Anyone ever use Metacam?

[LaRe]

My vet just prescribed Metacam for my 9 yr. old Chihuahua. He has arthritis in his back and so far its been helping, but I did a search online and it seems to have some crappy side effects. I was just wondering if any of you have ever used Metacam and what you thought about it...

I don't want to give the little guy anything that might make him sick...THANKS

[Ash47]

I work at a vet and she prescribes Metacam for pain quite often. She actually prescribes it for all cat spays. My Gracie took it and seemed quite fine with it. Especially drowsy? Yes. Ever sick? No.
I can't speak for the other people she prescribes it to where I work, but as for me and mine, it worked ok. Of course, I did not use it long term. That could very well make a difference.

[Leslie + Chessies]

I give Indy Metacam from time to time because of his hip dysplasia. It works well, stops his limping usually within 24 hours, has no side effects (that I've observed).

[elegy]

all nsaids can potentially have crappy side-effects. but if they're helping your dog live a life free of pain, then i think they're worth the risk.

i don't have a lot of experience with metacam (other than using it short-term for post-op rat neuters). does the vet recommend monitoring blood values if you're using it for the long term?

[Roxy's CD]

Yea, I think what's detrimental is Leslie's "from time to time". Giving an animal painkillers all the time isn't good for their liver, processing all that junk.

And as elegy mentioned would they be doing blood tests regularly if the drug they prescribed was being used daily and for long periods of time?

[huskymad]

my siberian husky sukas on metacam for her hip arthtritis ,she started on 22kg dose ,but now is on a 10kg dose & seems ok .the vet suggested getting dose lower ,which so fars working great ,vet recons the metacam is better than medrone-v which was what my old sibe was on for a few years ,the medrone-v damaged his liver alot poor dear dog. he was p.t.s a few weeks ago as pills no longer worked & back legs gave way in the end.

[PoodleMommy]

A number of my pets have used Metacam for short periods of time after surgery and I have never seen any side effects... However, I do not have experience with prolonged used.

Good Luck

Elissa

[Mordy]

LaRe, have you tried any nutritional supplements, like for example Glycoflex and a good quality fish oil? Switching to a grain free food may also make a difference.

[LaRe]

Mordy, what will switching to a grain free food do?

I took Yoda to the doggie chiropractor here and she put his back in for him. I'm going to give him the remainder of his Metacam and then see if he can go without it if he sees the chiropractor regularly. I may try the supplements as well if his pain is not too bad. If not, he'll get the Metacam because I don't want him to suffer one second of unnecessary pain. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll keep you posted...

[thewhitewitchone]

You may also want to try "Missing Link". It's a joint care supplement that you add to your dogs food. I know of a lot of people who have used it who have said wonderful things about it.

Pam

[Jynx]

I have my 11 yr old gsd who has rotten knees and arthritis on metacam. I do see a difference, however, I am waiting for a batch of DGP (dog gone pain) to arrive, and am going to try that. Everyone's been raving about it, and I just read an article on it in the WDJ that sounds promising.
Diane