ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID
AVAILABLE IN
81 mg, 325 mg & 500 mg
TABLETS
USES OF THIS MEDICATION
There are three main uses of this medication:
The relief of pain secondary to inflammatory disease, usually joint
disease or eye disease.
To reduce the tendency of blood to clot as in certain heart diseases,
kidney diseases, and in treating heartworm disease.
To reduce fever. While this is a common use for humans, we recognize
that fever has an important place in immune function in fighting
infection. Unless a fever is dangerously high, we generally do
not reduce it artifically.
HOW THIS MEDICATION WORKS
Aspirin inhibits an enzyme called "Cyclooxygenase" which
is involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals called "prostaglandins." Arachidonic
acid, a fatty acid that is essential in the diet of cats and dogs,
makes up cell membranes. When the inflammatory cascade is active,
cells begin to convert their arachidonic acid into prostaglandins.
Aspirin puts a stop to this.
One important prostaglandin (Thromboxane) is reduced by the above
action of aspirin. Thromboxane is involved in platelet aggregation
to clot blood. Without thromboxane, platelets cannot clump properly
and bleeding is prolonged. Happily, we have other mechanisms for
clotting our blood which take over and we do not bleed to death but,
as mentioned, surgery should be avoided in patients taking aspirin
regularly.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effect of aspirin use is probably stomach upset.
In humans this has been so common a problem that numerous alternative
pain relievers have arisen (tylenol, Aleve, etc.) It is important
to resist the temptation of using any of these non-aspirin products
in pets as most have a far greater potential to ulcerate the stomach
than does aspirin. Aspirin is regarded as one of the safest of the
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pets. There is
a wide therapeutic margin (safe dose range) as
well, and it is difficult to accidentally give a toxic dose.
Platelets, the circulating cell responsible for the clotting of
blood, are permanently inactivated by aspirin. Surgical or dental
procedures are usually postponed when a pet is taking aspirin.
CATS METABOLIZE ASPIRIN VERY VERY SLOWLY
AND IT IS EASY TO OVERDOSE THEM.
CHECK THE DOSE AND FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION
WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
Aspirin should not be used with other medications that may prolong
bleeding (other NSAIDS, steroid hormones, Cartilage supplements,
or high doses of omega 3 fatty acids).
Using Aspirin with other NSAIDS exaggerates the ulcerative properties
of these medications. Aspirin should not be used in combination with
cortisone-type medications (such as prednisone) or with other NSAIDS
(such as Rimadyl) unless absolutely necessary.
This medication is available at most drug and grocery stores.
Aspirin Medical Center Aspirin
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