Ketoprofen

Major Uses

Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly used in dogs, cats and horses. It is primarily used in horses to treat inflammation and pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders. It also has some use in treating analgesia in cats, and in treating dogs for inflammation, lameness, and pain caused by osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, disc disease, spondylosis, panosteitis, trauma, post-surgical pain, and fever symptoms.

Common Precautions

Caution should be exercised when using ketoprofen in patients suffering from GI ulceration, bleeding, or renal or hepatic impairment. Ketoprofen has also been known to cover up clinical signs of infection. Patients with hypoproteinemia should use caution, as ketoprofen can increase the risks of toxicity.

Horses using ketoprofen may experience negative side effects such as gastric mucosal damage and GI ulceration, necrosis, renal crest, and mild hepatitis. Dogs and cats may experience adverse effects such as vomiting, anorexia, and GI ulcers.

Ketoprofen should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected, the symptoms of which can be GI ulcers, renal toxicity, severe laminitis, anorexia, depression, icterus, abdominal swelling, and gastrointestinal and renal effects.

Storage

Ketoprofen must be stored in a light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. It should be kept in a place where children and pets will not be able to reach it.

Administration

When being used as an anti-inflammatory/analgesic in dogs, a typical dose of ketoprofen is .25-2 mg/kg once daily for up to 30 days depending on the treatment. For cats, a typical dose is 1-2 mg/kg once daily 3-5 days. When treating horses, a typical dose is 2.2 mg/kg once daily for up to 5 days. Should a scheduled dose be forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular medication administration schedule should resume. Two doses of ketoprofen should not be administered at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.