What is one primary use for NSAIDs in veterinary practice?

One primary use for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in veterinary practice is to control inflammation. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the levels of these inflammatory mediators, NSAIDs help to alleviate pain and swelling associated with various conditions, such as arthritis, soft tissue injuries, or post-surgical recovery in animals.

The other options, while relevant to veterinary medicine, do not represent the primary purpose of NSAIDs. Managing hydration levels pertains to fluid therapy and is addressed with other treatments, while preventing allergies typically involves antihistamines or corticosteroids. Treating infections requires antibiotics, not NSAIDs, as these do not have antimicrobial properties. Thus, the focus on controlling inflammation highlights the key role of NSAIDs in the management of pain and associated inflammatory processes in veterinary patients.