Cartrophen Vet is contra-indicated for the treatment of septic arthritis. In this case, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instigated.
Do not use in dogs with advanced liver or kidney impairment, or evidence of infection.
Do not use in dogs with blood disorders, coagulation disorders, bleeding or malignancy (especially haemangiosarcoma). Pentosan polysulfate has an anticoagulant effect.
Do not use during the peri-operative period.
Do not use in the skeletally immature dog (ie dogs whose long bone growth plates have not closed).
A clinical effect may not be observed until after the second injection of the course of treatment.
Dogs should be weighed prior to administration to ensure accurate dosing.
Use with caution in dogs with history of pulmonary lacerations. Caution is also recommended in cases of hepatic impairment.
No more than 3 courses of 4 injections should be administered in a 12 month period.
Laboratory studies in rabbits showed embryotoxic effects associated with a primary effect on the parent at repeated daily doses 2.5 times the recommended therapeutic dose.
The safety of the product in the pregnant bitch has not been studied, therefore use is not recommended in these circumstances.
The product should not be used at the time of parturition due to its anticoagulant effects.
NSAIDs and in particular aspirin should not be used in combination with pentosan polysulfate sodium as they may affect thrombocyte adhesion and potentiate the anticoagulant activity of the product. Corticosteroids have been shown to be antagonistic to a number of actions of pentosan polysulfate sodium. Furthermore, use of anti-inflammatory drugs may result in a premature increase in the dog's activity, which may interfere with the therapeutic activity of the product.
Do not use concurrently with steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and phenylbutazone.
Do not use concurrently with heparin, warfarin or other anti-coagulants.