Ketorolac Tromethamine for Dogs and Cats: Veterinary Uses, Safety, and Benefits

Aug, 28 2025

Pain control changes everything for an animal’s recovery, but the wrong drug can backfire fast. If you’re wondering where ketorolac tromethamine actually fits in veterinary care, here’s the bottom line: it shines in the eye, not the body. It’s a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory best known in human medicine, used by veterinarians mainly as an ophthalmic drop for post‑operative eye inflammation and certain uveitis cases. Systemic use in pets is uncommon because the GI, kidney, and bleeding risks often outweigh benefits. Expect a clear, practical guide here-what it does, when vets reach for it, how to use it safely, and what to pick instead for general pain.

TL;DR

• Primary role in animals: ophthalmic (eye) anti‑inflammatory, especially around eye surgery or select uveitis cases; systemic use is rare and specialist‑driven.
• Biggest advantages: strong COX inhibition, reduces ocular inflammation and surgical miosis without the steroid side effects.
• Biggest risks: GI bleeding/ulceration, kidney strain, and platelet inhibition-risks rise sharply with dehydration, other NSAIDs, or steroids.
• Never give your pet human ketorolac tablets or injections. Use only what your veterinarian prescribes for your animal and condition.
• For general pain in dogs and cats, approved NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, robenacoxib, firocoxib, grapiprant) are usually safer choices.

What ketorolac does in vet care: when it helps, when it doesn’t

Ketorolac is a non‑selective COX inhibitor NSAID. In veterinary practice, its sweet spot is ophthalmology. Topical ketorolac drops (commonly 0.5%) help blunt prostaglandin‑driven inflammation inside the eye, which matters around cataract surgery and for some forms of anterior uveitis. It lowers pain from inflammation, reduces intraoperative miosis, and can be used when steroids are risky or contraindicated.

Why the eye but not the body? Systemic ketorolac is very potent and carries notable risk for gastrointestinal ulceration, renal hypoperfusion injury (especially if the pet is dehydrated, hypotensive, or has kidney disease), and abnormal bleeding due to platelet inhibition. In dogs and cats, we already have several NSAIDs with animal‑specific approvals and safety data. So most vets will not use injectable or oral ketorolac for routine pain. Ophthalmologists, however, will reach for ketorolac drops because topical dosing keeps the effect local and minimizes systemic exposure.

Common veterinary uses (topical):

• Perioperative cataract surgery to limit inflammation and miosis.
• Anterior uveitis where steroid use is limited or needs a steroid‑sparing partner.
• Post‑operative eye pain and inflammation where corneal integrity is intact.

Situations where ketorolac is usually not the answer:

• General orthopedic pain (e.g., cruciate repair): use a vet‑approved systemic NSAID instead.
• Corneal ulcers or melting keratitis risk: topical NSAIDs may delay healing or worsen corneal pathology; this calls for ophthalmologist guidance.
• Cats with kidney disease or pets on other NSAIDs/steroids: risk > benefit unless a specialist directs it.

What the guidelines and references say: The AAHA/AAFP 2022 pain management guidelines and WSAVA Global Pain Council consensus emphasize choosing species‑approved NSAIDs for systemic pain and reserving high‑risk options for specific, justified cases. The Merck Veterinary Manual and Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook both describe ketorolac’s risk profile and limited routine use in dogs and cats, while the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists notes topical NSAIDs (including ketorolac) as tools for ocular inflammation-used with respect for corneal health. In New Zealand, ketorolac is prescription‑only, and extra‑label veterinary use must be under a veterinarian’s direction.

Quick anecdote from the trenches: When my own retriever came home from an eye procedure here in Auckland, our ophthalmology vet paired antibiotic drops with a short course of topical ketorolac to keep the inflammation quiet while avoiding steroids during the first few days. It worked fast, and the difference by the next morning was obvious-less squinting, better comfort. We stopped on schedule because more is not better with eye meds.

Safe use: protocols, contraindications, and at‑home monitoring

This is where outcomes are made or unmade. If your vet prescribes ketorolac drops, precision matters-especially with timing, combinations, and monitoring.

Step‑by‑step: how to give eye drops safely

1. Wash and dry your hands. Shake the bottle if your vet said to.
2. Cradle your pet’s head. With your non‑dominant hand, gently lift the upper eyelid; use your other hand to hold the bottle.
3. Angle the bottle so the tip doesn’t touch lashes or the eye. Instill one drop into the lower conjunctival sac (that small pocket) unless your vet told you otherwise.
4. Close the eyelids gently for 2-3 seconds. Don’t rub.
5. If you have multiple eye meds, separate them: wait 5-10 minutes between drops so the second one isn’t washed out. Ointments usually go last.
6. Cap the bottle right away. Store as labeled (usually room temp, away from light). Keep out of reach of kids-yes, even clever kids like Carson can find a way!

What not to combine without explicit veterinary direction

• Another NSAID (topical or systemic). Stacking NSAIDs increases GI/renal risk and can inflame the cornea.
• Systemic corticosteroids or topical steroids without ophthalmologist oversight. The combo can raise ulcer risks and complicate healing.
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (systemic). Ketorolac can add to bleeding risk.

Who is not a good candidate?

• Pets with existing GI ulcer disease, vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, or recent GI surgery.
• Dehydrated animals, those with kidney disease, or pets with hypotension/shock risk.
• Patients with bleeding disorders, thrombocytopenia, or on blood thinners.
• Any pet with a corneal ulcer unless the ophthalmologist has specifically approved the plan.

Washout and switching

If your pet is on a systemic NSAID (carprofen, meloxicam, etc.), your vet may still choose topical ketorolac for the eye, but this is a case‑by‑case call. If changing systemic NSAIDs, vets often recommend a washout period to reduce GI risk. Don’t decide this at home-call your clinic and get an exact plan.

Red flags to call the vet now

• New or worsening eye pain: squinting, rubbing, light sensitivity, or sudden discharge.
• Cloudy, blue, or white haze on the cornea; any sign of an ulcer.
• Systemic signs: vomiting, black stools, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, increased thirst/urination.
• Bleeding or bruising; nosebleeds.

At‑home monitoring checklist

• Comfort: less squinting within a day is common with inflammation relief.
• Vision: navigating familiar spaces without bumping into things.
• Eye appearance: decreasing redness; no new haze or discharge.
• Appetite/energy: unchanged (a drop in either is a warning sign).
• Medication log: note times and doses to avoid missed or double doses.

Practical dosing notes you can discuss with your vet

• Topical ketorolac is often used several times a day, tapered as the eye quiets. Frequency depends on exam findings.
• For surgery, some ophthalmologists start drops pre‑op to reduce miosis; they’ll set the timing.
• Systemic ketorolac is not a DIY fallback if your pet seems painful. The safety margin is slim; clinic care comes first.

Evidence touchpoints

• AAHA/AAFP 2022 pain guidelines favor approved NSAIDs for systemic pain and emphasize multimodal analgesia.
• WSAVA Global Pain Council highlights risk screening (hydration, renal status) before any NSAID and ongoing monitoring.
• Merck Veterinary Manual and Plumb’s outline ketorolac’s potent anti‑inflammatory effect and notable GI/renal/bleeding risks.
• ACVO resources and veterinary ophthalmology texts describe topical NSAIDs, including ketorolac, for surgical miosis control and inflammation-balanced against corneal health.
• Medsafe NZ and FDA/EMA drug monographs set labeling and safety frameworks; veterinary use of human‑labeled ketorolac is extra‑label and prescriber‑dependent.

Scenarios, decision cues, checklists, and mini‑FAQ

Quick decision cues (for pet owners to discuss with their vet)

• Is the problem inside the eye and are steroids risky (infection risk, pressure concerns)? Ketorolac drops may be on the table.
• Is this orthopedic or soft‑tissue pain? Ask for a species‑approved systemic NSAID or a multimodal plan (gabapentin, local blocks, etc.).
• Does your pet have kidney disease, dehydration, or a history of GI ulcers? Flag this before any NSAID-topical or systemic.
• Are there corneal changes or ulcers? Don’t start topical NSAIDs unless an ophthalmologist says so.

Owner checklist: before starting

• Confirm the exact drug, concentration, eye(s), and frequency.
• List all current meds and supplements, including fish oil, CBD, aspirin, or herbal products.
• Ask your vet how to sequence multiple eye meds and the timing gap between them.
• Clarify the stop date or the signs that trigger a recheck visit.

Owner checklist: during treatment

• Give drops at consistent times; set alarms.
• Recheck if pain persists beyond the timeframe your vet gave you.
• Stop and call immediately for vomiting, black stools, severe lethargy, or any corneal haze/ulcer sign.

Mini‑FAQ

Is ketorolac safe for cats?

Topical use can be appropriate under a vet’s care, especially with ophthalmology cases. Systemic use is uncommon due to safety risks. Cats have unique NSAID sensitivities; stick to your vet’s plan.

How fast does it work?

For eye inflammation, many pets look more comfortable within a day. Some surgical uses start before the procedure to prevent intraoperative miosis; that timing is set by your surgeon.

Can I use my own human ketorolac drops?

No. Even if the bottle looks the same, the dosing, sterility, and plan are not. Pets need a veterinary exam to confirm the diagnosis and the right medication sequence.

Can ketorolac delay healing?

Topical NSAIDs may slow corneal epithelial healing and can be risky with ulcers. That’s why an ophthalmic exam matters before using them in painful red eyes.

Is there a washout needed with other NSAIDs?

For systemic NSAIDs, yes-your vet will set the interval. For topical ketorolac used alongside systemic NSAIDs, it’s a calculated decision your clinician must make; never layer drugs without approval.

How is it different from carprofen or meloxicam?

Ketorolac is mostly used topically for eyes in pets and is not an approved go‑to for general pain. Carprofen and meloxicam are systemic, vet‑approved options for common pain scenarios. Think: ketorolac for eyes; the others for body pain.

What about rabbits, birds, or exotics?

These species metabolize drugs differently and have delicate GI systems. Any NSAID is specialist territory here. Don’t improvise with human meds.

Is it available over the counter?

No. It’s prescription‑only in New Zealand and most countries. Extra‑label veterinary use must be supervised by a veterinarian.

What should I expect at the pharmacy?

A small dropper bottle, often 0.5%. Check the label for your pet’s name, which eye, frequency, and discard date. Some bottles have a short shelf life after opening-ask your vet.

Real‑world scenarios

• Dog after cataract surgery: Ophthalmologist prescribes antibiotic + ketorolac drops to control inflammation and prevent miosis; rechecks in 7-10 days.
• Cat with red, painful eye: Vet rules out ulcer with fluorescein stain first. If the cornea is intact and uveitis is present, a short ketorolac course may be added to the plan.
• Senior dog with arthritis: Owner asks about ketorolac. Vet declines systemic ketorolac and prescribes a dog‑approved NSAID plus joint support and weight control.

Next steps and troubleshooting

• If your pet was just prescribed ketorolac: set reminders, learn the drop technique, and book the first recheck before you leave the clinic.
• If your pet isn’t improving in 24-48 hours: call-eye disease can turn fast, and plans often need tweaks.
• If you notice GI or bleeding signs: stop the drug and seek care the same day; bring the medication list with you.
• Rural or after‑hours? Many NZ clinics have triage lines; if in doubt with an eye, treat it as urgent. A picture or video can help the vet assess over the phone.

Risks and how vets lower them

• Screen first: hydration, renal status, GI history, bloodwork if needed.
• Use the lowest effective dose and shortest effective duration.
• Don’t stack NSAIDs or add steroids casually; specialist input for complex eyes.
• Schedule rechecks; eyes can look calm on the outside while inflammation simmers inside.

If you like mental shortcuts, use this: If it’s the eye and steroids are tricky, ask about ketorolac. If it’s the body, reach for species‑approved NSAIDs. If there’s an ulcer or kidney/GI red flag, pause and call the vet first. That simple framework prevents most missteps.

Sources I trust for this topic: AAHA/AAFP 2022 Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats; WSAVA Global Pain Council guidelines; Merck Veterinary Manual; Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook; American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists clinical resources; Medsafe NZ and FDA/EMA product monographs. These are the playbooks your veterinarian leans on, too.