If your cat has just had surgery or is suffering from arthritis or another form of joint pain, your veterinarian may prescribe Onsior®. Onsior for cats is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing inflammation. In this blog post, we will discuss what Onsior® is, how it works, and some of the potential side effects. We will also provide tips on how to make your cat's life as comfortable as possible while they are taking Onsior®.
What is Onsior®?
Onsior® is a prescription medication that is used to treat pain and inflammation in cats. The drug name for Onsior is Robenacoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing inflammation. Onsior comes in tablet form and is given to cats once a day.
Non-steroidal drugs are classified as to which COX enzyme they inhibit. Generally speaking, COX-1 is found in the lining of the stomach and helps to protect it. COX-2 is found throughout the body and is responsible for inflammation. The advantage of Onsior compared to other NSAIDs on the market is that it is more selective for COX-2, which means there is less risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Onsior is selective against COX-2 which means there is no increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
How does Onsior work in cats?
As we mentioned, Onsior works by blocking the production of prostaglandins through the inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme. Prostaglandins are hormones that are produced in response to injury or inflammation. They cause pain, swelling, and inflammation. By blocking the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, Onsior can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
What are the main uses of Onsior for cats?
Onsior is most commonly used to treat pain and inflammation after a surgical procedure. It can also be used to treat cats with arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows joints to move smoothly and without pain. When cartilage breaks down, bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Onsior can help to reduce these symptoms and make your cat more comfortable. When treating arthritis in cats with Onsior, it is recommended to use the medication for flare-ups and on an as-needed basis, rather than a single daily dose for chronic use.
Onsior for cats is also beneficial for acute muscle or ligament damage such as strains and sprains. The anti-inflammatory properties of Onsior can help to reduce swelling and pain associated with these injuries.
Onsior for cats is also licensed to treat post-operative inflammatory pain. Following surgery, your cat may experience pain and inflammation. Onsior can help to reduce these symptoms and make them more comfortable during their recovery period. It is recommended to give cats Onsior for 3 days maximum post-operatively to treat pain.
What are the potential side effects of Onsior in cats?
The most common side effect of Onsior is vomiting. This is because although Onsior will preferentially block the COX-2 enzyme, which is responsible for inflammation, there is some inhibition of COX-1. The COX-1 enzyme is also responsible for the production of a substance that protects the lining of the stomach. When this enzyme is blocked, there is a risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Other potential side effects include diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Less common side effects include blood in the stool or vomit, black tarry stools, and increased thirst or urination. If you notice any of these side effects, please seek veterinary attention immediately as they could be signs of a more serious problem.
What you need to know before giving your cat Onsior
Although Onsior is a very specific NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), cats are very sensitive to this class of drug. Therefore, if your cat has underlying kidney disease or is dehydrated, Onsior should not be used.
If your cat is on any other medication, please let your veterinarian know before giving them Onsior as there may be an increased risk of side effects. Some known drug interactions include:
- Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone)
- Other NSAIDs (e.g. meloxicam)
- Diuretics (e.g. furosemide)
- Anti-fungal drugs (e.g. itraconazole)
- Cyclosporine
- Phenobarbital
The metabolism of Onsior varies considerably between and within species, resulting in a wide range of drug clearance rates and half-lives. Onsior may cause liver damage, but it is not clear if this is related to how much of the drug is taken or how long it is used. In cats who are at risk for liver problems, tests should be done before treatment starts and during treatment as needed.
Frequently asked questions about Onsior for cats
Does Onsior for cats require a vet prescription?
Yes, Onsior for cats is a prescription medication. In the United States and Canada, it is only available from veterinarians.
How is Onsior given to cats?
Onsior only comes in tablet form at the present time. Your veterinarian does have access to an injectable form, however.
How long does Onsior last in cats?
Although Onsior has a short half-life in blood of fewer than 2 hours, the clinical studies showed its effects last for 24 hours.
Can Onsior for cats be crushed?
No, Onsior cannot be crushed. Crushing these tablets can and will alter their effectiveness since the coating prevents the stomach from degrading of the drug prior to absorption.
Will Onsior make cats sleepy?
No, onsior will not make your cat sleepy. In fact, one of the benefits of Onsior is that it does not have the same sedative effects as other NSAIDs. If you do notice that your cat is sleepy after taking Onsior, it may be having an adverse reaction as in uncommon instances, Onsior can cause lethargy in cats.
Should Onsior for cats be given with or without food?
As food decreases absorption rates by 30% in cats, it is recommended to be given without food.
How long can I give my cat Onsior?
It is recommended that Onsior be given to cats for no longer than 3 consecutive days.
Onsior for cats is a prescription medication used to treat pain and inflammation in cats. It comes in tablet form and is given once a day. The most common side effect of Onsior is vomiting, in which case, Onsior should be discontinued. Onsior should not be used if your cat has underlying kidney disease or is dehydrated. If your cat is on any other medication, please let your veterinarian know before giving them Onsior as there may be an increased risk of side effects. Some known drug interactions include corticosteroids, other NSAIDs, diuretics, anti-fungal drugs, cyclosporine, and phenobarbital. If you have any further questions about Onsior for cats, please speak to your veterinarian.