Gastrointestinal tract perforation in dogs treated with a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor: 29 cases (2002-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with gastrointestinal tract perforation in dogs being treated with a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (deracoxib).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
29 dogs.


METHODS
The Novartis Animal Health pharmacovigilance database was searched for records of dogs treated with deracoxib in which gastrointestinal tract perforation was documented. Results-16 of the 29 (55%) dogs had received deracoxib at a dosage higher than that approved by the FDA for the particular indication being treated, with 25 (86%) dogs having received deracoxib at a dosage > 2 mg/kg/d (0.9 mg/lb/d). Seventeen (59%) dogs had received at least 1 other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a corticosteroid in close temporal association (within 24 hours) with deracoxib administration (ie, immediately before or following). In all, 26 (90%) dogs had received deracoxib at a higher-than-approved dosage or had received at least 1 other NSAID or corticosteroid in close temporal association with deracoxib administration. Twenty dogs died or were euthanatized, and 9 survived.


CONCLUSIONS
In dogs with gastrointestinal tract perforation and that had been treated with deracoxib, perforation was most likely attributable to a number of factors. Deracoxib should only be used at approved dosages. Cortico-steroids and other less selective NSAIDs should not be administered in close temporal association with selective COX-2 inhibitors, including deracoxib. Further study is required to define this problem.
Lascelles
B Duncan X
BD
Comparative Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Blikslager
Anthony T
AT
Fox
Steven M
SM
Reece
Doug
D
D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000401:mortality; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015996:Survival Rate; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D013449:Sulfonamides; C471996:deracoxib; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides