What is Vetprafen? Vetprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that isused to reduce pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritisand pain following surgery in dogs . Vetprofen is a prescription drug for dogs. It is available as a caplet and is given to dogs by mouth.

 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition caused by "wear and tear" ofcartilage and other parts of the joints that may result in the following changes or signs in your dog:

• Limping or lameness

• Decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs,jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities )

• Stiffness or decreased movement of joints.

• To control surgical pain (e.g. for surgeries such as spays, ear proce-dures or orthopedic repairs) your veterinarian may administer Vetprofen before the procedure and recommend that your dog be treated for several days after going home.

 

What kind of results can I expect when my dog is on Vetprofen? While Vetprofen is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can relieve the painand inflammation of OA and improve your dog's mobility. Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic. In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days. If Vetprofen is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog'spain and inflammation may come back.

 

Who should not take Vetprofen? Your dog should not be given Vetprofen if he/she:• Has had an allergic reaction to carprofen, the active ingredient of Vetprofen. Has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example deracoxib, etodolac, firocoxib, meloxicam, phenylbutazone ortepoxalin) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin .Vetprofen should be given to dogs only.Cats should not be given Vetprofen. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives Vetprofen. People should not take Vetprofen . KeepVetprofen and all medicines out of reach of children . Call your physi-cian immediately if you accidentally take Vetprofen.

 

How to give Vetprofen to your dog? Vetprofen should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of Vetprofen is right for your dog and for how long it should be given . Vetprofen should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food.

 

What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving Vetprofen? Talk to your veterinarian about the signs of OA you have observed (for example limping, stiffness). The importance of weight control and exercise in the managementof OA.

 

What tests might be done before Vetprofen is prescribed? How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian. The risks and benefits of using Vetprofen. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has ever had the following medical problems.

 

• Experienced side effects from Vetprofen or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin

• Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)

• Liver disease• Kidney disease

• A bleeding disorder (for example, Von Willebrand's disease)Tell your veterinarian about:

• Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now orhas had.

• All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription .

• Tell your veterinarian if your dog is Pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog .

• stomach (such as bleeding ulcers), and liver or kidney problems

 

Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be havinga problem with Vetprofen or may have another medical problem :

 

• Decrease or increase in appetite

•Vomiting

• Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry orbloody stools)

• Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level,incoordination, seizure or aggression)

• Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

• Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)

• Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell )

• Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)

 

It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immedi-ately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect fromVetprofen therapy. If you have additional questions about possible sideeffects, talk to your veterinarian.

 

Can Vetprofen be given with other medicines? Vetprofen should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin,deracoxib, etodolac, firocoxib, meloxicam, tepoxalin) or steroids (forexample, cortisorrg, dexamethasone, prednisone, triamcinolone).Tell your veterinarian about all medicines you have given your dog in the past, and any medicines that you are planning to give with Vetprofen. This should include other medicines that you can get with-out a prescription . Your veterinarian may want to check that all of yourdog's medicines can be given together.

 

What do I do in case my dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Vetprofen? Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than theprescribed amount of Vetprofen.

 

What else should I know about Vetprofen? talk to your veterinarian. As with all prescribed me dicines, Vetprofen should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your dog only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your dog's response to Vetprofenat regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving Vetprofen