Meloxicam for arthritis in dogs?
Does anyone have experience with this drug to share? Our 13 yr old mixed rescue is struggling with the effects of bad hips and knees. Occasionally have given OTC or Rimadyl but we've resisted putting ...
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There are several nsaids that work for arthritis, each has it's potential problems, but properly monitored and dosed they can be given long term with tremendous benefit in quality of life.
Metacam is the brand name meloxicam for animals. The human dose is such that the generic human formulas only work for very large dogs, so you might need to use a compounded or animal formula.
There is no one treatment or nsaid that works best for every animal. If Rimadyl (carprofen) worked in the past there is no special benefit to doing meloxicam rather than rimadyl. Find what works best in your dog (including least amount of side effects) then don't be afraid to use it long term.
I've had dogs on one nsaid or another for 5 or more years with no long term effects. It's important to have regular checks with your vet and be aware of the potential side effects, but these drugs are relatively safe for long term use.
DMSO can be effective too. Most patients progress in the degree of pain to the point where they need more than one drug or treatment mode to achieve a reasonable quality of live.
Doug, DVM
BTW, I'm on meloxicam for my arthritis and it's helpful (not magic but certainly beneficial).
Metacam is the brand name meloxicam for animals. The human dose is such that the generic human formulas only work for very large dogs, so you might need to use a compounded or animal formula.
There is no one treatment or nsaid that works best for every animal. If Rimadyl (carprofen) worked in the past there is no special benefit to doing meloxicam rather than rimadyl. Find what works best in your dog (including least amount of side effects) then don't be afraid to use it long term.
I've had dogs on one nsaid or another for 5 or more years with no long term effects. It's important to have regular checks with your vet and be aware of the potential side effects, but these drugs are relatively safe for long term use.
DMSO can be effective too. Most patients progress in the degree of pain to the point where they need more than one drug or treatment mode to achieve a reasonable quality of live.
Doug, DVM
BTW, I'm on meloxicam for my arthritis and it's helpful (not magic but certainly beneficial).
