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Etodolac

Prescription

Preferential COX-2 Inhibitor (NSAID)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Pyranocarboxylic acid NSAID with preferential COX-2 inhibition. Provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects with somewhat reduced GI toxicity compared to non-selective NSAIDs.

At a glance

Class

Preferential COX-2 Inhibitor (NSAID)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

FDA-approved for canine OA

Dose

10–15 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Not recommended for cats

Dose

—

Route

N, A

Frequency

N/A

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Renal and hepatic functionSchirmer tear test (KCS risk)GI signs

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

contraindicated

Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition, severe GI ulceration and renal injury.

Management: NEVER combine. 7-10 day washout from aspirin before any NSAID.

Major — 1

Prednisolone

major

NSAID + corticosteroid: additive GI ulceration risk. Etodolac specifically also causes KCS — corticosteroids may mask inflammatory signs.

Management: Do not combine. Allow 3-5 day washout when switching.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

EtoGesic

Lodine

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Etodolac?

Etodolac is a preferential cox-2 inhibitor (nsaid) used in pets. Pyranocarboxylic acid NSAID with preferential COX-2 inhibition. Provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects with somewhat reduced GI toxicity compared to non-selective NSAIDs.

›What is Etodolac used for in pets?

Etodolac is used in veterinary medicine for: FDA-approved for canine OA; Not recommended for cats.

›What is the Etodolac dose for dogs?

For dogs, Etodolac is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for canine OA: 10–15 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Etodolac dose for cats?

For cats, Etodolac is typically dosed as follows — Not recommended for cats: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Etodolac need a prescription?

Yes. Etodolac is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database