Has anyone had a cat on Metacam for a prolonged period before? I'm aware it's used long term in cats with arthritis etc.

Pyrrha has now been on it for nearly a month (and it's doing the job, so I shouldn't complain) but as much as I'm trying to ignore what the internet would like you to believe, it occasionally pops into my head.

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Jazz was on Metacam for his arthritis for a whole year before I took him off it (and honestly, I can't really see the difference in his activity levels ). He had blood tests quarterly to make sure there was no damage being done, as advised by the vet which is what got me concerned in the first place. Also the fact that liquid Metacam for cats is banned in the States, and a friend of mine is absolutely convinced that long-term Metacam was the cause for one of her cat's kidney problems.

Sorry this is of no help though, there really doesn't seem to be much out there regarding this.

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I don't think that the oral suspension is banned in the US. As a matter of fact, I think that the tablets are not available but that the liquid is.

There was an interesting article published last year, which hinted that metacam can have a positive effect on kidney disease. Mind you, it was one study and obviously need replicating but still interesting.

Dante, I cannot remember why Pyrrah is taking the metacam.

Everything I've managed to find through all of the scaremongering is just about cats WITH musculoskeletal problems - nothing more..

She was on Buprenorphine for a week as prescribed by one vet, but when we saw the other vet who's kind of been sharing her case, he put her back on the Metacam and she's stayed on it ever since.

I understand Vet's have little to offer in terms of pain relief long term (other than maybe Tolfedine, but what drug doesn't come with it's negatives?) and as one of the Vet's said 'she's giving us little choice but to keep her on it'.

She's showing no ill effects, but my brain just wanders too much, especially when they've given no indication about how long she will be kept on it or mentioned any possible dosage reduction.

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She is taking it as pain relief for her pancreatitis - since she's started it, she's gone from vomiting up to three times weekly to not vomiting once in the last four weeks. Also since having her tooth removed last week, she has FINALLY put on weight this week for the first time in a long time..

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Ah, my mistake. Wonder why that was in my head?

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I know of patients on Metacam long term, and a friends Springer was on it for years following numerous surgeries and lameness. She switched her over to Onsior after finding out that it was much safer to use. I don't have any experience of caring for any cats on it but it could be something to consider and discuss with your vet.
Metacam can cause kidney problems if not dosed correctly. Vomiting is usually a sign to stop it, however I understand the vomiting could be caused by the pancreatitis, so might be difficult to monitor. I have seen kidney damage due to metacam first hand so it is important to have regular blood tests if your animal is on it long term.

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I do understand the worries people have with it. I also wouldn't want to leave an animal in pain if that pain could be relieved and there isn't a huge choice of what to use with cats.

For long term use I reckon the important thing is to find the lowest effective dose ie should a maintenance regime be worked out differently from an acute situation? Because of the worries with it I always slightly under dose when my vet prescribes it and it's pretty obvious that smaller amounts work well. I've also wondered if it honestly has to be given every 24 hours to an animal on long term treatment and I do think I'd discuss the option of dosing every 48 hours in such a situation. It would be a case of trial and error with each individual case but that is exactly what pain relief specialists do with human patients.

One of my cats was on metacam for six and a half years. He showed no ill effects. Metacam is regularly trialled due to the controversy - really, it just needs to be managed carefully. Use the lowest dose possible, and keep your eye on urination etc. Regular blood tests are a good idea, and regular vet checks. Most people won't have a problem, though.

The FDA Approved Manufacturers professional leaflet states for Oral suspension Metacam ie Meloxicam

Contraindications: Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive Metacam® Oral Suspension. Do not use in cats.

For the full professional leaflet see link
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalV.../UCM050395.pdf

There is also the following FDA Link that only seems to authorise a one off injection form of metacam (Meloxicam) used prior to surgery.
FDA Announces Addition of Boxed Warning to METACAM® (meloxicam) Labels

It is very important to at least get Blood testing done before starting any NSAIDs especially in older dogs and cats, and if they are staying on it long term to have regular blood tests to check and monitor too. As far as I know the Veterinary British version of the FDA have passed Metacam for use in cats.

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