General Description: Etodolac is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to reduce pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis. This medication may be given with or without food. Response varies but in most dogs, improvement will be seen in a few days. Etodolac is available as 150 mg and 300 mg tablets.
What is this drug?
• Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Given to dogs by mouth
Reasons for prescribing?
• Used to reduce pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis in dogs [signs include limping or lameness, decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities), stiffness or decreased movement of joints]
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
• Cats (this medication is for dogs only). Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives etodolac
• Has had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient etodolac
• Has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example, carprofen or phenylbutazone) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin
Directions:
Etodolac should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of etodolac is right for your dog and for how long it should be given.
Etodolac should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food.
While etodolac is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can relieve the pain and inflammation of OA and improve your dog’s mobility.
Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic.
In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days.
If etodolac is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog’s pain and inflammation may return.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
• The signs of OA you have observed (for example, limping, stiffness)
• The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of OA
• What tests might be done before etodolac is prescribed
• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian
• The risks and benefits of using etodolac
Tell your veterinarian about:
• Experienced side effects from etodolac or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin
• Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
• Liver and kidney disease
• A bleeding disorder (for example, Von Willebrand’s disease)
• Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had
• All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription
• If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
For use in dogs only. Do not use in cats.
People should not take etodolac. Keep etodolac and all medicine out of reach of children.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take etodolac.
Potential side effects?
Etodolac, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including etodolac. Serious side effects can occur with or without warning and in rare situations result in death.
The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach (such as bleeding ulcers), and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with etodolac or may have another medical problem:
• Decrease or increase in appetite
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools)
• Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
• Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
• Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)
• Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from etodolac therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian.
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Etodolac should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, carprofen) or steroids (for example, cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone).
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of etodolac.
What else should I know?
This sheet provides a summary of information about etodolac. If you have any questions or concerns about etodolac or osteoarthritis pain, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, etodolac should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your dog only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your dog’s response to etodolac at regular check ups.
Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving etodolac.
