Just because this medication is so readily available, does not mean that it is free of risk. Usage of this drug in cats needs to be stringent and carefully monitored, as cats are not able to metabolize the drug as well as dogs or people. Aspirin should not be taken by patients with GI ulcers, hemorrhagic disorders, asthma, von Willebrand’s disease, hepatic failure, or renal insufficiency. Pregnant pets should not take aspirin during the last stages of their pregnancy due to teratogenic effects. Pets with hypoalbuminemia should take a lesser dose to prevent toxicity. Pets going in for surgery should stop taking aspirin a week before going under.
Aspirin may have antagonistic effects on the uricosuric properties in probenecid or sulfinpyrazone. Aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when taken with aspirin. Taking aspirin with anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors might cause systemic acidosis, toxicity, and an increase in CNS levels of salicylate when taken with aspirin. Increased risk of GI ulceration when taking aspirin with corticosteroids. Other NSAIDs might also increase the risk of GI ulceration. Urinary acidifying agents reduce the kidneys ability to flush, increasing the risk of toxicity, while urinary alkalinizers do the opposite, causing the kidney to work overtime.
Aspirin may decrease the vasodilation effects of captopril or enalapril, Decreased clearance caused by aspirin might cause digoxin levels to increase. Aspirin might increase the hypoglycemic effects of insulin. Taking aspirin with metoclopramide can cause an increased absorption of aspirin, resulting in an aspirin overdose. Consult with your vet regarding any other reactions that might result from taking aspirin.