Non-veterinary alternative to Metacam?

maya_baby · #1 28th November 2007, 01:55 PM

Sorry if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find the appropriate information.

My 3.5y/o girl injured her leg. Might be a sprain, might be worse. It's happened before (other leg) and vet suggested a week of rest and a run of Metacam. It worked wonders and her leg is back to normal.

My question is - is there a non-veterinary pain relief/anti-inflammatory I can use instead of metacam - ibeuprofin, acetaminaphen, asa, etc? And how would I determine proper dosage? My girl is about 65pounds.

Austin's Mom · #2 28th November 2007, 02:35 PM

You can give baby aspirin, not sure what the dose would be for your baby, th o. I'm not sure which one, but either ibuprophen or acetaminophin is toxic and can kill your baby.

SherylM · #3 30th November 2007, 05:38 AM

Jack has been on Metacam. I too prefer not to use it. I switched to high doses of glucosamine/chondrotin/msm in liquid form.

EAO76 · #4 30th November 2007, 10:24 AM

I understand wanting to steer clear of drugs however metacam is very safe. It’s really no different than you taking Motrin when you have a headache. Trucker has an injury too and I went through the same thing you’re dealing with. I tried the supplements, and buffered aspirin but none of it worked. I finally broke down and put him on the metacam and immediately I saw a difference. He went from a limping hobbling dog to a happy pain free silly boy.

Just make sure you give it with food and if he’s going to be on it for an extended period of time then have the proper blood work done periodically.

SherylM · #5 1st December 2007, 06:44 AM

I would have to say that I don't believe that Metacam is very safe. When Jack was on Metacam for an extended period of time he had to have his blood tested every 6 months to make sure his liver and kidney function was normal. Metacam is hard on their organs and can cause big problems if not monitored closely. That is why is chose to go the natural route with him.

EAO76 · #6 1st December 2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SherylM

I would have to say that I don't believe that Metacam is very safe. When Jack was on Metacam for an extended period of time he had to have his blood tested every 6 months to make sure his liver and kidney function was normal. Metacam is hard on their organs and can cause big problems if not monitored closely. That is why is chose to go the natural route with him.

Believe me if a natural route works I say go for it. However many times supplements simply don’t work. It’s the same thing as an elderly person suffering from arthritis. You probably wouldn’t tell your grandmother to take a vitamin and leave it at that. The difference is our dogs hide their pain so we have no idea how they are really feeling.

I discussed this at length with more than one vetinarian. Sometimes people get too freaked out about giving their dog’s meds and then the dog ends up suffering unnecessarily.

And just because there are risks of possible side effects (as with any drug) does not mean it isn’t safe. One does not equal the other.

I just hate to see an animal suffer due to a mostly unfounded human fear. Especially when the person, who makes the decision for the dog, usually wouldn’t think twice about taking a Motrin when they have a headache or any other med a human dr was to prescribe them.

Of course Meloxicam/ Metacam should be avoided in patients with impaired function of the liver, kidney or heart. It should also be avoided in dehydrated patients and patients with known GI ulcers. But for a healthy dog the benefits usually outweigh any potential risks.

The most important thing is to have a good vet who you can discuss the risks vs. benefits in regards to your particular dog.