Metacam for Dogs: Dosage, Side Effects & Experiences

Metacam is probably one of the best known pain medication in veterinary medicine and is at dogscats and horses deployed.

For a successful treatment, however, exact dosage and the correct application method decisive.

In this article you will find in which areas of application Metacam is used in dogs, how to dose Metacam correctly and much more interesting information about the drug Metacam for dogs.

In a nutshell: What is Metacam and what effect does it have?

Metacam contains the active substance meloxicam. This is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug and is often used in veterinary medicine to treat acute inflammation, such as anal gland inflammation, the musculoskeletal system and as a pain reliever.

In long-term medication, Metacam is primarily used in osteoarthritis his place. Metacam can be used permanently.

Metacam decreases the levels of hormones in the body that cause the perception of pain and reduces inflammation.

How is Metacam used?

Metacam is as suspensionas chewable tablet and as solution for injection available.

Metacam is most commonly used in liquid form oral administration used. The correct dosage can be easily achieved using the included syringe.

Metacam can be easily and simply injected using the syringe mouth be administered. For this purpose, the drug is injected onto the base of the dog’s tongue.

If the dog refuses to take the medication, Metacam can do that too lining or mixed with a treat.

However, it is then important to ensure that the complete dose is absorbed.

Metacam should always be at or within 10 mins administered after meals and never on an empty stomach.

If the medication is administered on a “full stomach”, the risk of gastric ulcer significantly reduced.

Opened Metacam bottles can be stored at room temperature and have a shelf life of 6 months after opening.

The correct dosage of Metacam for dogs

Dosing Metacam should not be done using the Dosing Exercise Calculator.

Depending on the breed, the weight and the diagnosis, the vet determines one appropriate dosage for the dog.

Usually, the initial treatment with Metacam is a one-time higher dose, which is then reduced over the next few days of treatment.

Normally, after the higher initial dose, a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg meloxicam per kilogram is administered.

The administration he follows once a dayevery 24 hours.

How long and how often can I give my dog ​​Metacam?

The duration of treatment with Metacam depends on the clinical course. After 3 to 4 days you should already see an improvement in your symptoms.

If there is still no improvement in symptoms after 10 days of treatment, the treatment should be discontinued.

Metacam can be used as long-term medication. However, during longer treatments, the blood values ​​should be checked regularly.

When treating with Metacam, care must be taken to ensure that the dog has an adequate fluid intake.

How fast and how long does Metacam work in dogs?

Visible improvements should be seen three to four days after starting treatment.

Applications of Metacam for dogs

Metacam is at chronic and acute Pains and inflammation of musculoskeletal system deployed.

Metacam is most commonly used for osteoarthrosis, injuries, strains, bruises or joint inflammation. Librela for dogs can also help with osteoarthritis.

Metacam is also used to treat pain after surgery.

What side effects does Metacam have?

Like any medication, Metacam can have side effects. However, they are usually minor and disappear by themselves after a few days.

However, if your dog has a severe reaction, stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinarian.

The most common side effects from Metacam are:

  • vomiting or diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • increased urination due to increased water intake
  • black, tarry, or bloody stools

Most dogs only react with side effects after a week or two. As soon as treatment with Metacam is finished, the side effects disappear.

It is not known that a dog died purely from treatment with Metacam.

Dogs, which a well-known kidney or liver disease have, should not with Metacam treated become.

Where and how is Metacam for dogs available?

It is not possible to buy Metacam, without recipe. Metacam is a prescription veterinary medicine and is dispensed by the veterinarian.

However, it is possible to have a prescription issued and thus obtain the medication from an online pharmacy. It is advisable to compare the providers here, as the prices vary in each case.

Alternatives to Metacam

Rymadyl, Previcox, Onsior or Zubrin are often used as an alternative to Metacam.

The drug is now available for long-term treatment of osteoarthrosis librelawhich has better compatibility than Metacam.

Experiences with Metacam: What do other dog owners say?

Since Metacam is a well-known pain medication, there are plenty of testimonials online.

I did a little research and brought together the most interesting experiences of other dog owners on the subject of Metacam dogs:

“My grandfather’s dog got Metacam for his back problem. He has been on long-term medication with Metacam for over 8 years and has had no side effects the entire time. Of course, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s generally well tolerated.”

“All pain medications can affect the kidney sooner or later. That’s why I would regularly have a full blood count done during long-term treatment. Better safe than sorry.»

“My almost 14 year old dog has been on Metacam daily for 3 years. A blood count is taken every few months, so far she has always had great values.”

“ My shepherd got Metacam 2 weeks after an operation. He had no side effects.»

“To my knowledge, Metacam is always given with a gastric protector/stomach protector. At least if it’s given over a longer period of time.»

«After weaning, the gastrointestinal tract has to be cleaned up in the best case.»

“I know two vets who no longer administer Metacam in their practice because of stomach bleeding and stomach ulcers. That’s why my dogs don’t get Metacam”.

Conclusion

Metacam for dogs is one of the most well-known medications used for acute and long-term treatments for pain and inflammation.

The key to success is not only the correct dosage, but also the right type of administration.

In order to prevent damage to the gastrointestinal tract from the Metacam, it is important that the drug is not administered on an empty stomach.

If you look closely and research the drug Metacam, it becomes apparent that there are now better drugs on the market that are more tolerable for dogs, especially in the area of ​​long-term medication for osteoarthrosis.

In my opinion, Metacam is very suitable, provided it is used correctly, for acute treatments.

However, I would not carry out long-term treatment with Metacam in my dogs myself, but would look for an alternative drug with much better tolerability.

Do you have any experience with your dog using Metacam? Feel free to leave us a comment and let the other readers participate.