NSAIDs vs. steroids?
How long should a dog stay on medications to get the swelling down?
Why is Pepcid AC needed?
 |
2. Steroids are the most powerful of anti-inflammatories. The non-steroid anti-inflammtory drugs (NSAIDS) are the lesser of anti-inflammatories. 3. When there are solely pain symptoms with a disc episode and no neuro diminishment, many vets often choose a NSAID. Other vets choose to start with a steroid to avoid dealing with the washout issue should the NSAID end up not being enough to deal with inflammation. Mild episodes can have the possiblity to progress to a more severe case. Should neuro functions begin to diminish, then a vet has a very, very serious consideration to make. Usually a 4-7 day washout is ideal to avoid double GI tract jeopardy with a switch from the NSAID class to the steroid class. When nerve function is being lost, the spinal cord takes priority over a washout. With an emergency the GI tract is double protected with not only continued use of Pepcid AC, but the addition of sucralfate. 4. All anti-inflammatories whether they be from the steroid class or the NSAID class increase the chance of serious GI toxicity such as bleeding and ulceration A stomach protector such as Pepcid AC (famotidine) reduces production of acids. Pepcid AC is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach.
Disclaimer:
|
