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Deracoxib is a general kind of drugs that are used only in dogs (they are NOT for cats). It is used primarily as a pain medication, and because it is anti-inflammatory, it has been approved for the long-term use in dogs to treat arthritis. It is also called an "NSAID", or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug. It is also used for short-term pain relief, for example after a surgery or temporary injury. Novartis manufactures the drug under the name Deramaxx.
Are there any side effects?
Yes - this kind of drug is probably more prone to side effects than most, and with its historical predecessors it was even more so. You have to be careful with giving to this to your dog in a couple of ways:
1) Make SURE that you check any other drugs with your vet if your dog is taking something else. There are several it will interact badly with, especially cortisone steroids and other NSAID's.
2) Make sure your vet has your dog's medical history. There are some prior problems that will make it much risker for your dog to take Deracoxib - liver disease, kidney disease, and heart disease in your dog's medical history mean that your dog probably should not be using it.
3) Watch your dog closely for anything that might be considered a health problem - some dogs have allergies or just are extra-sensitive to this drug. Specific side effects you should look for include vomiting, anorexia, digestive problems such as diarrhea, changes in appetite and thirst, or sudden changes in behavior such as lethargy or depression
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