General Product Information
Metacam is an NSAID or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is intended to treat a number of symptoms in dogs, including pain, swelling, and fever. Metacam is available only by prescription from a qualified veterinarian, and is typically prescribed in the treatment of pain and inflammation resulting from a wide variety of disorders related to the muscles and bones.
Metacam is also used in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. The active ingredient in Metacam works on the hormones in the body responsible for sending out pain and inflammation information to the brain. In addition to being marketed under the brand name Metacam, this medication is also sold in generic form under the name Meloxicam. It is recommended only for dogs six months or older.
Metacam
The manufacturer of Metacam claims that it provides benefits such as relief from pain and inflammation, easy administration, with most pets finding the flavor appealing, and effectiveness in allowing your dog greater mobility and function. Metacam is also packaged with a graduated syringe that allows accurate administration of the medication.
As with all medications, Metacam should only be given under explicit instructions from a qualified veterinarian. Metacam is not recommended for use by dogs that are in the later stages of pregnancy, nor should it be given to animals that are lactating. Metacam is also not recommended for dogs that have an existing heart, kidney, or liver condition.
Metacam should not be given to dogs that are allergic to other types of NSAID medications under any circumstances. Owners of dogs that have pre-existing conditions such as ulcers should also look into other alternatives to Metacam. Other pre-existing conditions that make a dog a poor candidate for Metacam are inflammatory bowel disease or dehydration. Metacam should also not be given to dogs that are already taking medications such as aspirin or Rimadyl. If you have any doubt as to whether or not Metacam is suitable for your dog, you should consult with a veterinarian beforehand and make sure to tell him what other medications your dog is currently taking.
Metacam is available in 0.5 mg/ml and 1.5mg/ml in suspension form. It is available in a 15 ml bottle and a 180 ml bottle, and is manufactured by the Boehringer-Ingelheim company.
Possible Side Effects as Acknowledged by the Manufacturer
Metacam can produce a number of side effects in certain susceptible animals. This may include poor appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, and unusually colored stools. Some dogs may also appear to be unusually drowsy, and more severe side effects may appear as allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, and swelling in the mouth and on the face.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Most owners report favorably on the effects of Metacam on their pets, with many appreciating the fact that it is not steroid-based. This has resulted in many pet owners noticing far less instances of sickness, drowsiness and general lethargy in their pet, particularly when compared to using other types of medication.
One owner of a Maltese reports administering Metacam to her dog that had previously been diagnosed with arthritis. Her veterinarian prescribed Metacam to her after extensive testing revealed that her dog’s slowly deteriorating condition was the result of arthritis. Whereas her dog was previously experiencing more and more difficulty walking up the stairs and even getting up from a lying down position, it would take only two days of treatment with Metacam before the dog was back to her normal self.
One other Metacam customer reports giving her dog 18 ml of Metacam nightly so that she would be free of pain when she woke up. The dog had been previously suffering from joint pain for several weeks, from which she recovered nicely after less than a week of nightly Metacam treatments. The same owner also reports that her dog particularly liked the flavor of Metacam, and she has no trouble giving it to him at all.
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