Diclofenac
Diclofenac is an NSAID with a veterinary topical formulation for selected osteoarthritic joints in horses. Systemic exposure and toxicity depend on formulation and application area.
Group
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits cyclooxygenase-mediated prostaglandin synthesis.
Dose Rates
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis pain | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 12 h | Up to 10 days; Surpass 1% diclofenac sodium cream: 5-inch ribbon over the affected joint, rubbed in thoroughly; wear gloves. Do not extrapolate to multiple joints or human gels. |
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postoperative uveitis treatment | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 6 h | Diclofenac sodium 0.1% eye solution: one drop four times daily following cataract surgery or for selected uveitis. Examine the cornea and assess infection/epithelial healing before use. |
| Ophthalmic preoperative anti-inflammatory course | Reference only | TOPICAL | Diclofenac sodium 0.1%: one drop on four occasions 20 minutes apart before surgery. This is a finite perioperative sequence, not an ongoing 20-minute interval prescription. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postoperative uveitis treatment | Reference only | TOPICAL | Every 6 h | Diclofenac sodium 0.1% eye solution: one drop four times daily following cataract surgery or for selected uveitis. Examine the cornea and assess infection/epithelial healing before use. |
| Ophthalmic preoperative anti-inflammatory course | Reference only | TOPICAL | Diclofenac sodium 0.1%: one drop on four occasions 20 minutes apart before surgery. This is a finite perioperative sequence, not an ongoing 20-minute interval prescription. |
Indications
- Equine joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
Contraindications
- Diclofenac hypersensitivity
- Use of Surpass in horses intended for human consumption
- Birds because of diclofenac toxicity
Interactions
- Other NSAIDs or corticosteroids increase gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.
- Diuretics and nephrotoxic drugs increase renal risk.
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Renal injury
- Local irritation
- Ophthalmic corneal epithelial toxicity or delayed healing
- Equine topical-site inflammation, swelling or alopecia
Toxicity
Excess use, including treating multiple joints, can increase systemic exposure. Discontinue for colic, appetite loss, abnormal feces or depression.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surpass topical cream 1% Horse joint cream; ribbon length determines application amount. Not a body-weight dose. | Other | 10 mg / g | TOPICAL |
| Diclofenac sodium ophthalmic solution 0.1% Sterile 1 mg/mL ophthalmic solution; not Surpass cream. Use an examination-directed eye schedule. | Other | 1 mg / mL | TOPICAL |
Monitoring and Administration
Surpass 1% cream: apply a 5-inch ribbon to the affected joint twice daily for at most 10 days; rub into the hair until absorbed while wearing gloves.
Assess hydration, gastrointestinal risk and renal function before and during treatment.
Diclofenac residues in livestock carcasses are highly hazardous to scavenging vultures; livestock use must follow applicable restrictions.
Topical ocular NSAIDs can delay epithelial healing and cause keratitis, stromal thinning or melting. Stop for epithelial breakdown; corneal infection requires careful ophthalmic assessment.
Surpass has not been evaluated in horses younger than one year in the described source; reproductive safety is unestablished. Store the cream at or below 25°C and protect from freezing.