Thanks for all the replies and links - it's all really helpful.

I haven't given her the Metacam today and from reading the links i really don't think she should take it again. It's good to know there are alternatives and i'll find another vet to discuss the options (any recommendations for a good vet in Birmingham..?)

Floss has had bloods taken several times since starting the Metacam as pre-op/anaesthetic screening (she's had 4 anaesthetics and 3 operations). At no time was i informed of any abnormalities in her blood results until these latest ones, so i'm assuming the damage is new.

As for the hydrotherapy - i suppose i don't know that it would cause ear infections because i haven't tried it. Perhaps it wouldn't. And the ear infections are treatable and they are probably the worst of the two evils. So i'll give the hydrotherapy a go - i know many people on here swear by it.

(and to flixmum - talk to your vet, they may be able to show you how to administer the pills or suggest an alternative. Liquids from a syringe into the corner of the cat's mouth are easier to give or if the pill can be crushed and mixed with gravy and then drawn up in a syringe - ask your vet. You have my sympathy, giving pills to cats is my worst nightmare )

Good luck with it all.
Let us know how you get on. I know I will be very interested and I'm sure the info could be of use to someone in the future

Day 3 without the Metacam and Floss has slowed down and lost some of the spark

I had hoped she might be ok without the Metacam as she is now a lot fitter and slimmer than when it was first prescribed.

Have called the hydrotherapy place and they've booked her in to see a physio on Wednesday - he said he'll assess her to see whether anything they can offer would help.

Just looking now for a new vet.

Willows in Solihul is meant to be very good, but not sure if you need a referral - our friend went there when her staffie had cruciate problems as a referral. With the hydro the ears may be fine - we had it for our last dog and he was using a treadmill so his head never got wet so I would think it depends what method they decide will be best if they go down that route...

Hope you get it all sorted

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www.k925petservices.co.uk

She must be in pain
Are you going to start the Metacam again?

NOAH Compendium of Animal Medicines: Trocoxil chewable tablets for dogs - Contra-indications, warnings, etc

The main problem with it is that they only recommend short term use 6.5 months
If your dog reacts to it you cannot withdraw treatment
What do you go onto after that?

It does say Contraindications for Trocoxil
Do not use in dogs suffering from fastro-intestinal disorders including ulceration and bleeding,
Do Not use where there is evidence of a haemorrhagic disorder.
Do not use in impaired kidney or liver function.
Do not use in cases of heart insufficiency.
Do not use in pregnant,breeding or lactating animals.
Do not use in dogs less than 12mths of age/and less than 5Kg weight.
Do not use in cases of hypersnsitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients.
do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to sulphonomides.
Do not use concomitantly with glucocorticoids or other NSAIDs.

Under special warnings it says.
Advice for dog owner.
Before prescribing trocoxil and during treatment, your vet will check your dog for kidney and liver problems as well as diseases of the intestines.

trocoxil should not be used in de-hydrated dogs.
If your dog needs surgery inform the vet that the dog is using trocoxil.
Do not administer other NSAIDs or glucocorticoids concurrently or within at least 1month of the last administration of Trocoxil.

Trocoxil has an extended effect duration (up to 2mths after administration of the 2nd dose and following doses) adverse reactions could occur at any timepoint during this period.

Unfortuanately it doesnt look as if its safe to use for the OP as she already has impaired kidney and liver function.

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Must have been posting the same time,I wish had seen yours before, would have saved typing a neighbour gave me the leaflet thats in the product to read up on and as a consideration for one of mine. Must admit the fact that it was in the system and active for up to two months put me off, whereas daily tabs you could cease instantly if there was a problem.

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You werent to know, it seems a lot of the NSAIDs shouldnt be used with kidney and liver problems.

I just checked up Onsior which is a newer Cox hib NSAID and even that says dont use in dogs with liver disease, and again regular monotoring should be carried out for kidney and liver. That one is supposed to be gentler of the stomach and kidneys I think too. But still has cautions. Think this is going to be the problem for conventional NSAIDs they all carry risks to a degree. However it becomes catch 22, do you use them if the dogs pain free and gives him/her a really good quality of life and take the risks that may be associated? I had to make the decision to use Rimadyl long term a few years back on one of my oldies. With it she was terrific and pain free, without it she was in pain and it also affected her movement. So weighing up the pros and cons she was better with it,
so thats what she had.

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I must admit when i stopped the metacam i swore she wouldn't ever have it again but seeing the difference in her i'm begining to think that even if it does shorten her life i would rather she had a shorter joyful, pain-free life than a longer miserable one.

I'm going to keep her off it until she sees the physio on Wednesday and see what he suggests - he does seem to know his stuff. And i'll take her to another vet for a second opinion on the medications too. But it does seem as though all of the best arthritis ones are likely to further damage the liver and kidneys. I suppose we can live with that as long as she doesn't have the low blood volume/internal bleeding and collapsing again - that was really scary.

She definately needs something - i hate to see so much of the joy gone from her - she's just not being naughty or cheeky anymore... i had no idea how much i could miss that..!

Every day i wish i could just turn back the clock for her and she could just be young and carefree again...