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18 results for “NSAIDs”
Dog at 7 Is Like a Human at 50: Early Signs of Senior Dog Diseases
At 7, every dog, large or small, has entered its senior years and organs start declining faster. Studies show kidney filtration drops 12-18% and joint cartilage wears three times quicker after 7. Many early signs get mistaken for "normal aging" and missed. Watch for osteoarthritis (stiff rising, hesitant stairs, liking soft beds), dental disease (red bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, favoring soft food), chronic kidney disease (drinking and urinating more, later ammonia breath and weight loss), and cognitive dysfunction (getting lost at home, night waking, forgetting house-training). These diseases can't be cured, but early action slows them and extends life.
What Is Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Why It Is Dangerous for Dogs
Acetaminophen, sold under brand names such as Tylenol, is a common over-the-counter pain reliever for people. Many dog owners wonder whether it is safe to share a human medicine cabinet with their pet. The short answer is that acetaminophen is not an NSAID, can lower fever and dull pain, but must never be given without veterinary guidance, and is flatly toxic to cats. Understanding how it works and where the real dangers lie helps you avoid a costly and potentially fatal mistake.
How to Prevent Respiratory Infections in Dogs in Winter
Respiratory disease peaks in winter and during seasonal changes, and is the most common problem seen in clinics. By site it splits into upper respiratory tract (URT) and lower respiratory tract (LRT) infection. URT is mostly viral with secondary bacteria and causes nasal discharge, sneezing, and nosebleeds; LRT is mainly bacterial and brings cough and breathing trouble. Diagnosis separates viral from bacterial with blood work and chest X-rays, and treatment uses vaccines, antivirals, and antibiotics such as doxycycline and enrofloxacin, plus cough and fever control.
Why a Dog That Stops Moving in Winter May Have Arthritis
As the deep cold of winter sets in, some owners notice their dog no longer wants to go out or play, blaming the weather, but the real cause may be osteoarthritis. OA affects 30 to 50 percent of dogs and cats and is not only age-related; even young dogs can develop it, with breed, age, sex, weight, and genetics all playing a role. It is a whole-joint disease where cartilage breakdown outpaces repair. Signs include less activity, stiffness after rest, painful swollen joints, and irritability. Management combines weight control, sensible exercise, NSAIDs for pain, and therapy with joint supplements.
How to Prevent Gastric Ulcers in Dogs
A gastric ulcer in dogs is a chronic sore between the cardia and pylorus that can penetrate the full thickness of the stomach lining, and most cases trace back to serious illness such as kidney failure or tumors. They arise from stress, drug side effects (especially NSAIDs and steroids, with ibuprofen especially dangerous), excess acid, poor feeding, or toxins and other diseases. Signs include vomit that looks like coffee grounds, belly pain, weight loss, and black tarry stools. Diagnosis uses blood work, X-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy, and treatment targets the cause while curbing acid with antacids and acid blockers.
Why Does My Cat Always Lie Down? Understanding Feline Arthritis
If your cat spends most of its time lying down, walks with a limp, or refuses to be touched on the hind legs, it may be suffering from arthritis—a condition that affects up to 90% of cats as they age. Arthritis is the inflammation and degeneration of joint cartilage, most often secondary (degenerative) arthritis, which worsens as cats grow older. Cats are masters at hiding pain, so signs like reluctance to jump, reduced grooming, increased sleeping, and irritability can easily go unnoticed. Causes include aging, genetics, obesity, injury, and acromegaly. Treatment combines veterinarian-supervised medication (NSAIDs such as meloxicam), weight management with omega-3 and glucosamine supplements, and environmental adjustments like steps and soft bedding. Prevention starts with a healthy diet and keeping your cat lean.
Canine Hip Dysplasia: A ‘Destiny’ for Large Breeds?
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary joint fault where the ball and socket fit poorly, loosening the joint and eventually causing arthritis. Large breeds like Golden, Lab, and Shepherd are most at risk. Early signs are subtle—occasional hind-limb limping, slow rising, reluctance on stairs—while advanced cases show a swaying gait and muscle loss. X-rays and PennHIP confirm it; weight control, gentle exercise, joint supplements, and vet-guided pain care slow its course.
Which human medications can kill a dog quickly?
Several human medications are toxic enough to kill a dog at sufficient dose. Acetaminophen cold medicines can cause liver necrosis, vomiting, rapid breathing, and abdominal pain, fatal if untreated; caffeine- and pseudoephedrine-containing drugs can trigger racing heart and seizures. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin), benzodiazepine sleep aids, and strychnine-containing herbal medicines can also cause sudden death.
Peripheral Nerve Injury in Dogs and Cats
Peripheral nerve injury in dogs and cats results from blunt trauma, falls, tumors, or irritating injections near a nerve, producing partial loss of sensation, weak reflexes, and eventually muscle atrophy. Prompt treatment of the cause and supportive nerve care improve the outlook.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs and Cats
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when a degenerate disc bulges or herniates and compresses the spinal cord, causing pain, incoordination, and paralysis. It is most common in small or older chondrodystrophic dogs and rarely resolves without treatment.