Non-steroidal anti-flammatory drugs in domestic animals: I. Their classification, mechanism of action and pharmacological effects

Abstract

A large number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, of different chemical groups are available for veterinary use. These drugs act mainly by inhibiting the. formation of endoperoxides (prostaglandins and thromboxanes) through the inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase in the eicosanoid pathway. A wide range of pharmacological effects, including analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects occur as a result of this inhibition. The classification, mechanism of action and pharmacological effects of these drugs are reviewed.