side effects of Deramaxx for dogs & alternatives
What is Deramaxx for Dogs?
Deramaxx (generic name deracoxib), a prescription drug, is a form of a non-narcotic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for dogs. It is said to be effective in controlling and reducing pain and inflammation, specifically if it’s associated with canine arthritis and chronic osteoarthritis.
Dosage of Deramaxx
Deramaxx should be given to your dog according to the veterinarian’s prescription or instructions. These are the usual recommended dosages of Deramax depending on the case:
- Post-operative orthopedic pain and inflammation – 1.4 to 1.8 mg per pound of your dog’s weight, per day, single daily dose, up to 7 days.
- Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation – 0.45 to 0.91 mg per pound of your dog’s weight, per day, single daily dose, as needed.
- Post-operative dental pain and inflammation – 0.45 to 0.91 mg per pound of your dog’s weight, per day, single daily dose, for 3 days.
Deramaxx is available in 12 mg, 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg beef-flavored chewable tablets. It is given orally, but best given with food.
Side Effects of Deramaxx
Just like any other NSAIDs, Deramaxx also has adverse effects or side effects—and when they say side effects, it means a really long list. Here are the potential side effects that your dog may encounter while taking Deramaxx:
General Side Effects
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- General malaise
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
Gastrointestinal (GI) Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Hypersalivation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting with or without blood
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Elevated lipase and amylase
- Melena or black and tarry stools
- Peritonitis or abdominal cavity inflammation
- GI ulceration or thinning of the mucosal lining
- GI perforation or hole through the mucosal lining
- Hematochezia or fresh, bright red blood in stool
- Decreased or increased in total protein and globulin
Hematologic Side Effects
- Thrombocytopenia or decreased platelet levels
- Leukocytosis or elevated white blood cell levels
- Leukocytopenia or decreased white blood cell levels
- Anemia or decreased red blood cell count or dysfunctional red blood cells
Hepatic Side Effects
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Ascites or abdominal fluid accumulation
- Decreased Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Jaundice
Neurological Side Effects
- Falling
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Head tilts
- Trembling
- Confusion
- Walking in circles
- Hindlimb weakness
- Involuntary eye movement
- Inability to use paws properly
- Loss of balance and coordination
Behavioral Side Effects
- Aggression
- Nervousness
- Hyperactivity
- Apprehension
Urological Side Effects
- Elevated BUN (Decreased Blood Urea Nitrogen)
- Excessive thirst
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary tract infection
- Elevated blood phosphate levels
- Impaired kidney function, including kidney failure
Dermatological Side Effects
- Ulceration
- Skin Reddening
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Skin rash or allergic reaction
- Raw, irritated, and painful skin lesions
- Constant itching, scratching, and chew on the skin
Respiratory Side Effects
- Panting
- Nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing, sometimes uncontrollable
Cardiovascular
- Heart murmur
- Slow heart rate
- Rapid heart rate
- Abrupt loss of heart function
Sensory and Ophthalmic Side Effects
- Imbalance
- Dry eye
- Blindness
- Glazed eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Conjunctivitis
- Uveitis
Again, these are just possible or potential side effects. You have to monitor your dog closely when he’s taking this medicine. You also have to be careful not to overdose your dog with Deramaxx as he may suffer from serious conditions or complications. Listed below are the symptoms that your dog is being overdosed:
- Melena
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Little or no urine production
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Inappetance
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty breathing
When you see any of these symptoms, act immediately and bring your pet for an emergency veterinary medical treatment. In extreme cases, overdosing may cause comatose.
Cost of Deramaxx
Deramaxx’s price depends on mg per chewable tablet (CT) and how many chewable tablets are there in one bottle. Here’s a rough guide on the drug’s pricing:
- Deramaxx 25 mg (30 CT) – approximately $50
- Deramaxx 25 mg (90 CT) – approximately $140
- Deramaxx 75 mg (30 CT) – approximately $80
- Deramaxx 75 mg (90 CT) – approximately $200
- Deramaxx 100 mg (30 CT) – approximately $100
- Deramaxx 100 mg (90 CT) – approximately $300
Where to Buy Deramaxx for Dogs
You can buy deramaxx here.
Interaction with Other Drugs
As revealed in studies, Deramaxx tablets may safely be used along with other medications such as heartworm preventatives, anthelmintics, anesthetics, pre-anesthetics, and antibiotics. If there’s a need for an additional pain reliever after a daily dose of Deramaxx, a non-NSAID or non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary.
As a type of NSAID, Deramaxx may be associated with gastrointestinal ulceration. Therefore, using other anti-inflammatory drugs like other NSAIDs or corticosteroids should be avoided while taking Deramaxx.
Please talk to your veterinarian before giving any over-the-counter medications to your dog like aspirin, cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication while he’s on treatment with Deramaxx.
Ingredients in Deramaxx
Deracoxib is the active ingredient in Deramaxx, it is known to relieve pain and is an anti-inflammatory drug.
Deramaxx Alternatives
Seeing your furry friend in pain may seem unbearable, but if you’re one of the people who don’t want to just give medicines, especially given the long list of potential side effects, you may think of giving a natural alternative. Here are a few natural alternatives that are proven to relieve pain in dogs:
- Turmeric – also used by people, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory property and is very effective against canine osteoarthritis.
- Comfrey – an herb known for hundreds of years for easing pain and inflammation.
- Licorice – from the pea family, this is an herb with fascinating anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to be highly effective for treating arthritis and other pain-related conditions.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) oil – extracted from a special strain of hemp and contains zero to less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical that is responsible for psychological effects. That amount is far too small to harm your pet when CBD oil is properly dosed. CBD oil is proven to help in pain management especially in canines who suffer from mobility issues, persistent pain and inflammation, or chronic conditions such as arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Apart from this, CBD oil is known to cure other diseases in dogs, thus improving your canine companion’s quality of life. This has been extensively researched over the years and is a very good alternative to NSAIDs like Deramaxx.
It is scary and unbearable to see pets suffer from pain. But, you have to be very careful when trying to look for medicine or any natural alternatives. Always communicate and coordinate everything with your dog’s veterinarian. Remember, a pain reliever like NSAIDs are just like a bandage. They help in your dog’s pain management at first. But, if you do not identify the root or cause of pain and find a cure for it, sooner or later when the cause is not prevented and cured, no more medicine will work to ease the pain.
References
https://www.1800petmeds.com/Deramaxx-prod10456.html
https://www.honestpaws.com/blogs/medication/deramaxx
https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/deracoxib-deramaxx
https://www.drugs.com/vet/deramaxx-chewable-tablets.html
https://www.certapet.com/deramaxx/
https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-improved-pet-mobility/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476