Use of ketoprofen as an antipyretic in cats.

The antipyretic effectiveness of Ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was investigated in pyretic cats with a variety of bacterial and viral infections. Cats were randomly assigned to receive either a broad-spectrum antibiotic or a broad-spectrum antibiotic plus ketoprofen. Body temperature was monitored 3 times daily, and attitude and appetite were evaluated once daily. The treatment groups were compared with respect to mean body temperatures, using a one-way analysis of variance. Mean temperatures were significantly different (P < 0.05) during the 4 and 8 h post-treatment observations, with a reduction to normal temperatures in the ketoprofen group compared with no change in the group treated with antibiotics alone. The antipyretic effect of ketoprofen was rapid and persisted for at least 8 h, but for less than 24 h. The overall recovery period from pyrexia, depression, and inappetance was also shorter in cats treated with antibiotics and ketoprofen (3 d) than in cats treated only with antibiotics (5 d). Ketoprofen was a useful adjunct in the treatment of pyretic cats.