[Analgesics; the use of aspirin in dogs; effects of tablet type and food intake on plasma salicylate level].

Administration of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in the dog may cause gastric mucosal damage. Enteric-coated tablets protect the canine stomach during oral aspirin medication. A therapeutic plasma salicylate concentration can be attained using enteric-coated aspirin tablets at a dosage of 25 mg/kg TID. In a series 4 of experiments using adult beagle and large mixed breed dogs and two types enteric-coated tablets, the influence of food intake on the plasma salicylate concentration was studied. Tablets were administered with 8h intervals and food intake was either once daily or three time daily with 8h intervals. Plasma salicylate concentrations were also studied during fasting. It is concluded that, when using enteric-coated tablets, the plasma salicylate concentration in the dog after oral medication is strongly influenced by the aspirin dosage, the tablet type and the feeding pattern. Large enteric-coated tablets may accumulate in the stomach over several days and are not suitable for use in the dog. The gastric accumulation is caused by the enteric-coating of the large tablets and not by the aspirin medication.