As humans grow older, they begin to face some health challenges that could be mild or severe, depending on the affected area. The same goes for dogs. As they grow older, they become unable to do certain things or experience more health problems.
Often, dogs face mobility problems, as their joints and muscles are affected. They experience arthritis (osteoarthritis), hip dysplasia, and muscle stiffness. And when any of these happens, many vets recommend a cartrophen injection for dogs.
Understanding Cartrophen Injections For Dogs: The Comprehensive Guide
This article aims to explain the various things to know, including – how it works, Cartrophen side effects in dogs, and; the cost of cartrophen injections for dogs.
What are Cartrophen Injections? How They Work?
Cartrophen Injection (or Cartrophen-vet) is a dosage treatment administered to dogs experiencing movement difficulties. This dosage contains an active ingredient called Pentosan-polysulfate-sodium, used to treat arthritis in pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. There are also mentions of Cartrophen injection for humans to treat arthritis.
Cartrophen vet injection is different from Carprofen and is not used to treat anti-inflammation like the latter.
On how it works:
Dog injection cartrophen, a liquid containing pentosan polysulfate, is accurately measured by a vet and is administered into the area of impact – joint or muscle. It is a quick and easy procedure.
How Do You Know Your Dog Needs Cartrophen?
You should consult a vet to know if your dog needs a Cartrophen dosage or not.
If your dog is experiencing issues with mobility or suffering from severe osteoarthritis, the treatment could be recommended to restore comfort and mitigate effects.
How Long Does It Take Cartrophen For Dogs to Work?
Cartrophen for hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis comes in two different forms that determine the treatment plan. It can be administered as Cartrophen tablets or injections. The cartrophen injections for dogs cost more than tablets because they are administered once a week, unlike cartrophen tablets for dogs given twice daily with constant vet visits.
With dog arthritis injection cartrophen, the treatment plan runs a four-week course. You are likely to start seeing improvements in your dog by the second weekly cartrophen injection for dogs dosage.
The ideal injection dose for dogs is 3mg per kg of weight, while the tablets are usually 100 mg. However, it would be best to be careful because an overdose can cause major issues like liver damage, gastrointestinal damage, and internal bleeding.
Cartrophen for Dogs Side Effects
Whether you choose an injection or tablet treatment, there are likely Cartrophen side effects dogs will experience. Nothing in medicine is without its risks and side effects – even if it is unintended. And for Cartrophen dogs side effects, the common risks include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
In some cases, the side effects of cartrophen in dogs may affect their digestive system – upsetting them and making your dog lose appetite. However, your dog’s full appetite and body function will be restored by the end of the treatment.
Cartrophen Cost: Where to Buy Cartrophen for Dogs?
Knowing how the treatment works and its side effects aren’t the only things important; you also need to be interested in its cost and the best place to get one. Cartrophen for dogs cost depends on the mode of administration, i.e., capsule or injection.
Seemingly, Cartrophen injection cost is higher than that of capsules because you are paying for the weekly dosage and your vet’s time.
And if you are thinking of opting for the tablet form, you can buy it in a good veterinary clinic near you. But before you do, have a vet doctor examine your dog and recommend the medication.
Pros and Cons of Dog Cartrophen Injections
Regarding Cartrophen shots for dogs, it is consequential to highlight the pros and cons so that you can decide if your dog needs it. You also need this piece of information if you are caught in between decisions of cartrophen injections or tablets.
Pros
- Helps provide quick relief from joint and muscle pain, stiffness, and dullness.
- The injection is quicker and more effective than the capsule option in treating degenerative joint disease or arthritis.
- This dog arthritis injection saves dog owners time visiting a vet doctor every day of the week because the treatment plan is one dosage per week for four weeks.
- Proven effective by vet doctors since all veterinary trials involved injections.
Cons
- Apart from the minor-to-severe Cartrophen injection for dogs side effects, an overdose could cause serious problems to a dog’s lifestyle.
- The injection is a lot more expensive compared to the capsule treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cartrophen Cause Death?
Cartrophen injection side effects are mostly mild .
If there are serious side effects like nose bleeding or bloody stool, they should be reported so that the vet can take immediate actions – sometimes involving surgery.
What Else Do I Need to Do If My Dog Is on Catrophen Treatment?
You should test flexibility, watch the dog’s activity, and look for signs of improvement. Within two weeks, your dog should be fine.