Ibuprofen toxicity
Ibuprofen poisoning (often known as Brufen)
Ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) which is commonly used for pain relief in people.
Ibuprofen and similar NSAID drugs for use in human pain relief (e.g. Naproxen) are common causes of poisoning in dogs. Usually dogs find them by accident and eat them but occasionally people give their pets Ibuprofen because they have a painful condition.
There are several NSAID drugs that vets may prescribe for use in dogs which perhaps leads owners to think ibuprofen will be safe but dogs have a very low tolerance for Brufen and Naproxen. Veterinary licenced NSAID drugs have been tested for safety and have a much wider safety margin.
Ibuprofen toxicity in dogs can occur with doses of 50 to 125mg per kg of your pets body weight.
That means a single 400mg capsule or tablet may cause a problem in an 8kg/17lb dog.
Dogs may find and eat a whole packet easily and the higher the dose the greater the danger. Very high doses can be fatal.
At lower toxic doses the effects are linked to production of larger quantities of stomach acid at the same time as reducing the production of a mucus that protects the stomach lining. This can lead to damage to the lining of the stomach and in more serious cases ulceration of even perforation of the stomach wall with catastrophic consequences.
At higher toxic doses the prostaglandin effects reduce blood supply to the kidneys which leads to kidney failure. This is even more likely if patients are dehydrated.
Signs that an owner may observe if toxicity has taken place include
Vomiting and Diarrhoea, including blood in the vomit and black diarrhoea caused by stomach bleeding.
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Wobblyness (ataxia)
Twitching and tremors.
If you suspect your pet has consumed these drugs always seek veterinary advice immediately.
Signs of acute toxicity may begin within 2 hours of consumption
After a massive dose kidney failure may occur after 24 hours or with lower doses it may be delayed 3-5 days.
Longer term use of these drugs at lower doses may also lead to toxicity and gastric or kidney damage in the same way as higher doses over a shorter period of time.
Treatment will depend on the potential dose and any signs (symptoms) that have developed and may depend on blood tests to assess kidney function and other damage.
Some cases may require what is called gastric lavage (stomach pump) under anaesthetic.
Vets use several different drugs to help protect the stomach lining from ulceration and this may be required for many days after the event.