Loxicom for dogs
Loxicom is a nonsteroidal analgesic medication. It is used for chronic and acute joint and bone conditions to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce fever. It also serves as an analgesic after surgery and for soft tissue injuries. When using Loxicom for dogs, strictly follow the recommended dosage instructions to avoid overdose.
Content
Composition and release form
The medication is available as a light-yellow suspension for oral use. A sediment may form at the bottom during storage, so shake the bottle thoroughly before use to ensure even distribution of the components. Loxicom is packaged in transparent polymer bottles. Their volumes range from 15 to 100 ml. All bottles are packaged in cardboard boxes along with dosing syringes. They have a "weight scale" that significantly simplifies measuring the required amount of suspension.
The active ingredient is meloxicam. Its concentration per ml of the drug can be 0.5 or 1.5 mg. The lower concentration is typically used for small-breed dogs, while the higher concentration is used for medium- and large-breed dogs.
The composition also includes auxiliary substances:
- citric acid;
- sodium benzoate;
- glycerol;
- povidone K30;
- simethicone emulsion;
- purified water, etc.
The medication has a pleasant odor. Animals usually consume it without problems.
Pharmacological properties
The active ingredient inhibits the production of substances involved in inflammatory processes. As a result, Loxicom has the following effects:
- lowers the animal's body temperature;
- eliminates inflammatory processes;
- relieves swelling and eliminates redness;
- reduces pain.
The drug's advantage is its rapid action. Peak blood levels occur in just 4-5 hours, when improvements in symptoms are observed. The half-life of the active substance, which accumulates in the liver, is 24 hours. Therefore, the medication is usually taken once daily.
Indications for use
Dogs are active animals, so joint problems and musculoskeletal disorders are quite common. Older pets are more susceptible to these conditions, but they can also occur in young animals.
Loksik is prescribed for dogs in the following cases:
- for chronic pathologies of the joints and musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, etc.);
- for dislocations, fractures, sprains;
- for bruises and soft tissue injuries;
- for inflammations of various origins.
The drug can also be included in complex therapy after surgical interventions to relieve pain, prevent swelling and the development of inflammation.
This medication should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Incorrect dosage may cause serious side effects, leading to deterioration of your pet's health.
Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever It is used to relieve symptoms and alleviate the course of the disease, but cannot be used as a primary drug for treatment.
Instructions for use
Loxicom is given to dogs according to the following scheme:
- For greater effectiveness, a double dose is prescribed on the first day. This dose is 0.2 mg of active substance per kilogram of body weight. If a suspension with a concentration of 1.5 mg/ml is used, then 0.13 ml is required per kilogram. When using a medication with a higher concentration (0.5 mg/ml), 0.4 ml should be measured per kilogram.
- On the second and all subsequent days of treatment, the dose is halved. To calculate the maintenance dose, use 0.07 ml of the product containing 0.5 mg/ml of active ingredient or 0.2 ml of the suspension containing 1.5 mg/ml of meloxicam per kilogram of the pet's weight.
For dogs weighing up to 5 kg, a lower concentration is recommended. Please note that when measuring the dose with a small syringe, one division is calculated per 250 grams of body weight, while with a larger syringe, one division is calculated per 1 kg.
Pets weighing between 5 and 75 kg should be given a more concentrated Loxicom. When using the small syringe, keep in mind that one division is for 500 grams. The larger syringe is for 2.5 kg.
The drug has a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract, so it is not recommended to take it on an empty stomach.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the nature of the disease, its progression, and symptoms. The course should not exceed 10 days.
Contraindications
In cases of musculoskeletal disorders and soft tissue contusions, the drug can significantly alleviate the animal's condition and speed recovery. The medication has a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and other internal organs, so in some cases its use should be avoided. Contraindications include the following pathologies and conditions:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- stomach ulcer or duodenum;
- hemorrhagic syndrome;
- tendency to bleeding;
- renal failure;
- liver failure and other liver diseases;
- intolerance to components.
It is also prohibited for those with low blood pressure and dehydration, and for puppies under 6 weeks of age.
For pregnant and lactating bitches, the medication is sometimes prescribed at a reduced dose after a veterinarian has weighed all the risks to the mother and puppies. In such cases, administration of the medication should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
Concomitant use with antibiotics, diuretics, and blood thinners is not recommended. Concomitant use with toxic substances and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided, as this may lead to toxicity.
Side effects
Like most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Loxicom is considered a moderately hazardous substance. Overdosing can cause serious side effects that can impact your pet's health. Dogs may experience:
- nausea and vomiting;
- apathy and loss of strength;
- lack of appetite;
- diarrhea.
Anti-inflammatory medications can cause ulcers and internal bleeding. This is usually indicated by brown stool or bloody spots, as well as blood in the vomit. In this case, seek veterinary attention immediately.
If side effects occur, discontinue the medication. Since there is no antidote, symptomatic treatment is prescribed. Consulting a doctor is essential.
Special instructions
Loxicom should be stored in a dry place protected from ultraviolet light, at a temperature between 0 and 25°C. The medication has a shelf life of two years from the manufacturing date. Do not use after the expiration date. Once opened, the suspension can be used within 6 months.
After finishing work, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. If the product is ingested, seek medical attention. Medication vials and syringes should not be used for household purposes.
Price
The cost of Loxicom for dogs depends on the bottle size and concentration:
- 0.5 mg/ml 15 ml – 720-750 rubles;
- 0.5 mg/ml 30 ml – 1050-1150 rubles;
- 1.5 mg/ml 32 ml – 1200-1300 rubles.
Owner reviews
Oksana, the owner of a chow chow:
"When our elderly Chow was diagnosed with coxitis, we gave him Loxicom for pain relief. He tolerated the medication well and had no side effects. We followed the doctor's advice to administer it only after meals and in the prescribed dose. We had nothing but positive experiences."
Victoria, the owner of a shepherd dog:
"We were prescribed it for a flare-up of our arthrosis. Unlike Rimadyl, which we were taking previously, it didn't cause any side effects. We took the suspension for five days. It's a good pain reliever. It's expensive, but worth it."
Mikhail, the greyhound's owner:
"We gave our beauty Loxicom after her surgery. The medication helped prevent complications such as inflammation. She tolerated the medication well, but the doctor monitored her blood work regularly."
Veterinarian Reviews
Evgeniy, veterinarian:
"Loxicom is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It should be taken after meals and with famotidine to mitigate its aggressive effects on the digestive system. Clinical studies are also needed to monitor the animal's condition."
Boris, a veterinarian with 15 years of experience:
"Loxicom is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It's used to relieve pain, but it can't stop joint damage, as many dog owners mistakenly believe. It has a strong effect on the body. It should only be used under a doctor's supervision."
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