Caring for Pets, Disc Disease and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

To treat dogs with disc disease, many medications and supplements are used:

• Omega 3 fatty acids,
• homeopathic medications,
• flower remedies,
• Chinese herbs,
• Western herbs,
• joint supplements and
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Of these, NSAIDs have the greatest potential to cause harm.

Examples of NSAIDs prescribed for dogs with disc disease, arthritis, and other bone and joint problems are EtoGesic, Rimadyl, Metacam, and Piroxicam. These NSAIDs are best used for short periods to control pain, but not for long periods because their potential for causing side effects is too great.

For information on how serious side effects from NSAIDs are, check out Advice to Dog Owners Whose Pets Take NSAIDs on the FDA’s website that warns pet owners not to be complacent with NSAID use: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/FdaVetFirst2006.htm#6059.

Another FDA site discussing NSAIDs is Pain Drugs for Dogs: Be an Informed Pet Owner. You’ll learn NSAIDs can cause bleeding ulcers, kidney disease, and liver disease. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/506_nsaid.html.

As though the potential for causing side effects were not enough to discourage NSAID use in dogs with disc disease, NSAIDs also damage joint cells and delay their return to normal. This is the opposite of the effect that joint supplements have.

When a dog is in extreme pain from disc disease, we’re willing to accept the potential for side effects and the joint damage, but as soon as possible, we stop NSAIDs and switch dogs to other medications. Continued use of NSAIDs indicates a complacency that can lead to long-term problems. Dogs with disc disease do not improve in an atmosphere of complacency.