alternatives to steroidal creams and tablets should look at pet
products like
Rimadyl,
EtoGesic,
Deramaxx,
Metacam,
Novox,
Zubrin and
Previcox.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ) are unique because
unlike other treatments, they are “non-steroidal.” What this
essential means is that the medication contains no steroids in them.
So how do they compare? Unlike products that do contain steroids,
NSAID’s are non-narcotic and can be used for a variety of conditions
including:
When finding the right NSAID for your pet be sure to get the appropriate information and understand how the treatment will work. Understanding how NSAIDs work and how they can help your pet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Be sure to ask your vet for more information. Before prescribing an NSAID they may also recommend blood testing, x-rays or other tests. EntirelyPets.com has chosen the top NSAIDs and explained how they work and what makes them unique. The following is a comprehensive list of the top NSAIDs and how they compare.
Rimadyl (Carprofen)
Manufacturer
Pfizer Animal Health
What is it?
It is an anti-inflammatory. Rimadyl comes in a variety
of forms including chewable tablets and caplets. Rimadyl is used
an-inflammatory for dogs suffering from arthritis, orthopedic
and soft tissue surgery. The treatment comes in a chewable tablet
or caplet form for easy administration. The unique liver flavor
makes it easy to administer to your dog. Rimadyl should
not be given to any pet suffering from kidney, liver or heart
disease. Dogs that are pregnant or nursing should not be given this.
Price
Rimadyl comes in a variety of sizes and doses including
100mg,
75mg
and
25mg.
Starts at $34.50 for 60 Chewable Tablets.
Rimadyl can be purchased in quantities of 60 or 180
tablets/ caplets.
EtoGesic (Etodolac)
Manufacturer
Fort Dodge Animal Health
What is it?
Etogesic is an anti-inflammatory that is given once
daily. It is used to manage pain and inflammation in
canines associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis. EtoGesic
helps dogs to move more freely and enjoy a fuller, more active life.
The product is rapidly absorbed, has a long half life and can be
given with or without food. EtoGesic may also be used with other
treatments your pet may be taking.
Special Attributes
What makes Etogesic unique is that it can be used with supplements
such as
Restor-A-Flex. By using the two together you can reduce your
pets’ need for NSAIDs. Restor-A-Flex helps to rebuild and lubricate
the joints in canines. The NSAID comes in a convenient tablet form
that is easy to administer.
Price
EtoGesic (Etodolac) comes in
300mg
or
150mg. The medication can be purchased in quantities of
30 or 90 tablets. Etogesic can be purchased for $28.50
for a bottle of 150mg (30 tablets).
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Deramaxx (Deracoxib)
Manufacturer
Novartis Animal Health US Inc.
What is it?
Deramaxx is an anti-inflammatory. It is used to control the pain and
inflammation associated with chronic osteoarthritis in dogs.
Deramaxx is the first coxib-class NSAID (for use in dog only
treatment) to be approved by the FDA for veterinarian use.
Special Attributes
The beef- based flavor tablet is easy to accept by dogs. With
Deramaxx you won’t have trouble getting your pet to take this
treatment.
Price
Deramaxx comes in a variety of dosages including
100mg,
75mg
and
25mg.
The medication can be purchased in quantities of 30, 60 or
90 tablets. For convenience EntirelyPets.com also sells Deramaxx
by the tablet starting at $1.18.
Metacam (Meloxicam)
Manufacturer
Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
What is it?
Meloxicam is an ant-inflammatory. Metacam is used to
treat arthritis pain and inflammation in dogs as well as pain from
muscle injuries. Additional uses for this include aid in
reducing fever.
Special Attributes
Comes in a convenient liquid form. The oral
suspension ensures that you give your pet the right dosing,
regardless of size. Metacam come in a palatable honey flavor will
make your best friend think he or she is getting a treat.
Price
Metacam (Meloxicam) is available in a variety of sizes
including:
100ml, 32ml
and
10ml.
Starting Price for the medication is $13.90. Metacam is great
because it’s inexpensive yet 100% effective.
Novox (Carprofen)
Manufacturer
IMPAX Laboratories Inc./ distributor Vedco Inc.
What
is it?
Novox is a generic form of Rimadyl. This is an
anti-inflammatory. Novox is used to treat arthritis in canines. Provides relief of pain and inflammation caused by
arthritis, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery as well as other joint
abnormalities such as hip dysplasia. Novox comes in a convenient
caplet form.
Special Attributes
The scored caplets make it easy to break a part so
that you can be sure to give your pet the right dosage.
Price
Novox comes in several dosing options including:
100mg,
75mg
and 25mg.
And is available for $29.50
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Zubrin (Tepoxalin)
Manufacturer
Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp.
What is it?
Zubrin is an anti-inflammatory drug. Helps to
minimize the impact on a dog’s aging body. The active ingredient in
Zubrin is Tepoxalin which helps to treat pain and inflammation
associated with canine arthritis. The special tablet form makes
administering to your pet easy as it can be mixed in
with moist food, placed in a treat, placed directly into the mouth
or orally in a syringe.
Special Attributes
Tepoxalin is the only canine NSAID that provides duel (Cox1/Cox2
and LOX) inhibition for advanced treatment for the pain and
inflammation associated with canine arthritis.
Price
Zubrin is available in
50mg,
100mg and
200mg
strengths. Comes in 30, 60, 90 or 100 tablets per
bottle. Starting price for Zubrin is $19.99
Previcox (Firocoxib)
Manufacturer
Merial Ltd.
What is it?
Previcox is an anti-inflammatory used to control inflammation
and pain associated with canine arthritis. Firocoxib is an NSAID in
a class called COX-2 inhibitors that helps to reduce
gastrointestinal toxicity. Comes in a tablet form
that is easy to give to your dog.
Special Attributes
Use of Firocoxib has been shown to improve lameness within three
hours. Dogs’ that have taken returned to almost
normal function after seven hours.
Price
Previcox is available in
57mg
and 227mg.
Previcox comes in 30 or 60 count tablets and sells for $30.50.
As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before taking your
dog off an NSAID or when changing dosing. Help your pet this winter
by giving him or her relief from painful joint and arthritis
problems.
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Side Effects and Precautions
If your dog has kidney, lover, heart and intestinal problems be
cautious when administering NSAIDs. Never give your pet
aspirin or corticosteroids along with an NSAID as they may cause
stomach ulcers. If you’re unsure about what or
supplements you can give while they are on an NSAID consult your
veterinarian. Although NSAIDs are non-steroidal they can still have
side effects on your pet. Below are common signs to watch out for:
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Supplements and Additional Care
Outside of giving your dog an NSAID there are a few things that you
can
do
to help your best friend feel his or her best. Acts such as
controlling weight in an obese pet, providing plenty of
exercise, gently massaging the joints and
giving
nutraceutical supplements
can help make a difference in your dogs’ joints. Joint supplements
such as
Joint Max,
Joint Treats and
Arthrin
Buffered Canine Aspirin Soft Chews can help your pet feel
his or her best. Remember using the right joint supplement can
reduce your pets’ need for NSAIDs. At night providing your pet with
a warm and comfortable
bed
can help give them the rest they need.
For more information on NSAID or any of the products mentioned about visit our Pain/ Anti- Inflammatory Section.