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Metacam is a brand name of meloxicam administered in the treatment of mild to severe pain in humans and animals. For humans, the brand Modic is commonly used, while pet owners have to rely on Metacam for managing pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. It is vital that you understand how best to use the drug for animals, and refrain from using meds for humans on animals.

When it comes to relieving mild or severe pain in dogs, there are many treatment alternatives you can try. One such is the use of holistic therapy, such as CBD oil, but if a pet pill is what you want, you should opt for meloxicam.

What is Metacam

It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that helps dogs deal better with symptoms of osteoarthritis. The condition common in both small and large breeds is characterized by severe pains and difficulty moving. You can check here to learn more about NSAIDs.

The drug works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase responsible for the production of prostaglandin. The enzyme prostaglandin causes pain, fever, and inflammation, and the inhibition by meloxicam tablets or injection helps in managing the effects of the enzyme.

Uses of Metacam for Dogs

Oral doses or injections are administered to dogs by vets to treat mild to severe conditions associated with pain and movement. It is primarily used as a medication for osteoarthritis, but it could also be useful in dealing with other canine ailments. Some of which are

It has also proven effective in helping a canine recover after surgery by acting as a heavy painkiller. Older dogs suffering from ailments that make it challenging for them to move around could also find controlled doses helpful.

Dosage and Administration

The safest way to make use of any NSAIDs is with a pharmaceutical prescription. So your vet is in the best position to tell how much to use for your pet. Certain factors will determine how much to administer to a pet, and they include

Age

It is only fair that a pup less than six months old be given a less dose than a few years mature adult. Medications are available in injectable and oral treatments, and you need to seek advice on which one to use.

Weight

How much a dog weighs will also determine how much of a medication to use. The body weight plays an essential factor in its tolerance level; this means that larger breeds will need more than smaller dogs.

Ailment

The nature of sickness you are treating also dictates how much to use and for how long. Mild conditions like a dislocated shoulder may need just a single dose, while continuous treatment like after surgery may require more.

Treatment Options

You get to choose between injections and tablets or oral suspension. For an oral suspension, you can find 10ml to 180ml bottles packed with a dose of 1.5mg/ml. Most brands come with an injectable syringe with measurements in pounds that make it easy to measure your dog’s right shot. You can learn more from this page https://www.drugs.com/vet/metacam-injection-for-dogs.html about treatment options available.

For intravenous treatment in severe cases, a dose of 0.2mg may be used for every kg of dog weight, so you should check your pup on the scale first before administering it. You can reduce the dosage by half if you have to use treatment for a few days to prevent toxicity. Still, it is worth mentioning your vet is in the best position to determine how much to manage. This should be after careful examination of the situation at hand.

Side Effects of Metacam for Dogs

As with other canine medications, you can expect there may be side effects from a Metacam treatment. The common ones are related to the digestive systems as NSAIDs could cause toxicity and injury to the intestine when used with medical advice. Even with due consultation with your vet, your dog may suffer from any or more of the following.

  • Skin irritation (rashes, rabies, and scabs)
  • Weight loss
  • Increase thirst and urination
  • Yellowing of skin, eyes, and gum (jaundice)
  • Behavioral changes (aggression, loss of coordination, and decreased activity level)
  • Seizures
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody stool
  • Stomach ulcer

In situations where you notice any severe reactions to the medications, you should discontinue use and seek other alternative treatments. It is also in your best interest to avoid using NSAIDs with other corticosteroids to treat pain and inflammation in canines. As a safety condition, meloxicam should not be administered to puppies or pregnant dogs. You should also avoid use if your pet suffers from cardiovascular or renal disorders.

Close observation is needed when treating your pet with Metacam, so it is best to put them under close supervision throughout the treatment period. Meat time is best for giving a dog medicine, so you may want to adjust the treatment regimen to go with meals. This is an excellent way to ensure that the meds get digested quickly and begin taking effects in its body.

Alternatives to Metacam for Dogs

While you will most likely have to settle for other NSAIDs or dog aspirin, you may also want to consider the use of cannabis or aromatherapy to treat pet pain and inflammation. Another method is the use of old techniques such as acupuncture, which has proven efficient in treating arthritis in animals.

If you, however, decide to go with holistic medicine, you should still seek advice from a vet who would be able to proffer professional advice on how best to go.