My 10 yr old dog has been on Metacam for some time for hip displasia and luxating patella. I've noticed she's been a bit quiet and wobbly on her feet lately but put it down to age/arthritis. Then a couple of days ago, she became very weak and collapsed repeatedly. Rushed her to vet who took blood samples which have shown low blood volume and kidney and liver damage. She also found a heart arrythmia.

Vet suggested she had a low grade internal bleed. I asked about the Metacam and she seemed a bit vague but suggested she stay on it and if she has any more problems (the weakness/collapsing have now stopped) they'll take another blood sample and send her urine for analysis to establish the extent of the kidney damage.

Does this sound right?
Surely if there's already signs of damage the Metacam should be stopped - i don't want to wait for a crisis. The vet is very young, newly qualified i think, and, although kind and concerned, does seem a bit unsure of herself.

Are there alternatives to Metacam?
She's already on a good joint suppliment containing Glucosamine, MSM, Chrondroitin, Hyaluronic acid, and DHA/EPA and i give her two small tins of sardines a week.

I don't want to stop the Metacam if it means she'll be in pain but if it's slowly killing her anyway...

Don't know what to do

I personally would take her off Metacam if she wouldn't be in great pain, can you get a second opinion?
Tramadol may be an alternative
Treatment of Pain in Dogs and Cats
quote
Tramadol is a medication that a lot of vets discuss recently as a possible safer option for pain control in your pet. It’s side effects seem to be considerably less than the potential ones of NSAIDs, traditional narcotics or corticosteroids. The medication is inexpensive.

Unlike NSAIDs, tramadol works directly on pain sensation in your pet's brain, not on the source of the pain itself. It is being used to control post-surgical pain and, sometimes chronic pain, in pets. Although it works on the same portions of the brain as narcotics, it is not considered a controlled substance by the DEA. That may soon change. (ref)

Tramadol has not been used in pets for very long. We know less about possible long-term toxicity when it is used in cats. Perhaps will turn out to be an effective alternative to NSAIDs. Pets with liver or kidney disease need lower doses of tramadol. Tramadol is not an FDA-approved medication for pets, but you can read the human product label information here.



For the weakness in the back end, have you considered hydrotherapy?

Thanks.
I think i'll take her to another vet for a second opinion and to ask about the Tramadol. I do feel really uncomfortable about continuing the metacam.

I've keep thinking about hydrotherapy and there is a place near where i live but she's very prone to ear infections (as a result of her previous owner leaving her with severe untreated infections for years) and we've only just got this under control. I fear the water would set the infections off again.

ETA: That's a really interesting link too - thanks...

Difficult bit of judgment there between the ears and the muscle wastage.
Quality of life juggling
How bad do the ears get?

I believe you can give Catrophen injections alongside Tramadol, so that may help too.
Cartrophen and Osteoarthritis

Mines going for his top up injection tomorrow

Our dog has Trocoxil- its one tablet a month, for Arthritis and shes doing really well on it.
Our vet told us it was kinder on liver and kidneys. Good luck

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Previcox is another option. Whilst still an NSAID, it seems to be tolerated better compared to the likes of Metacam or Rimadyl.

Id personally not use Tramadol on a long term basis. If a dog is in so much pain that such a heavy duty pain relief is needed, id question the animals quality of life.

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The Wheel Weaves As The Wheel Wills

I have just joined this forum to ask about Tramadol which has beeb prescribed for my cat for arthritis. I was concerned as this is a drug given to me after surgery and as had never heard of it being given to animals. However, having read the previous comments my next problem is ....how do I get him to take it? Holding him and putting the tablet in his mouth is a non starter as the fight he put up stresses him -and must hurt his already painful joints -to such an extent that it is impossible. I have tried mixing it with all his favourite foods and he just won't eat any of it...tried not giving him anything else but no joy. He backs away from the dish as if it is poison. Can anyone help?

Side effects of NSIADs can be kidney and liver problems and gastric problems.
In fact in all honesty I believe most manufacturers of the medication say that blood tests should be carried out prior to starting medication to check kidney/liver function. Probably to cover themselves. Ive found that you tend to find out a lot on FDA data U.S. Drug and food Administration. Looked this up, hopefully the link will work.

Veterinary Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Hope this might be of some help

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Have also found the FDA approved Professional insert for Metacam in the states.
There is a lot of information on there too that my answer your questions.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalV.../UCM050395.pdf

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