Effects of carprofen and acetylsalicylic acid on some biochemical and haemostatic values in dogs

Abstract

The effects of commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, carprofen and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) on some serum biochemical parameters and haemostatic values, were Studied in clinically healthy dogs during administration for days 9 and 5, following discontinuation of the treatment. Clinically and haematologically healthy adult mongrel dogs (18) were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was administered 2.2 mg/kg of carprofen per os twice a day, group 2 was administered in the same manner 4.4 mg/kg of carprofen and group 3 was administered in the same manner as group 1 10 mg/kg of aspirin. Results of faecal occult blood tests Were positive in three clogs that received aspirin on 9(th) d, but negative in both carprofen groups. By endoscopy, erosions and submucosal haemorrhages were seen in gastric and duodenal mucosa in all dogs receiving aspirin on clays 5, 9 and 14, whereas only minor lesions were observed in both carprofen groups. Platelet counts were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the aspirin groups on days 5 and 9, compared to previous treatment values, and with values of both carprofen groups. In the aspirin group prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, were prolonged significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) on days 5, 9, and 14. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyle transferase were significantly increased (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) in aspirin group on days 5, 9, and 14, compared to previous treatment values, and with values of both the carprofen groups. For group 2 given carprofen, serum ALT concentration slightly increased but remained within reference ranges. Significant differences were not detected in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total protein and creatinine concentrations in aspirin and both carprofen groups. The results of our study provide evidence that carprofen administration; at the dose of 2.2 and 4.4 mg/kg, did not obviously cause bleeding of the gastric mucosa, or significantly affect serum biochemical parameters and haemostatic values in dogs during 9(th) d of its administration. or on the 5(th) d following discontinuation of the treatment.