Previcox is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (sometimes called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD) is a progressively worsening inflammation of the joint and is caused by the cartilage in the joint deteriorating. When a joint is healthy, the cartilage acts as a cushion, and the joint moves smoothly and painlessly. With age, injury, repetitive stress, obesity or disease, the cartilage can start to deteriorate or break down. You may have noticed that your dog is “not himself”, not showing enthusiasm for your normal games or walks, or is slow in his movements.
Pets with osteoarthritis may show pain, or a decreased range of motion, and may develop inflammation or bone spurs. The joints most likely to be affected are the legs and lower back.
Because dogs are braver than us humans, your dog may not show early symptoms - but you should watch for these signs in your dog, and discuss changes with your vet:
- Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up
- Lethargy, or reluctance to run, jump, or play
- Weight gain
- Irritability or changes in behavior
- Pain when petted or touched
- Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house
- Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine
It is estimated that 1 in 5 dogs suffer from osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis - treatment can help your dog!
The good news is that osteoarthritis can be managed. With medicine, such as Previcox, your dog’s pain is managed, and the joint inflammation is decreased. This improves your pet’s movement and quality of life!
Your vet may also recommend other treatments such as physiotherapy or changes in diet to help your dog. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your dog, particularly if they have developed or are at risk of developing osteoarthritis.
What is Previcox?
Previcox is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that acts as pain relief and treats joint inflammation. The active ingredient (Firocoxib) works to control pain and inflammation at the source – by inhibiting an enzyme called COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) that helps produce substances that are primarily responsible for inflammation and pain.
Previcox doesn’t cure osteoarthritis - but it starts working against the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis within hours of giving them the first dose.
What can I expect when my dog starts on Previcox?
- Initially - Previcox works fast, from the very first dose. By controlling the pain and inflammation in the joint, many dogs show improvement in mobility within days
- It is important that you periodically discuss your dog’s response to Previcox with your vet, who will determine if your dog is responding as expected, and what the ongoing dose of Previcox should be.
How to give Previcox to my dog?
Previcox comes in flavoured, chewable tablets that most dogs love to take! It can be given with, or without food.
Storage of Previcox
The manufacturer of Previcox recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees).
Who should NOT take Previcox?
- Previcox isn’t used for cats.
- If your dog has previously shown adverse reactions to firocoxib, then this product shouldn’t be used
- Tests haven’t been undertaken to determine the safety of Previcox for puppies, breeding, pregnant or lactating animals,
Possible side effects
Like all NSAID medicines, Previcox can cause some side effects, although it is generally well tolerated. Issues can involve the digestive tract (vomiting or decreased food consumption, or diarrhea or unusual poo), or liver and kidney problems (change in amount of water drunk, change in urine).
As with any medication, if you are concerned about a possible side effect of Previcox, stop treatment and contact your vet immediately.
Can I buy Previcox online?
Previcox is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet. Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.
NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.