Diseases of the musculoskeletal system occur not only in humans, but also in dogs. These pathologies are accompanied by severe pain and prevent the animal from leading its former active lifestyle. In such cases, veterinarians prescribe Norocarp tablets for dogs. This tool helps to quickly relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process. In the article we will consider the indications for taking the drug, recommended dosages and analogues of the drug.
Composition and action
The active component of Norocarp tablets for dogs is carprofen. This substance does not belong to steroid hormones, but at the same time it has anti-inflammatory effect. It eliminates pain and lowers the temperature.
With inflammation, the body produces lipid substances - prostaglandins. They cause tissue flushing, pain and swelling. Karprofen inhibits their formation. This leads to a significant improvement in the condition of the animal.
The active component of the drug belongs to the latest generation of non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. Carprofen does not affect the functioning of the kidneys, liver and stomach. Undesirable effects during the course of treatment occur much less often than when taking other pain medication.
Carprofen is rapidly absorbed into the blood. Already after 1 - 3 hours after taking the tablets, the dog decreases pain and the temperature decreases. This tool helps to quickly improve the well-being of the animal. After 16 to 18 hours after administration, carprofen is removed from the body through the intestines.
The drug is produced in various dosages. Each tablet may contain 20, 50 or 100 mg of active substance.
Indications
The instruction on the use of Norocarp tablets for dogs recommends using this remedy for acute and chronic joint diseases:
- arthritis;
- osteochondrosis;
- arthrosis;
- vertebral hernias;
- tendon inflammation.
The drug helps to relieve pain and injuries:
- fractures;
- sprains;
- bruises;
- dislocation.
Tablets can be given to a dog even at high temperature during inflammation. They will help relieve fever and improve the condition of the animal.
In addition, the drug is indicated for dogs after surgery. This quickly eliminates the pain associated with surgery.
Contraindications
In no case should the drug be given to an animal if the pet has an increased sensitivity to non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. Taking pills should be stopped if the dog has the following symptoms:
- diarrhea;
- itching and inflammation of the skin;
- vomiting
In such cases, you should contact your veterinarian about replacing the medicine.
If in the past the pet has had cases of allergic reactions to Aspirin, then it is impossible to take Norocarp. Hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid is usually combined with poor tolerance of carprofen and other non-steroidal drugs to relieve inflammation and pain.
The medicine is strictly contraindicated for small puppies under the age of 6 months, as well as for pregnant and lactating animals.
Instructions for use "Norocarp" for dogs also does not recommend taking pills for the following diseases and conditions:
- ulcers in the digestive tract;
- pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- dehydration;
- lack of weight;
- severe renal and hepatic insufficiency;
- blood circulation disorders;
- low blood pressure.
These pathologies are relative contraindications for taking the drug. If the above diseases are in remission, then, in case of urgent need, the veterinarian may prescribe Norocarp. However, in such cases, a reduced dosage of tablets and constant monitoring by a doctor over the condition of the animal are necessary.
Unwanted effects
Pills "Norocarp" for dogs belong to the 3rd class of dangerous drugs. This means that they cause unwanted effects only if there are contraindications, an overdose or hypersensitivity to carprofen. Such a medicine can not be used alone. It can be given to an animal only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.
The instruction for Norocarp tablets for dogs warns of the following side effects:
- Dyspeptic symptoms. Animals with hypersensitivity to anti-inflammatory drugs may experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Deteriorating appetite. Some dogs refuse to eat while taking the drug.
- Itchy skin. This symptom is noted in dogs allergic to carprofen.
- Depressed state. Some animals experience lethargy, weakness and apathy during the course of treatment.
- Gastric bleeding. The allocation of blood from the gastrointestinal tract is most often noted with an overdose of the drug, as well as in the treatment of dogs with stomach ulcers.
If such symptoms occur, you should immediately stop taking the tablets and consult a veterinarian.
Admission Rules
The Norocarp instruction for dogs recommends calculating the amount of the drug based on the dosage - 4 mg of the drug per 1 kg of animal weight. For small dogs, the tablet must be carefully divided into several parts. The daily dose is divided into two doses.
The drug is recommended to be given to the animal during meals, as its active component irritates the gastric mucosa.
If the dog cannot swallow the medicine, then it is allowed to grind the tablets. The resulting powder can be mixed into the feed. You can also add crushed tablets to water and pour into the jaws of the animal with a syringe.
If the drug was accidentally missed, then you do not need to give the dog a double dose of the drug. In this case, it is enough to return to the usual regimen.
The duration of taking Norocarp tablets for dogs may vary. In inflammatory joint diseases, the animal is given 4 mg of medicine per 1 kg of weight during the week, and then they switch to a dosage of 2 mg / kg. The drug is used until the animal has fully recovered. In chronic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, lifelong administration of tablets is possible.
If the drug is used to relieve pain after operations, then the tablets are given to the dog one-time. If necessary, the reception is repeated after 24 hours.
special instructions
Norocarp tablets for dogs can interact with other drugs. This drug can not be used in conjunction with the following groups of medicines:
- other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- anticoagulants;
- diuretics;
- corticosteroid hormones.
You can start taking Norocarp only 24 hours after the cancellation of the above medicines. Otherwise, the risk of unwanted effects increases.
Price and analogues
The cost of “Norocarp” for dogs in pharmacy chains is from 2,000 to 4,500 rubles per 100 tablets. The price of the drug depends on the dosage. Blisters containing 10 tablets are also available. Their cost is from 200 to 450 rubles.
Pet owners are often interested in cheaper drugs with similar effects. The full structural analogues of the drug include:
Consider these tools in more detail. Their active substance is also carprofen. The drug "Ketofen" can be used to treat small puppies aged 1.5 months. This medicine is available in the form of tablets and a solution for injections. Its price is from 500 to 1,000 rubles.
Rimadil in tablets contains various flavoring additives. Also, this tool is available in injectable form. In terms of its effect on the body, this medicine is practically no different from Norocarp. The cost of the drug is from 500 to 800 rubles.
Veterinarian reviews
Veterinarians speak of Norocarp as a fairly powerful painkiller. It is prescribed only for severe pain. Before the course of treatment, experts recommend a blood test to the animal. Anti-inflammatory drugs adversely affect the coagulation process and can cause bleeding.
Experts recommend monitoring the stool of the animal during the course of treatment. If the dog during therapy has diarrhea with an admixture of blood, then the tablets must be canceled.
Veterinarians also note that Norocarp irritates the gastric mucosa. Therefore, experts simultaneously prescribe the drug “Ranitidine”, which reduces the production of gastric juice. This allows you to reduce the aggressive effect of carprofen on the digestive tract.
Dog Owner Reviews
Owners of animals leave positive reviews about Norocarp for dogs. With arthritis and osteochondrosis, this medicine quickly eliminates pain in the neck and paws. After a two-week course of treatment, lameness disappeared in dogs. Animals quickly returned to their former active lifestyle.
You can also find negative reviews about the drug. They are associated with side effects of the drug. In some animals, diarrhea, refusal of food and water, and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract were noted during the course of treatment. Because of the risk of unwanted effects, many dog owners are wary of giving these pills to their pets.
It is important to remember contraindications to the use of the drug. Most often, side effects develop in dogs with chronic diseases of the digestive tract. Before using such a strong pain reliever, the animal must undergo a comprehensive examination. At the slightest deterioration in the condition of the dog during treatment, you must show the pet to the veterinarian. Only a specialist will be able to choose more gentle means for therapy.