Vet360 Vet360 Vol 4 Issue 6 | Page 31

INTERNAL MEDICINE NSAIDs are highly protein bound and most package inserts will indicate caution when using with other highly protein bound substances and that drug dis- placement from the proteins can occur. The clinical significance of these interactions is likely to be low, and the protein binding displacement interactions involving NSAIDs used for chronic management of osteoarthritis are unlikely to cause adverse effects in patients. 2 • 3. Give the Client Verbal and Written Instructions Give the client verbal and written instructions to avoid contraindicated medications as mentioned above and to discontinue and alert the hospital at the first sign of an adverse event. 1 COX-1 and COX-2 are involved in renal tubular function and renal blood flow regulation; therefore we cannot just assume that COX-1-sparing NSAIDs are safer for the kidneys. 2 NSAIDs cause renal injury through inhibi- tion of prostaglandins important in maintaining renal haemodynamics, although the exact mechanism is not yet understood. 2 Important to note that healthy dogs administered approved doses of NSAIDs are at a low risk for developing renal adverse events. 2 Osteoarthritis is a life-long disease and the client buy in and understanding is the most important aspect to having a successful treatment program for the pa- tient. The client needs to understand the medication pre- scribed and extra time needs to be spent with these clients. This will ultimately lead to improved compli- ance and hopefully the owner will be able to pick up early signs of adverse events. Ensure appropriate hydration and haemodynam- ic status when animals receiving NSAIDs undergo anaesthesia and/or surgical procedures or develop conditions which may result in dehydration or com- promised haemodynamic status. 2 The key aim of in- tervention is to maintain adequate renal perfusion. 4. Recognise Early Signs of Adverse Effects (AEs) and Immediately Withdraw NSAID Treatment It is critical that veterinarians provide the client infor- mation that describes the potential side effects. Signs of gastrointestinal toxicity usually emerge within the first 2 – 4 weeks; however they can occur at any point during administration. 1 What to be aware of is concurrent use of NSAIDs with other potentially nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglyco- sides) is not recommended as it increases the risk of renal injury. 1 Practitioners should also observe addi- tional precautions with renal function due to possible drug interactions with furosemide and use caution with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. 1,2 Recognition of early signs of adverse events, such as inappetence allows early intervention and a better prognosis. 2. Not all Patients are Candidates for NSAIDs Be discriminating in your patient selection and be cau- tious or avoid NSAIDs in patients with the following existing/anticipated conditions: • • • C • Renal dysfunction: the effects of NSAIDs on the renal function of dogs with underlying renal dis- ease have not yet been reported, therefore use cautiously in these patients. 1,2 Hepatic dysfunction: there is very limited data of use of NSAIDs in animals with underlying hepatic disease, and no data indicating increased risk of NSAID hepatic toxicity in these animals If the NSAID dose needs to be reduced due to slower elimination of the drug, (cats or hepatic disease) the drug should be used with caution in these animals. 1,2 Trocoxil Strip adverts 3 x different.pdf 1 Cardiac dysfunction. Low-flow states such as dehydration, hypo- volemia, congestive heart failure, and hypoten- sion. In such cases, IV fluid support and blood pressure monitoring should be available for anaesthetised animals. 1 5. Perform Laboratory Monitoring Frequency of laboratory monitoring depends on the risk factors of the patient. Ideally laboratory monitor- ing should be done within the first month of initiating treatment and then every 6 months thereafter in low- risk patients. For at-risk patients monitoring can be done more fre- quently, such as every 2-4 months depending on the risk-factor assessment. 1 2 Other literature advises to do an initial baseline hepat- ic and renal panels by clinical chemistries before initi- ating chronic NSAID therapy, then testing again in the first two weeks and thereafter periodically. This allows the clinician to assess trends and absolute values and to investigate any increases in hepatic enzymes that 2017/01/18 may occur. 2 07:15:27 AM M Y CM MY New in canine osteoarthritis VETERINARY MEDICINE The continuous path of pain relief with a monthly dose. S4 Trocoxil 20 mg (chewable tablet). Reg. No.: 11/3.1.2.2/02. Each tablet contains 20 mg mavacoxib. S4 Trocoxil 30 mg (chewable tablet). Reg. No.: 11/3.1.2.2/03. Each tablet contains 30 mg mavacoxib. S4 Trocoxil 75 mg (chewable tablet). Reg. No.: 11/3.1.2.2/04. Each tablet contains 75 mg mavacoxib. S4 Trocoxil 95 mg (chewable tablet). Reg. No.: 11/3.1.2.2/05. Each tablet contains 95 mg mavacoxib. Also contains sucrose. For full prescribing information refer to the package ins