Suspected robenacoxib-induced liver injury in a dog

A 9-year six-month-old, female, neutered border collie was referred to a tertiary referral hospital to further investigate a 17-day history of anorexia, lethargy and increased liver enzyme activities. The dog had been receiving robenacoxib (1 mg/kg) alongside omeprazole (1 mg/kg), both given once daily for 55 days, for the treatment of degenerative joint disease. There was no history of toxin exposure. Liver enzyme activities were within reference intervals before the course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Investigations revealed increased liver enzyme activities, mainly alanine aminotransferase. Histopathological analysis of liver biopsies taken 17 days after the onset of the clinical signs revealed mild portal lymphoplasmacytic, histiocytic and minimally neutrophilic inflammation. Robenacoxib-induced liver injury was suspected. Liver enzyme activities gradually returned to normal after discontinuation of the drug. This report raises awareness about possible liver injury associated with robenacoxib when prescribing long-term treatment with the drug.