Arthritis dog treatment with carprofen (novox)

Providing a dog treatment for canine arthritis is an important task for many pet owners with older animals. If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis or a similar degenerative bone or joint condition, the exact treatment that`s best for him will depend heavily upon his symptoms and overall health condition. What works well for one animal will not necessarily benefit another. However, some medicines are generally more effective than others. Many veterinarians utilize Carprofen as a tool to combat the effects of canine arthritis.

Basics of Carprofen

Carprofen is often referred to by its most common brand name formulations. It is specifically designed for veterinary medicine, and Novox and Rimadyl are two of the most common labeled drugs containing Carprofen as an active ingredient. There are other generic forms of the drug available as well, although all require a veterinarian`s prescription in order to purchase and utilize.

Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It functions to reduce swelling and inflammation within your pet`s body by prohibiting the creation of certain chemicals that contribute to these effects. As a result of its wide applicability, veterinarians will commonly prescribe this drug to address issues ranging from minor injuries to surgeries and a variety of diseases and other conditions. Because canine arthritis involves a swelling and inflammation of your pet`s joints, Carprofen can help to reduce the symptoms of this disease.

Treating Your Pet with Carprofen

Before you can begin treating your pet`s arthritis with Carprofen, consult with a veterinarian. If you haven`t already, you`ll have to have your pet examined and fully diagnosed before beginning any treatment program. There are a number of different ailments that could present symptoms similar to those of arthritis, and your vet will want to be sure to have properly identified the condition your pet is suffering from.

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Exact dosage planning for a Carprofen treatment schedule depends primarily upon your dog`s weight. Your vet may also take into account factors like the progression of his arthritis, other drugs in his system and known allergies. Typically, Carprofen is available in tablet form and is provided along with meals. However, injectable formulations of the drug are available for dogs that refuse to eat the tablets.

It`s crucial that you work closely with a vet as you treat your pet`s arthritis, so that you can monitor his reaction to the drug. While Carprofen is generally safe for use in dogs, it may cause certain side effects. Occasionally, dogs taking Carprofen will experience gastrointestinal damage like ulcers, vomiting or diarrhea. They may also, in very rare cases, have seizures and blood cell production problems. As with other NSAIDs, it`s important that you continue through the full run of Carprofen as recommended by your veterinarian. If he experiences any negative reactions to the drug, take him to the vet immediately.

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While canine arthritis cannot be fully cured, drugs like Carprofen can greatly increase your pet`s comfort level and allow him greater mobility, effectively reducing the symptoms of the condition.

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