Trocoxil is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

Sometimes called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD, osteoarthritis refers to when your pet has progressively worsening inflammation of a joint.  This happens when the cartilage in the joint starts deteriorating.  In a healthy joint, which moves smoothly and painlessly, the cartilage acts as a cushion.  This cushioning cartilage can start to break down or deteriorate, due to age, injury, repetitive stress, obesity, or disease. 

 

If your dog has osteoarthritis, he or she may show pain, or a decreased range of motion, and may develop inflammation or bone spurs.  The legs and lower back are the most likely to be affected.   

 

Dogs are really good at not showing that they are in pain, so you might not see the early symptoms of osteoarthritis.  Watch out for these signs in your dog, and discuss changes with your vet:

  • Lethargy, or reluctance to run, jump, or play
  • Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up
  • Irritability or changes in behavior
  • Weight gain
  • Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine
  • Pain when petted or touched
  • Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house

 

Vets estimate that 1 in 5 dogs suffer from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis - there are treatments to help your dog!

You’ll be pleased to know that osteoarthritis can be managed.  With medicine, such as Trocoxil, your dog’s movement is increased, because the pain is managed, and the joint inflammation is decreased. This improves your pet’s quality of life!

 

There are other treatments that your vet may recommend for your dog, such as physiotherapy or changes in diet.  Maintaining your dog at a healthy weight is very important, particularly if they have developed or are at risk of developing osteoarthritis.

What is Trocoxil?

Trocoxil is a major breakthrough in the treatment of arthritis in dogs.  Whilst it is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like other drugs (Rimadyl, Metacam and Previcox), it is very slowly eliminated from the body, so it only needs to be given once a month.  Your dog gets continuous slow release pain relief, and you have the convenience of a  monthly treatment.

Some of the benefits of continuous pain control are:

  • Prevent the development of central sensitisation
  • Reduce joint inflammation
  • Progressively reduce pain
  • Reduce the number of relapses

 

The active ingredient (Mavacoxib)  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. It has a long half-life, so it keeps working continuously.

 

Trocoxil 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 Trocoxil?

  • Trocoxil works fast, from the very first dose.  By controlling the pain and inflammation in the joint, many dogs show improvement in mobility within days
  • A second dose is required 14 days later, to ensure that therapeutic levels are reached.
  • Generally, the dog then receives 5 more doses.  In most cases, a dog then needs an “off month”, where they don’t receive a dose of Trocoxil, so that the levels of the drug don’t accumulate above therapeutic levels.  During the “off month”, your dog probably won’t need extra pain relief, although contact your vet if you believe your pet needs pain relief..
  • It is important that you periodically discuss your dog’s response to Trocoxil with your vet, who will determine if your dog is responding as expected, and what the ongoing dose of Trocoxil should be.  Routine blood monitoring may also be expected.

How to give Trocoxil to my dog?

Trocoxil comes in flavoured, chewable tablets that most dogs love to take!  It needs to be given with a full meal, to ensure that the maximum amount of the drug is absorbed.  A small treat is not sufficient.

Storage of Trocoxil

The manufacturer of Trocoxil recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees).

Who should NOT take Trocoxil?

  • Trocoxil isn’t used for cats.
  • If your dog has previously shown adverse reactions to sulfonamides, or has gastro-intestinal disorders then this product shouldn’t be used
  • Tests haven’t been undertaken to determine the safety of Trocoxil for puppies, breeding, pregnant or lactating animals, 

Possible side effects 

Like all NSAID medicines, Trocoxil 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 stools), 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 Trocoxil, stop treatment and contact your vet immediately. 

Can I buy Trocoxil online?

Trocoxil 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.