Previcox for dogs: Warning! Watch for distress signs!
Eowyn was on Previcox from last Wednesday to last Saturday. Previcox is a newer anti-inflammatory drug for dogs. On Friday and Saturday, she was listless and had no appetite. I convinced her to eat anyway by putting water in her food. She was drinking an excessive amount of water and other than drinking and peeing, wasn’t interested in doing much. I had googled Previcox when it was prescribed by my veterinarian, because they otherwise didn’t give me any warnings about reactions… they said they never had anyone have a problem.
On saturday, after eating, she threw up a little bit of undigested food. At this point, I stopped giving her the Previcox.
Beware of these warning signs if your dog has been given Previcox:
- - Excessive water consumption (4x-5x normal).
- - Listlessness and exhaustion.
- - Faded, slightly purplish tongue color.
- - Disinterest in food and/or vomiting.
- - Excessive licking of the nose, swallowing, or burping.
- - Shallow, rapid breathing.
If you have ANY doubts at all, especially with a dog that’s smaller than my hardy beast, just stop giving the dog the drug and call your veterinarian.
[...] post has been moved to Previcox For Dogs – Warning Watch for Distress Signs over at my dog-related [...]
My Maggie, a 10 year old female Lab, became lame over the last few months. I thought it was from an accident she may have had during vacation. She got to the point where she carried her hind leg, and didn’t want to eat. The 1st Vet ruled out injury and wanted x-rays. I can’t afford much, my money is going to doctors for my Bladder cancer treatment that the insurance co-pay requires. Maggie was put on Durramax with minor improvements. When that prescription ran out, I asked for a 2nd run at it. That was even less affective. Took her to a different Vet, and could manage the cost of X-rays. Maggie was found to have bone cancer in the area above her knee, and below the hip on the Femur. Also a possible tumor seems to be by her heart. This vet prescribed Previcox for the pain relief. Now with the information I have concerning poisoning by Previcox, I’m going to STOP giving it to her. Now I want the Vet to start answering questions. If it’s pain relief, and the cancer is terminal like he said, I want a pain medication!!!!!!!!! I love my Maggie to much to poison her with Previcox…..
[...] — we checked his capillary refill rate, and his gums were normal, unlike the time that we discovered Eowyn’s allergy to Previcox, and his heart rate was normal without any lethargy, so I wasn’t worried about internal [...]
Randy Johnson – please can you write me a letter describing what happened to your dog and also enclosing a copy of the Vet certificate as I have lost my dog, Hercules, after he was given Previcox and I’d like to attach this as supporting evidence to the letter of complaint that I will be submitting to the Pharmaco Vigilante Society in South Africa.
My Address: PO Box 675 Somerset West, 7129 South Africa
i have a 10 year old congenitally deaf jack russell terrier. two years ago she got mauled by a very large dog (the vet said it was likely a rottweiler or pit bull size). one of her disks was severely injured, and it was a long time before she could straighten her neck enough to hold her head up again. she began to fight and snap if you woke her up or unexpectedly touched her. we thought it was because of the attack. because she’s deaf, she would never have heard the other dog growl or give warning barks. from her perspective, she was just blasted out of the blue.
we took her to the vet again, and he said she was in pain. he gave her 57 mgs of previcox a day. it has alleviated her pain to such a degree that most days she’s her old self. some days she’s still wild eyed and snapping, and we’ve all been bit, but i think without this pain medication we couldn’t live with her. if someone knows a better, safer medication, please post it! but hannah is doing fine on previcox.
the vet checks her blood every couple months. i also give her a drug that boosts liver function – denosyl. i think it’s generic name is SAM-E. i also gave it to her when she underwent chemotherapy, which can fry a dog’s liver. her liver function never dropped all through chemo, so you might want to ask your vet about denosyl.
i’m sorry about the loss of your precious ones. and good luck to those of you lucky enough to still have them with you.
- te
I am sorry for anyone who has lost a beloved pet, no matter what the reason. My 13 year old lab, Willow, has been on Previcox for 2 years, 227mg. a day. When we switched vets we tried Rimadyl and she got extremely sick within 24 hours. Removing her from the drug and then waiting before putting her back on Previcox has brought her back to her old self. Before starting treatment we did a complete blood work up and blood work is done every 3 months. We also do urine analysis since she has a thyroid issue which also requires medication.
My guess is that the vets are not doing the blood work required for this drug or doing it as often as necessary. Our Willow would not be able to walk without it.
We took out 8 yr. old Black Lab Female “Nicky” in to the vet. four days ago because she could not put weight on her hine leg, She did her four days of Previcox and now all of a sudden she cannot stand….her breathing is shallow. She will eat but not drink. I’m taking her to the ER. Does anyone have any input on this? Thank you!
I have a 15 month old Standard Poodle mill rescue who was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia at neutering. We went to an orthopedic specialist at a State University Vet School and he put my 40lb dog on 113mg a day.
Fortunately, we have not had any bad side effects and my dog has even more energy now than before. I will keep an eye out for any of the warning signs, however, with any medication canine or human… there is a potential for side effects and unfortunately even death. I am very sorry for your loss and thank you for bringing attention to the fact that we need to be aware of the side effects and warning signs of anything we give our dogs, children, and ourselves.
We put “Molly” on Previcox and a week later she will not sleep, runs in circles and her breathing is rapid and she is very confused..Reading all these articles I think we should take her off the medicaton..Maybe some labs are able to digest this medication..Does anyone have any ideas..She is 13 and still has energy but her rear legs some times give on her..We carry her upstairs at night we do not allow her to walk upstairs..
Donna, call your vet!!!!!! That’s not normal, and you should take her off of it and go see the vet right away!
My 13 year old westie was put on previcox in the beginning of March without any prior blood testing and without any warnings about side effects. His appetite diminished and within two weeks he was not eating much. We came home late at night and he had diarrhea with blood. We took him to the emergency vet who had him transferred to a vet specialist (internist) where he was put on fluids and kept there for three days. The vet immediately stopped the previcox and explained that although not common , previcox was known to cause bleeding. Since being taken off the previcox he is doing fine. I can only assume that previcox was the cause of the problems.
My 13 year-old Standard Poodle was recently prescribed Previcox and Valium for spinal pain. I misunderstood the correct dosage and gave her half a tablet in the morning and half at night instead of just one in the moring for a few days. I feel terrible that I could have killed her. She stopped eating and two days later started to bloat. When I phoned the vet, she said that because my dog had her spleen removed, it would be unlikely that the bloat would develop into full-blown stomach torsion and to just keep her quiet and stop giving her the Previcox. The poor dog was in a panic for about an hour and drinking loads of water. I still hadn’t realised I’d been giving her too much medication.
The vet has now scolded me for not putting her back on the Previcox (which she hadn’t told me to do), so I gave her half a tablet this morning. Has anyone else accidentally overdosed their dog with Previcox and willing to admit it? Were there any long term effects on your dog?
I’d rather not give her any meds unless absolutely necessary as I think most vets prescribe many pills unnecessarily. Has anyone out there tried acupuncture for arthritis in dogs?
my dog also was put on previcox, after limping. he was on it for one week, he stopped eating the day he started medication, laying around was not himself, foaming at the mouth, constant licking, black stools and more. Had I gotten a paper on this medicine or was told of possible side effects, I would have known it was previcox, my vet certianly didnt, I complained of this for over one week until I finally didnt listen and brought him in anyway. Vet now claims its immune medicated hemolytic anemia, says it can be brought on by anything. I have bills coming out of my your know where and my dog is still there.
I have a 11 year old lab that I took to the vet the other day for her routine shots and she has an infected tooth which the doctor pres. amox 750 mg twice a day. Also he was telling me about the medicine previcox (227mg) and to try it on her for two weeks…She takes half a tablet which I started on her Wednesday (April 15)..What should I expect from this anti-inflam medicine called previcox?
She is a typical lab just starting with the back legs. She never cries or shows any sign of being in pain. I cannot run her anymore but just daily walks. Any over the counter drugs to give her to relieve some pain ? what about buffered aspirin????
I am a veterinary technician and we prescribe previcox and a few other anti inflamatory drugs. Previcox is NOT poisenous. Some dogs may have side affects such as vomiting or bloody stool. If these symptoms happen, previcox should be stopped immediatley and your vet should be called to try a different drug. Any drugs in people OR animals could have a side affect, it does not mean the drug is poisonous or dangerous. When you get these meds from your veterinarian, he or she should explain possible side effects. Also do not administer ANY form of human medicine to your pet without consulting your veterinarian first. Hope I helped!
VON- Glucosamine made for dogs specifically will make a world of difference. As dogs age, they tend to get arthritis. The back legs are most likely the first sign. Try http://www.cortaflex.com. I swear by their products and have my dog on glucosamine as well.
Leiah – That’s pretty much what I said in the post; some of the comments are a bit over the top.
The things that veterinarians do not do that I don’t agree with is warn owners of the potential side effects. When I get a prescription from my doctor, it comes with a “potential side effects” list. This information is distributed with full bottles of veterinary medicine, but when the vet repackages it, they don’t often include a flier for the owners.
In my case, the symptoms with Eowyn weren’t even as pronounced as vomiting or bloody stool — but she could have died from the side effects she had. Please be careful what advice you give over the internet… just like anyone reading should be careful what advice they TAKE over the internet.
I just found your site…My small dog took Previcox last September for a lame hind leg; he’s under two years of age, a rescue…Unfortunately, my vet said nothing and prescribed 57 mg. of Previcox, one tablet per day. (He just reached 14 lbs.)The aide gave me the FDA warning sheet and said nothing. My mistake, I only glanced over the sheet and administered the drug, as instructed.For a few days, he got better.Eventually,every horrific side effect occured, and I started to halve the drug, then stopped it entirely…I still have six and a half pills.What ensued from September through December 2008, included the dog’s muscle mass wasting away, fevers, anorexia, and lethargy, tarry stools. In turn, repeated hospital visits. The last time, he was placed on IV’s. Ironically, as I did my research, I found other sites related to people losing their dogs to this drug.It is like Vioxx for people, which they eventually took off the market.The book Vioxx:The Poison Pills by Tom Nesi reviews the company, which mentioned ghost research and fabricated findings.Please, read it; you’ll find it an edifying experience.(It’s counterpart is Merial for animals.)The NSAIDs need to be reviewed.I would definitely warn people of this drug.
[...] give their patients in handfuls without telling them the risks they’re running (i.e., Previcox), I present this dolittler.com article about the risks of NSAIDs. Humans can eat NSAIDs like candy. [...]
My jack russell Sally was started on Previcox Wed for what we thought was a sprained back. On Thursday she was feeling better. Friday she started laying around more and drinking alot of water. Wouldn’t eat. Saturday was the same. Yesterday morning she wouldn’t get out of her bed and she had vomited, urinated and had a bowel movement in her bed. She has never done this before. She vomited 5 more times, and couldn’t stand very long. She was stumbling and couldn’t walk good. She lost control of her urine and it was glow in the dark yellow on Saturday and Sunday. I called the vet and rushed her right in. She started Sally on an IV and kept her overnight. I got a call this morning and Sally had died during the night. She did an autopsy today and said when she opened her up the bright yellow color was all in her fatty tissue. She said her gallbladder was huge and had a small hole in it and felt this is what caused her death. I was never given any side effects and when I called the vet on Sunday she said the Previcox probably didn’t cause those side effects in Sally. I don’t know what to believe, but I feel deeply the Previcox caused her death. Does anybody have any info on this drug causing gallbladder problems?
Dear Sharon:
First, let me express my sorrow to you on the loss of your pet, Sally.They are our precious ones… Secondly, grieve, but become pro-active; it will help with the grieving process. I suggest the following: read about Previcox; if you’re in the United States,contact the FDA, and file your complaint about the drug, and its adverse reaction in your dog; and then, you’ll have to contact Merial, in order to get a case number. Also,I had filed a complaint to our state’s Veterinary Medical Licensing Board, as well. I contacted my state’s representatives, and I warn everyone I know, to avoid Previcox, and a vet, who relies on a quick fix.In addition,there are several sites on the Internet, in regards to dogs that have been damaged by Previcox. (One was written by a Vet Tech.) I definitely suggest reading “Rowdy’s Last Vacation” by Mel.(Mel K911) It is very informational, supportive, and thorough.She mentions owners and their tactics to deal with Previcox’s effects.(The drug is part of the COX -coxib family.)There are folks out there that took their dog’s to UPenn’s Hospital…Again, my prayers for you and your Sally. Go to your local library. Please, read Tom Nesi’s book on Vioxx. (If the library doesn’t have it, request it.) It will provide clarity and information for you; this is the same company that makes Previcox.It took sometime to take Vioxx off the market,…Again, my sympathy to you and yours, in your loss.
I have a 15 year old yellow lab named Maggie. I was prescribed previcox last week for weak back lags and more mobility. She has completely lost her appetitite, vomiting and foaming at the mouth. I called the vet and he told me to keep her on it but to give her pepcid ac with it to coat her stomach. Until just now did I realize this drug did this to her. I reallly hope she makes it through the weekend, she is my life and has been there to help me raise my family… what do I do now?
Previcox saved our dog she could not walk the novox no longer worked and she would have been dead she has been on it about 3-4 weeks and can run a little. This from a 12 year old akita dragging its back half. She has no pain and what ever time she has left we are greatful to previcox for this. A lady at Trader joes told us about it and I wish there were a way to thank her.
I have an 8 year old boxer who had an ear infection – her breathing was shallow and took her to the vet, he did x-rays, blood work, etc., and put her on Previcox 227 mg 1 time a day, said she had severe arthritis and fluid around lungs so he also put her on lasix 50 mg 2 pills twice a day and Antibiotic Sulphamenthoxale 400 mgs 2 pills twice a day, she has been projectile vomiting ever since and it is “bad.” I am worried sick and will “not” give her any more Previcox or the antibiotic as I am not sure which is causing this, but she has “never” done this before. Can anyone help?
My 11 year old diabetic black lab, Cole, who refused to walk up any telescpoing ramp, slipped while trying to get in my SUV and hurt his already arthritic hip. We were over 300 miles from home and a local vet had to come out to the house because I was unable to get him in the vehicle. The vet, gave me Previcox and in a mater of days, he was able to walk up the stairs again and also learned to use a different ramp. ( I now own, 3 ramps, a set of stairs and thank God for rotisserie chickens(great up the ramp bribe food). Cole is more comfortable and sleeping better than he has in months and isn’t exhibiting any of the side effects other than a slight decrease in water consumption. Without the Previcox and this wonderful rural vet, I would not have been able to get him home!
Axl asks-
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE PREVICOX TO YOUR DOG.
My dog Axl was a healthy, aging 11 year old dog. He was a 68 lb. American Staffordshire Terrier, a beautiful, sweet, loving guy who should still be here. It was not his time to go.
He had a bit of arthritis in his right front leg. Our vet precribed previcox, which I dutifully gave him daily. As with most dogs he caught onto my vigil of slipping his pill into a slice of ham lunch meat, so I forced it on him, holding his mouth shut til he swallowed it or crushing it up into his canned food at night.I feel just awful, he did not want it.
I feel like I killed him twice. First by poisioning him with this God awful drug and second after his collapse which was followed by siezures and numerous other terrible things he endured for 2 days at the vet hopsital and emergency vet hosp. 4 vets altogether saw him and kept asking if he had gotten into something toxic……NO, nothing only those pills… every one of them said “oh, no not previcox…its like aspirin” Well then why didnt you give Axl aspirin? Why is he dead?? Why did I put my beloved, best friend to sleep to stop his suffering?
I hope this will stop another family from suffering a loss & void in your life like we have and stops another dogs death.
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE PREVICOX TO YOUR DOG, IT KILLS, SERIOUSLY, DEAD SERIOUSLY.
GOD BLESS AXL.
Previcox does not kill dogs, it gave my dog new life. She is acting like her old self again.
Just read everything and ask your vet questions, all dogs are different.
Plenty of dogs are using this and they are fine, better than they have felt in years. My dog has been taking this medicine for 3 years now and I am so thankful for it. She can hang out with us and play with the kids.
I am sorry for your loss but this product can also help plenty so would say to everyone to watch their pet closely and react if something does happen, don’t wait.
I love Previcox!!!
My dog recently tore his ACL and while we are waiting for his scheduled surgery, the vet prescribed Previcox. Within hours of taking the drug, he became very lethargic, peed all over (something he never does in the house), and having severe diarrhea with blood in it. Then, he started to vomit several times, and refused to eat anything, even treats. This was after only giving him one dose. I stopped giving it to him after one day and stayed home from work today to watch him. He had diarrhea with blood in it this morning, but is finally starting to look better now, and he stopped vomiting. I really wish the vet would have warned me about the side effects, as they said nothing. Now he is in pain, but at least he is not in pain while throwing up and pooing all over. I will be switching the meds ASAP. If your dog is having side effects, call the vet and ask for a different medication.
Hi all 1st post on ANT doggy forum. Interesting to read re the Previcox. My vet gave it to our Border Collie-Bad front elbow- 1 X 1/2 57mg/day She seems fine & has improved 90%. She’s 12 & was found as a 6 wk old by us dumped with her sister-we have them both. She was hardly able to walk, holding her front leg up whenever poss. Now is almost back to her jumping self!! Will definately keep an eye out for the side FX tho. Our Vet DID warn us of some of the side FX, but after 2 weeks on this dose She’s doing OK.
Rod
Thank you Sarah for your comments. Yes, all dogs are different and Previcox does help some dogs. Veterinarians & Miele (the makers of Previcox) should make people aware of the serious side effects and also the fact that this drug may cause death. I was not made aware odf this and am very disgusted with my vet & Miele for not forewarning me. Now my wonderful, hansome dog Axl is gone….all because of negligence. I still feel guilty that I gave Previcox to him. Sarah, I am very happy your dog is doing well and is in good health!!
Dear Denise,
Sorry to read of your loss of Axl; but, please note, the makers of Previcox are Merial, the veterinary counterpart of the Merck Co. As I said earlier, after I read the history of Vioxx, the human counterpart of Previcox, I felt enlightened. Eventually, the FDA took Vioxx off the market, after increasing deaths.(See Tom Nesi’s book: Poison Pills, Vioxx).Today,the New York Times stated, by author Natasha Singer “A growing number of doctors…have been attaching their names to scientific papers that were drafted by “ghostwriters’ working for their drug companies-articles that are carefully calibrated to help the manufacturers sell more products.”-not authenticated scientific trials…Grieve for your beloved dog, and to those, whose dogs have done well with Previcox, please, peridically have the liver values checked.If you can afford X-Rays, periodically check the size of the kidneys and heart. (Also, read “Rowdy’s Last vacation.” There are several folks ,who have provided information about their experiences.)
My 12 year old Fila Braziliaro, Sedona (fondly nicknamed Sabonis after Arvitis Sabonis the huge NBA center) started previcox last week and honestly it seems to be doing her a world of good. You folks are freeking me out.
I somehow ran over Sedona three weeks ago. She has severe arthritis in all her joints and is a very large dog, 129 lb. She not only survived the roll over her belly, but seemed to be healing really well. There was some superficial swelling and weeping of her belly skin, but was doing great on fresh aloe vera and Gold Bond powder. I had just about decided she was ok when she developed a very large serotoma in the loose skin between her body and thigh, so I took her to the vet. He drained the fluid, gave us some antibiotics and previcox. Her symptoms have greatly resolved, and she is much more comfortable. It seems as if side effects of this take a few days to develop. I am interested in the number of labs, jack russells, and poodles who are having the serious side effects. If I was a vet reading this, I would be wary of prescribing this drug to these breeds. There are some tragic tales in these posts, and I feel twice lucky that poor old Sedona not only had no serious injury from being rolled under the rear wheel of the car, but she also seems to be tolerating the meds just fine. thanks for the warnings, and deepest condolences for every one less fortunate who has lost a family member to a drug reaction. Sadly, it can happen to any of us in any health crisis.
My thirteen year old Lab/Rottie mix has had anal cancer for about 18 months. After surgery he has been treated with only immune boosting supplements. He was doing extremely well, but developed some hip/leg problems. My vet put him on Previcox about a month and a half ago after doing bloodwork. She said that it would help the lameness and might slow the progression of the cancer as well. His lameness did improve quite a bit. However, his appetite underwent some changes after starting the Previcox, which I attributed to the heat, or boredom over his usual food, etc. After the first ten days, I did not refill the prescription for about a week. Then he started on it again. His appetite decreased steadily, then he stopped eating entirely. After vomiting up some food he tried to eat, I called his vet who said it may be caused by the Previcox, and to stop immediately. That was a few days ago. He has refused all food since, is losing weight, and is lethargic and weak. I have been feeding him liquid food with an oral syringe. I do not know if this is the result of the drug or the progression of the disease, but after reading of the complications from this drug, I would not have put him on it to begin with.
Having said that, my sister’s dog is on Previcox and it has helped her quite a bit. As a general rule, I will never again start any prescription for any person or animal without reading the literature and anecdotal evidence.
Do your research first, and know what to look out for.
I feel a tremendous guilt that I started him on Previcox without doing my homework, and feeling that I may have done harm to him after all he has been through.
Thank you Alicia. I stand corrected Merial is the proper drug manufacturers name. I appreciate your kind words and understanding.
I agree to definitely have all of the necessary tests while your dog is on Previcox…my vet unfortunately did not test my Axl and that is why I am writing these posts; so others may be aware of the hidden dangers of this drug.