The Dangers of Renewing Certain Pet Prescriptions Without Blood Panels
When a pet has a routine checkup and preventative care exam, we understand that pet parents want to be in and out quickly. With most pets, it’s no problem for you to drop in, have a physical examination, administer their vaccine boosters, trim their nails, and be on your way. For pets with prescriptions that are intended for managing chronic pain or diseases, we will need to take a blood test, too. This is especially true when it comes to renewing prescriptions for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications because, without blood panels, these medications may cause issues.
How Are NSAIDs Used in Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinarians primarily prescribe ongoing NSAIDs to help manage pain due to chronic osteoarthritis. These medications are also useful for reducing fever, swelling, and post-operative pain.
The Risks and Side Effects of NSAIDs in Pets
While NSAIDs are a useful pain reduction tool, they can come with some side effects and risks that can be serious.
Gastrointestinal – NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal ulcers that lead to GI upset. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and black or tarry stools need to be monitored closely.
Liver and Kidney – Liver and kidney toxicity and subsequent organ failure are serious risks associated with NSAIDs in pets. As a result, it’s important to screen pets for organ problems prior to administering NSAIDs and to continue monitoring their organ function throughout prolonged use.
If your pet is on NSAIDs, it’s essential for you to monitor them for symptoms such as lethargy, apparent changes in thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody/tarry stools. We recommend running an initial blood panel before administering NSAIDs in addition to follow-up blood tests every six months to check the pet’s liver and kidney function.
Quick Results with In-House Blood Testing
At Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarian Dr. John Lewis understands that both convenience and quality are key when it comes to your pet’s veterinary care. That’s why our clinic is fully equipped with an in-house chemistry lab where we can get your pet’s blood test results quickly. As a result, safely prescribing and renewing anti-inflammatories and other pet meds with care is a breeze. To learn more about your pet’s prescription NSAIDs, our in-house laboratory testing, or to schedule an appointment for your pet’s prescription renewal, contact us today.
