When Not to Use NSAIDs

James Gaynor, DVM, DACVA, DACVPM, pain specialist at Peak Performance Veterinary Group in Frisco, Colorado, explains when not to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for veterinary patients.

NSAID therapy is the cornerstone for managing long-term or short-term inflammation, Dr. Gaynor says, but you need to avoid traditional NSAIDs in certain patients. If there is something unknown going on with the patient, he says it's best to leave out NSAID therapy. If the patient has liver or kidney disease, you should also avoid NSAIDs because they may complicate the underlying problem.