Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs—but also referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics (NSAIAs) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs)—are a class of drugs that provide analgesic and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects, and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis refers to accidental overdosage of NSAIDs. Toxicosis can occur with either NSAIDs intended for human or for veterinary use. Intoxication can be either secondary to ingestion of a single large dose, or overdose (acute toxicosis) or following days, weeks or months of treatment at a therapeutic dose (chronic toxicosis).
NSAIDs toxicity is among the top most common poisoning cases reported in dogs in USA. If this condition is left untreated, it can cause some serious damage to gastrointestinal area and kidneys of dogs.
Symptoms of NSAID toxicity include:
Fever
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Abdominal pain
Sluggish behavior
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
Loss of bladder control (polyuria and polydipsia)
Pale mucous membranes (anemia)
Abnormally rapid heart beat
Seizures
Collapse
Coma
