Metacam $$$$$$$$$$

[Tesa]

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Have just had Max at the vets again today. One of his knuckles has been swollen for about three weeks now, and he is obviously in pain. He had it xrayed when we first noticed it, and luckily no breaks. He had a course of antibiotics, which have done nothing to reduce the swelling. He also came home with a little bottle of Metacam, which we gave duitifully each night, and that seemed to help with the pain.

Today I took him back to the vets to have his foot looked at again. Her diagnosis was it is arthritis, and there is nothing to be done other than put him permanently on the Metacam. This was alright until I went to pay the bill and found out the cost of the Metacam. $118.00 for 100ml which will last about .......................................wait for it..............................................................................

.....................8 days (w00t)

I asked her to give him his Cartagen (sorry can't spell it, if I can't pronounce it) but she said it wouldn't make any difference anymore.

Am really annoyed. We have been going to this vets for years, when they were a little practice and our lovely vet Wayne was the only one we would see, he would never have done this to us. Wayne has worked hard to build his practice up, and the staff are great but, but Wayne never takes consults these days He would alway's remember your wallet, while still putting the dog first.

Now I have to go off an seek a second opinion.

Any suggestions as to how and help my poor old boy

 

[wild whippies]

I've not looked throught the whole thread but there was this post a few weeks back, it might help you in obtaining some or it may suggest a suitable alternative.

http://www.k9community.co.uk/forums/index....topic=16099&hl=

 

[dessie]

I would go for Glucosamine. Use a loading dose (i.e. double the quantity) for 4 - 6 weeks to get it into the system and then reduce to a maintenance dose. If the Vet thinks there is a bit of arthritis starting as well I would use the Glucosamine + Omega 3 but a good starter loading dose is Glucosamine + Chondroitin with MSM & Vit C. (one tablet just that the Chondroitin & MSM will speed up the action of the Glucosamine)

All available from Healthspan

who do a very quick mail order and their products are tip-top.

You could also add Devil's Claw which is a herbal anti-inflammatory.

I have had great success with Glucosamine on various injuries, especially pulled ligaments in pasterns and knocked up toes. the same as you describe.

 

[Tesa]

He's been on Glucosamine for over a year now Dessie.

 

[clairej810]

There is a doggy equivalent of glucosamine called Cosequin, I don't know if that might be more effective. Hazel, my old GSD was on it for years and it seemed to help her.

If he develops an upset tummy with metacam don't give him any more because it can cause internal bleeding if you continue to give it while he has an upset tummy!

 

[Tesa]

He has been having trouble with a weak bladder for well over a year. We have had test done a couple of times but they have shown nothing other than his protein levels a little high.

He had surgery just before christmas to remove a lump (not cancerous). He had to have quite a few test done first to see if he was going to make it. The end result of that was his kidney's and liver are fine.

 

[FionaS]

I have been using the Glucosamine from Healthspan for Dolly's torn cruciate ligament and the vet can't believe what a great recovery she is making. So it might be worth trying the healthspan version as it could have higer levels than the one you are using. Thanks for Dessie who suggested i use it!! I hope you get it sorted out soon.

 

[masta]

try hyperdrug.com

 

[ILoveKettleChips]

Haven't time to read the whole thread thoroughly but how heavy is he? For that bottle to last 8 days he'd need to be about the biggest dog in the world! Please check your dosing schedule with your vet to ensure he isn't overdosed!

 

[Nicola]

I've just bought Fred a bioflow collar from a stall at Crufts. I'll let you know if I'm successful with this. It's supposed to ease arthritis.

I've heard prolonged use of metacam is bad for the liver. I only use it on bad days. I also use Glucosamin/MSM ...it does seem to help a little......

.....I don't feel I can offer reliable advice though because I'm not 100% convinced his limp is down to arthritis.

Good luck :luck:

 

[Tesa]

Haven't time to read the whole thread thoroughly but how heavy is he?  For that bottle to last 8 days he'd need to be about the biggest dog in the world!  Please check your dosing schedule with your vet to ensure he isn't overdosed!

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Thank you ILKC. I am feeling stupid, but only because I am concerned about my old boy, and was a bit stunned at the price. The bottle is 100ml now if I have to draw up to the 16kg mark I am still not sure how many doses we will get out of a bottle. Have just worked it out, will get 80 doses. But thanks to posting this topic I am now aware of warnings regarding liver and kidneys. I will talk to the vet again in the morning re the warnings. I have also been given some wonderful suggestions such as:

Epsoms salts.

Massage Oil daily

The Devils Claw

Bioflow Collars

Copper braclets

My vet is aware that I am thinking about a local vet who uses accupunture.

thank you to everyone

Karen

 

[Seraphina]

I just looked it up;

Metacam (meloxicam)

The effective, easy-to-use arthritis pain reliever, which is the choice proven in the field with hundreds of millions of doses prescribed worldwide. A half of teaspoon of METACAM once a day provides proven 24-hour relief for a 75-pound dog.

Half a teaspoon = 2.5ml (i think)

Karen, you just posted while i was looking it up. Sounds you have it under control :thumbsup:

 

[maggymills]

what about Rimadyl- it does the same as metacam but i think its efficacy doesnt last as long. i do know its cheaper- think!!

i'd also suggest localised acupuncture- seen it work!!!

 

[ponygirl]

A friend of mine has a 10yr old retriever who's very arthritic, and they've had excellent results using Green-lipped Mussel extract. Sorry, thats all I can tell you about it but someone else on here may be able to help further (possible suppliers etc?)

Hope you get the poor old boy some relief soon.

 

[dessie]

A friend of mine has a 10yr old retriever who's very arthritic, and they've had excellent results using Green-lipped Mussel extract. Sorry, thats all I can tell you about it but someone else on here may be able to help further (possible suppliers etc?)Hope you get the poor old boy some relief soon.

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Healthspan do Green Lipped Mussel as well

 

[chelle123]

my lab cross has slight arthritis in her back end and we just give her a cod liver oil capsule every night

just the human variety alot cheaper

also a small kids asprin given for a week then half for a week is really good as well that info came from my vet when i refused the metacam

 

[Lynn-Alexandria]

I read that Hydrotherapy is good for dogs with arthritis. See if there is a K9 hydrotherapy pool in your area.

 

[ja jumper]

my lab cross has slight arthritis in her back end and we just give her a cod liver oil capsule every night just the human variety alot cheaper

also a small kids asprin given for a week then half for a week is really good as well that info came from my vet when i refused the metacam

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YOU CAN BUY A LARGE CAN OF COD LIVER OIL WHICH WORKS OUT ALOT CHEAPER THAN THE PILLS AT YOUR LOCAL COUNTRYWIDE STORES(I USE IT FOR OUR HORSES) ALSO I HAVE USED MADNETIC BOOTS FOR MY VERY OLD HORSE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT DID HELP ,YOU CAN BUY MAGENTS FROM BOOTS THE CHEMIST YOU DONT NEED TO SPEND LOTSSS OF MONEY BUYING FANCY DOGGY ONES

HOPE THIS HELPS

 

[Tesa]

my lab cross has slight arthritis in her back end and we just give her a cod liver oil capsule every night just the human variety alot cheaper

also a small kids asprin given for a week then half for a week is really good as well that info came from my vet when i refused the metacam

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Are you willing to tell us why you refused the metacam chelle123.

After starting this topic last night I have become aware of warnings regarding liver and kidneys (see wild whippies reply). The instructions in the packet also state under the directions of use "use in any animal under 6 weeks of age or in a debilitated aged animals may involve additional risk"

Even though Max has had test several times giving him the all clear, we can see something is just not quite right with either his kidney's or liver. Have renamed him Piddling Pete :lol: . Am now concerned the Metacam will do more halm than good

 

[ILoveKettleChips]

Loads of brilliant suggestions here (although I'm not going to endorse the aspirin one ... everyone knows my feelings on it I think!).

Glad you've got the dosing cracked, that had me fretting this afternoon! Metacam, like any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can potentially cause liver and/or kidney problems. However, this is extremely rare, and on balance the pain relief given is of great value to the dog vs the minimal risk of ill-effects. Giving 10 times the dose, however, might have increased that risk from 'minimal' to 'pretty damn high'!

The way I look at it is this - people give Calpol to their kids but they're scared to give a dog Metacam or Rimadyl - it makes no sense!

I would definitely say that you should have a shot at the acupuncture, if possible in combination with other therapies too. It often makes a massive difference to the dog, and although I have to admit many dogs still rely on their dose of Metacam too, the acupuncture definitely improves overall mobility. On occasion a dog will be able to come off drugs completely, because acupuncture is so effective.

Good luck! :luck: