Metacam and the older dog - any opinions out there?
Discussion
Me and Mrs Ghost have just come back from our annual week in Cornwall with the hound. He loves exploring the woods, beaches, rockpools etc and behaves like a 5 or 6 year old when there. However, he is now 13 and I have noticed that sometimes his rear legs take a little while to "free up" in the morning if he has enjoyed a good walk the day before.
Whilst in Cornwall a couple of people asked if he was on Metacam and also added that dogs they had owned benefitted from using it.
Therefore if anyone has any opinions on Metacam (good or bad) please post them here as I am considering putting Fred on the stuff if it will give him a lift in his older years.
Gratuitious shot of Fred for Goldie fans
Whilst in Cornwall a couple of people asked if he was on Metacam and also added that dogs they had owned benefitted from using it.
Therefore if anyone has any opinions on Metacam (good or bad) please post them here as I am considering putting Fred on the stuff if it will give him a lift in his older years.
Gratuitious shot of Fred for Goldie fans
From seeing many many dogs on it I can only see the good from it's use and it does seem your four legged friend could be an ideal candidate for it, however you will need a vet assessment first to see if this is the right approach.
A few things to consider
Meatacam is an NSAID (same family as ibuprofen) that is much safer for dogs (ibuprofen dangerous) it is generally very well tolerated as long as given with or just after a meal once a day. However some dogs will vomit or get diarrhoea on it, if this happens it is likely your dog can't tolerate it so can't take it.
Some people stop start metacam (ie bout of lameness give 5 day course then stop and see how goes) for an older dog where it is more likely to be a generalised arthritis it will probably be more beneficial to give every day but you can often get away with giving a lower dose than the guide.
The doseage is done by weight (the syringe is dose in kg so 30 on the syringe = 30kg) so if your dog is 30kg give at this dose for several days then try dropping dose to 25 and see how goes. I know quite a few people who feel there dog still benefits even when giving for weight 10kg under the dogs weight. It gives room to increase on a bad day.
I would STRONGLY advise a blood test to check kidney function (and poss liver) before starting metacam to check they are functioning efficiently and I think it is sensible to recheck 2-3 months later to ensure no subtle adverse reaction to it.
Personally I think it is a great product for the older animal but always be aware that any drug can have side effects (though I think this is extremely low compared to how many dogs are on it)
Hope that helps
A few things to consider
Meatacam is an NSAID (same family as ibuprofen) that is much safer for dogs (ibuprofen dangerous) it is generally very well tolerated as long as given with or just after a meal once a day. However some dogs will vomit or get diarrhoea on it, if this happens it is likely your dog can't tolerate it so can't take it.
Some people stop start metacam (ie bout of lameness give 5 day course then stop and see how goes) for an older dog where it is more likely to be a generalised arthritis it will probably be more beneficial to give every day but you can often get away with giving a lower dose than the guide.
The doseage is done by weight (the syringe is dose in kg so 30 on the syringe = 30kg) so if your dog is 30kg give at this dose for several days then try dropping dose to 25 and see how goes. I know quite a few people who feel there dog still benefits even when giving for weight 10kg under the dogs weight. It gives room to increase on a bad day.
I would STRONGLY advise a blood test to check kidney function (and poss liver) before starting metacam to check they are functioning efficiently and I think it is sensible to recheck 2-3 months later to ensure no subtle adverse reaction to it.
Personally I think it is a great product for the older animal but always be aware that any drug can have side effects (though I think this is extremely low compared to how many dogs are on it)
Hope that helps
Had it prescribed post op a few times - none of our animals have tolerated it.
For joint soreness, we give one of our mutts glucosamine - Yumove being the make we use. Also have tried cortiflex which seemed ok for a while but the Yumove is just a tablet to go in with dinner so a lot easier.
For joint soreness, we give one of our mutts glucosamine - Yumove being the make we use. Also have tried cortiflex which seemed ok for a while but the Yumove is just a tablet to go in with dinner so a lot easier.
There can be side effects as Bex has said, as with any drugs. I think most dogs tolerate Metacam well. There is another one too, but I've forgotten the name of it now...Thanks for all the feedback folks, it is very much appreciated.
I'll have a chat with our Vet and if he feels Metacam would benefit Fred I'll arrange for a full MOT and necessary tests etc to be done before the treatment begins.
Our Vet is excellent and will advise on doseage levels and an exercise regime to test out tolerance/benefits etc and work with us to develop a treatment plan that suits Fred.
Anything to give the old grunter a bit of an edge at his age is a worthwhile investment IMHO
I'll have a chat with our Vet and if he feels Metacam would benefit Fred I'll arrange for a full MOT and necessary tests etc to be done before the treatment begins.
Our Vet is excellent and will advise on doseage levels and an exercise regime to test out tolerance/benefits etc and work with us to develop a treatment plan that suits Fred.
Anything to give the old grunter a bit of an edge at his age is a worthwhile investment IMHO
Poppypunto said:
My dog is on loxicom prescribed by vet.iv been told yumove is good & have received a free sample in the post & am wondering if anyone knows for sure if it's safe to give a dog loxicom & yumove? Preferably someone who's dog has been on both vet recommended.
Yes should be absolutely fine as Yumove is a natural supplement and should not interact with the Loxicam. (it would be a bit like us taking ibuprofen and a glucosamine product together)After a hard 13 years working life, my old border collie was just about worn out. Sore joints, heart murmur etc. The vet suggested 3 options; Metacalm for the rest of his life, put him to sleep, or half an asprin a day. We decided to try the asprin first for a couple of months, within a fortnight he had perked up and had a lot more enthusiasm for life and lasted for another 2 years.
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