Evaluation of adverse effects of long-term orally administered carprofen in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the adverse effects of carprofen in dogs after oral administration for 2 months.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
22 dogs with osteoarthritis in the hip or elbow joint.


METHODS
13 dogs received orally administered carprofen daily for 2 months, and 9 dogs received a placebo for 2 months. Dogs were weighed, and serum and urine samples were collected before initiation of treatment and 4 and 8 weeks after initiation of treatment. Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea, and creatinine and serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Urinary ALP-to-creatinine, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)-to-creatinine, and protein-to-creatinine ratios were calculated. Dogs were observed by owners for adverse effects.


RESULTS
Serum protein and albumin concentrations were lower in treated dogs than in those that received placebo at 4 weeks, but not at 8 weeks. No changes were observed in serum urea or creatinine concentrations; ALP or ALT activity; or urinary ALP-to-creatinine, GGT-to-creatinine, or protein-to-creatinine ratios. Dogs' weights did not change. Severity of vomiting, diarrhea, and skin reactions did not differ between groups, but appetite was better in dogs receiving carprofen than in dogs in the placebo group.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible that the transient decreases in serum protein and albumin concentrations in dogs that received carprofen were caused by altered mucosal permeability of the gastrointestinal tract because no indications of renal or hepatic toxicity were observed. Carprofen appeared to be well tolerated by dogs after 2 months of administration.
Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
Marja R
MR
Raekallio
Anna K
AK
Hielm-Björkman
Johanna
J
Kejonen
Hanna M
HM
Salonen
Satu M
SM
Sankari
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007677:Kidney Function Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008111:Liver Function Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000662:veterinary
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001798:Blood Proteins; D002227:Carbazoles; D012709:Serum Albumin; C007005:carprofen