Pain Medication for Pets May Affect Brain

If pets’ brains work like rat brains, pets on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Rimadyl or EtoGesic may not be as sharp as they used to be. A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found long-term use of the NSAID ibuprofen made it more difficult for rats to think.

Dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia are often given NSAIDs for long-term use. Some of these dogs are already senior pets so they may be experiencing a natural decline in cognitive ability. Unfortunately, NSAID use may make it even more difficult for these dogs to function as they should.

It may be possible to switch or alternate with other methods of pain control to preserve pets’ mental function and control pain. For example, painful arthritis may be controlled with injectable Adequan. Adequan helps make joints become more mobile because it improves cartilage and joint fluid. Adequan decreases pain caused when bones rub together so that pets walk more normally.

In addition to using injectable Adequan, there are oral alternatives to NSAIDs, including joint medications with MSM. MSM works to control pain, rather like aspirin, but has no side effects—stomach ulcers, kidney and liver damage. In addition, cats and dogs can use GlycoFlex and Cosequin for arthritic joint pain.

If your pets won’t swallow pills, use powdered flax seed supplements with glucosamine.

Given the wonderful and safe alternatives to NSAIDs, it’s possible to keep pets pain-free and smart.