NSAIDS Vs. Steroids for Dogs

Whether your dog is a severe allergy dog or has severe arthritis, chances are, you have been on a steroid or NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug) at one point or another. Steroids have had their place in medicine for quite some time now. Years back, steroids were used for everything from allergies to pain. The steroids block the inflammatory process and decrease allergy symptoms. Over the years, research has been done and cases have been followed that have been using steroids. This type of drug is harmful on the liver after long-term use and in some, short-term use.

Veterinarians are now resorting to NSAIDS more than steroids. The question is, how much safer is an NSAID than a steroid? NSAIDS still pose a risk of damaging the liver, but not as heavy as a steroid. Blood work should be run every 6 months to monitor the liver enzymes and make sure that the drug is not adversely affecting the liver. Some patients will react more to the drug than others and their liver will not do as well. Others will do just fine on the drug and will never have an elevation in their liver enzymes.

Many people say that they would never use steroids on themselves let alone their own pet. Granted, steroids are not the best for the body, they still hold their place in medicine. Things such as autoimmune diseases are treated with steroids to suppress the immune system. Chronic allergies are treated and do wonderfully with steroids, chronic ear infections, etc. all do well with steroids. Long term use is what is not good and most veterinarians steer away from long term use.If your dog has severe arthritis and is on an NSAID, make sure that you are bringing him/her in every 6 months to test the liver enzymes. The last thing you want is liver failure secondary to NSAID administration in your pet. Those pets that have pre-existing liver conditions may not be able to take NSAIDS or steroids. If this is the case, there are other medications out there that your dog can be on. Tramadol, for example, is a drug that has no undesirable effects on the liver and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. If you are concerned with having your pet take any type of pain medication, consult with your veterinarian. He/she will be able to help you out tremendously with any questions that you may have regarding NSAIDS, steroids, or other analgesics.