Arthritis is a common cause of pain in dogs and is often a chronic, persistent ailment. However, there are options available to help your dog deal with the pain associated with chronic arthritis. Deramaxx for dogs is one of these options.
What is Deramaxx?
Deramaxx is a prescription drug used for controlling pain associated with chronic arthritis in dogs or pain associated with orthopedic surgeries performed in dogs. Deramaxx contains a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) known as deracoxib.
Deramaxx is available as a chewable tablet provided in three different dosing sizes: Deramaxx 25 mg, Deramaxx 50 mg and Deramaxx 75 mg. Deramaxx must be prescribed by your veterinarian and your veterinarian will help you determine the proper dosage for your dog, depending on your dog's individual needs. It is usually recommended to be administered once daily and can be given with or without food, although with food is the preferred method.
What to Expect when Your Dog is Taking Deramaxx for Arthritis
When used as a canine arthritis medication, Deramaxx will not cure the dog's arthritis. However, Deramaxx will decrease the amount of inflammation in your dog's arthritic joints and decrease your dog's arthritis pain. Because canine arthritis is a chronic condition, any arthritis medication for dogs will likely need to be given periodically throughout the remainder of your dog's lifetime and Deramaxx is no exception to this rule.
When Deramaxx is administered as an arthritis medication for dogs, affected dogs should be expected to exhibit less pain and stiffness and be more active and comfortable. If your dog is taking Deramaxx for arthritis, your dog should limp less and show fewer signs of lameness, should be able to sit, stand, run, jump and climb stairs more comfortably and should have less stiffness in the joints and increased movement in the joints.
Using Deramaxx Following Orthopedic Surgery for Your Dog
Deramaxx can also be used to control pain and inflammation resulting from orthopedic (bone or joint) surgery and your veterinarian may dispense Deramaxx for your dog if your dog has undergone this type of surgery. In this case, Deramaxx would likely need to be administered only until your dog has recovered from the surgical procedure and until your dog's post-surgical pain has resolved.
Deramaxx Side Effects
Deramaxx side effects are usually mild and self-limiting but, as with any other NSAID medication, side effects rarely can be more serious.
Potential side effects when administering Deramaxx to your dog may include:
- vomiting
- change in color or consistency of your dog's feces
- increased thirst
- increased urine volume
- decreased appetite
- depression or restlessness
If your dog is receiving Deramaxx and you notice these types of symptoms, you should discontinue giving the Deramaxx tablets and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Deramaxx should not be given concurrently with other NSAID medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, Rimadyl, etc) or with corticosteriods (prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, etc). Administering these medications simultaneously can cause serious side effects for your dog. Be certain to advise your veterinarian of any medications you have given your dog in the past or any medications you are planning to give your dog along with the Deramaxx medication. Your veterinarian needs to know about medications prescribed by another veterinarian as well as any over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements or any dietary supplements.
In addition, tell your veterinarian if your dog:
- has been vomiting or had diarrhea
- has had kidney or liver problems in the past
- has not been eating
- has had reactions to Deramaxx or other medications in the past
As with any other medication, keep Deramaxx out of the reach of children. Deramaxx is meant to be administered only to dogs and should not be taken by people.
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