Onsior for dogs: when and why is it useful?

What is Onsior?

Onsior® is a medicine specially developed for dogs and cats to relieve pain and inflammation. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID ) and contains the active ingredient robenacoxib. Onsior is often used for surgical procedures and chronic conditions such as arthritis.

What is Onsior used for?

Onsior is used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs.

• As an injection to treat pain during soft tissue surgery and orthopaedic procedures.
• As a tablet for the treatment of chronic joint pain and inflammation in dogs.

When should I not use Onsior?

Onsior should not be used in animals with stomach ulcers, liver disease or dehydration. It is also not suitable for animals under 2.5 kg or younger than 4 months and must not be used in pregnant or lactating animals.

It could also lead to dangerous interactions with other medications: Special care should be taken with anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or potentially kidney-damaging drugs. Care should also be taken with diuretics and ACE inhibitors.

Active ingredient robenacoxib

The active ingredient, robenacoxib, works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins that promote inflammation .

In contrast to many other NSAIDs, Onsior has less of an effect on the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), which is important for protecting the stomach lining and blood clotting. This selective inhibition makes Onsior a safer choice for your dog as it reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems and bleeding disorders.

Dosage and administration

The dosage of Onsior depends on your dog's weight and medical history. It is important to follow the dosage prescribed by your vet exactly to get the best results and avoid side effects.

Onsior is administered orally - if you need to administer it yourself - and is available in different tablet strengths to allow for accurate dosing. It is usually dosed at 1-2mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Onsior can also be administered as an injection , but this is usually done by a vet.

How long does Onsior last?

After ingestion, the active ingredient robenacoxib is rapidly absorbed by the body, with a maximum concentration in the blood after about 30 minutes. When given with food, the availability of the drug in the body is lower. However, it works best when given without food or at least 30 minutes before or after a meal. Although the drug is only detectable in the blood for up to 12 hours, it remains present in inflamed tissue for longer and in higher concentrations. This provides sustained pain relief for 24 hours, although the half-life in plasma is short.

Side effects of Onsior

Loss of appetite, vomiting and soft stools are common. Occasionally diarrhea with blood and bloody vomiting may occur. With long-term treatment , loss of appetite and lethargy may occur, as well as pain at the injection site.

Precautionary measures

Before administering Onsior, the vet should carry out a thorough examination to ensure that your dog is suitable for treatment. Dogs with existing kidney, liver or heart disease require special attention and monitoring. In addition, Onsior should not be given in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce the risk of side effects.

Pregnant women should avoid skin contact with the drug as it could harm the fetus.

Conclusion

Onsior is an effective and relatively safe painkiller for dogs, specifically designed to treat inflammatory pain. With its selective COX-2 inhibition, it provides targeted pain relief with a low risk of side effects. However, as with all medications, it is important to use it in consultation with your veterinarian to ensure your dog's health and well-being.