Etodolac
Also known as: EtoGesic, Lodine
**Administration**: Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It is often best given with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. **Watch for Side Effects**: Stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences: * Vomiting or regurgitation * Diarrhea or dark, tarry stools (melena) * Loss of appetite or extreme lethargy * Increased thirst or urination **Eye Health**: Rarely, this drug can cause "dry eye" (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Watch for excessive squinting, redness, or thick, sticky eye discharge. > **WARNING**: Never give this medication to cats or other pets, as it can be highly toxic and potentially fatal to them. Keep out of reach of all animals and children.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
- Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Hypoproteinemia
- Urticaria
- Behavioral changes
- Inappetence
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
- Nephrotoxicity (rare)
- Localized pain or tissue reactions at injection site
- Decreased total serum T4
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to etodolac
- Dogs less than 12 months of age
- Breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs (safe use not established)
- Cats (highly sensitive to toxicity)
- Use with caution in dogs with preexisting or occult **GI, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, or hematologic abnormalities** as NSAIDs may exacerbate these conditions. > **Important**: Patients may be more susceptible to renal injury from etodolac if they are dehydrated, on diuretics, or have preexisting renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular dysfunction. Terminate therapy if inappetence, vomiting, fecal abnormalities, or anemia are observed.
Drug interactions
- ACE Inhibitors (enalapril, benazepril): May reduce antihypertensive effects and increase the risk for renal injury.
- Aspirin: May decrease etodolac plasma levels and increase likelihood of GI adverse effects (blood loss). Concomitant use is not recommended.
- Cyclosporine: May increase cyclosporine blood levels and increase the risk for nephrotoxicity.
- Digoxin: May increase serum levels of digoxin. Use with caution in severe cardiac failure.
- Furosemide & other diuretics: May reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of furosemide.
- Methotrexate: Serious toxicity has occurred with concomitant NSAID use.
- Nephrotoxic agents (amphotericin B, aminoglycosides, cisplatin): Potential for increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Phenobarbital: May increase the metabolism of etodolac in dogs.
- Probenecid: May cause a significant increase in serum levels and half-life of etodolac.
- Warfarin: May increase the risk for bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
What is Etodolac used for in pets?
**Administration**: Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It is often best given with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. **Watch for Side Effects**: Stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences: * Vomiting or regurgitation * Diarrhea or dark, tarry stools (melena) * Loss of appetite or extreme lethargy * Increased thirst or urination **Eye Health**: Rarely, this drug can cause "dry eye" (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Watch for excessive squinting, redness, or thick, sticky eye discharge. > **WARNING**: Never give this medication to cats or other pets, as it can be highly toxic and potentially fatal to them. Keep out of reach of all animals and children.
Is Etodolac safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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