Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your Vet.
* Sold as individual 400 mg tablet or 300 mg capsule.
Etodolac is used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever in dogs.
Etodolac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
* Sold as individual 400 mg tablet or 300 mg capsule.
The side effects of concern are the same with all NSAIDs: stomach ulceration, loss of kidney function, and inappropriate bleeding, though etodolac has a special side effect of concern: “Dry Eye” (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). These side effects are dependent on the dose of medication used and on risk factors of the host (for example: an aged pet may not efficiently clear a dose of medication from its body leading to stronger and longer activity of the drug). There is also a particular idiosyncratic reaction for NSAIDs which has received a great deal of press. An idiosyncratic reaction is one that is not dose-dependent nor predictable by any apparent host factor; it simply happens out of the blue. This particular idiosyncratic reaction is a liver toxicity which is so rare that it did not show up in any of the initial 400 test subjects, nor in the U.K. use of the carprofen and was not recognized until carprofen was used in over a million dogs in the U.S. after its release as the first NSAID. While it was carprofen use which allowed this reaction to be discovered, it is now generally agreed that any veterinary NSAID could yield this reaction (simply using an NAID other than carprofen will not prevent this potential reaction). We will review this reaction below. There is an approximately 5% of a dog on etodolac developing nausea, appetite loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If any of the above are noted, etodolac should be discontinued and the dog brought in for a liver enzyme blood test. In most cases, the reaction is minor and resolves with symptomatic relief, but it is important to rule out whether or not the patient has more than just a routine upset stomach.
Pharmacists are standing by to offer Pet Parent counseling regarding prescription medication purchased from WalmartPetRx before and after dispensing. Pharmacists on duty are available Monday-Friday, 9:30AM - 5:30PM EST and will be on call Saturday 12:00PM - 4:00PM EST for consultation.