Toxicity to pets

Carprofen is a veterinary-specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is commonly used for osteoarthritis, inflammation, and pain control in dogs. Carprofen is not approved for use in cats.  When ingested in toxic amounts, carprofen can result in severe gastric ulceration and acute kidney failure in both dogs and cats. Signs of posioning include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody vomitus, black-tarry stool, inappetance, lethargy, an increase in  urination or thirst, general malaise, abdominal pain, liver damage with high doses, and seizures or death with extremely large exposures. Rarely, with chronic ingestion, it can result in liver damage in dogs even if not in an overdose situation.

If you suspect your dog or cat was poisoned by an NSAID, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® immediately for life-saving treatment advice. The sooner you treat this, the less expensive and less dangerous to your pet it is!

Common signs to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Bloody vomitus
• Diarrhea
• Black-tarry stool
• Inappetance
• Lethargy
• Increase in urination or thirst
• General malaise
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures