Anyone who has ever attempted to give a dog medication knows it is not an easy task. But to someone having a dog with a debilitating illness such as arthritis, administering medicine to ease the pain is a daily necessity. Over eight million pet owners in the United States have dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. A pain medication called EtoGesic® Tablets, an oral medication developed by Fort Dodge Animal Health, provides pet owners with a once-a-day solution. Available by prescription only from veterinarians, EtoGesic can often help to bring back the playfulness and ease of movement in a beloved family pet.
It is estimated that one in five adult dogs suffers from osteoarthritis. Just as in humans, arthritis in dogs is a progressive, crippling disease characterized by pain, joint swelling and decreased activity.
Carol Lowenhaupt of Decatur, GA, has witnessed the benefits of EtoGesic first hand. Her Labrador-and-German-Shepherd-mix dog, Russell, was diagnosed with severe dysplasia when he was three and needed expensive hip replacement surgery. “Whenever Russell was in pain, he would get very anxious ” huddling under my legs and trying to climb in my lap. After he went on EtoGesic, his personality totally changed. He became happy, relaxed and more playful. Best of all, his mobility improved to the point where he could climb stairs easily, take long walks and play for hours. And he never showed any side effects from the medication,” said Lowenhaupt.
EtoGesic’s once-a-day dosing plan and quick absorption provide fast and convenient relief for pet owners. Because EtoGesic Tablets can also be given any time of day, with or without food, dog owners can administer the medication at their own convenience, thereby ensuring greater compliance.
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. These are normally mild, but may be serious. The most commonly reported side effects with EtoGesic Tablets include vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. Pets on any medication should be regularly monitored. See the Package insert, or call you veterinarian for more information.
To obtain additional information, including a copy of the product labeling, see your veterinarian or call 1-800-477-1365.
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of animal health care products for livestock, companion animals, swine and poultry. Wyeth is one of the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical and health care product companies and a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.