Metacam alternative?

C

chestnut cob

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Hello all
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After being on Metacam (primarily to help with eye problems as it relieves the pressures in his eyes caused by I think uveitis) for a good couple of years or so, our old dog is finally showing all of the side effects... loss of appetite, generally a bit fed up and lethargic, liver problems and possible stomach ulcers. He's been taken off the Metacam but the vet says there isn't anything else he can give for the eye problems (apart from Rimadol (?) which had the same effect, hence changing to Metacam). He may end up needing to have his eye removed but that's something we can deal with later on down the line, should we decide there is no alternative to putting him through an op (I'd prefer not to but not just my decision).

However, he's also a bit stiff, as old animals tend to be and the Metacam obviously really helps with this. His appetite has returned with avengeance since coming off the Metacam, which is great, but I'm expecting him to start getting stiff again. Is there anything we can give him which will help with that? I'm thinking along the lines of the horsey No-Bute, Devil's Relief and similar supplements. Can dogs have Devil's Claw?

Thanks
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I use the joint aid for dogs for my 11 year old Lab. Have to say I am pleased wih it. I also have a magnetic collar for her. Together they are keeping her quite agile. She is still doing a little flyball and agility (although I only do the lower height jumps in deference to her advancing years)
 
I just wanted to say that my 10 year old GSD had her eye removed and she coped absolutely brilliantly. Don't know how old your lad is but if the eye is causing discomfort I definitely wouldn't rule out removal.
Re his stiffness, don't suppose it will help with the eye but my bitch has had cartrophen injections which seem to have helped with a spinal problem.
 
Thanks all.

Patches, thanks for the links, that's exactly what I was talking about. Something like we would buy for our horses without prescription, Cortaflex type I guess.

MM, he's 14 and has a weak heart so I doubt we would want to put him through the operation to remove his eye if it was needed as he'd be unlikely to survive the op. That said, if the eye got v bad he'd end up having to be PTS anyway if he wouldn't survive an op, so I guess under those circumstances you go through with it anyway because the pessimistic outcome is the same (does that make sense?). Good to know about your dog though.

Thanks
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Patches, which one of those Nutrecare supplements do you buy (the dog ones)? They do have Cosequin and I know the equine one is good but it's v expensive... dog hasn't been diagnosed with arthiritis in the same way I know M has it so needs treating, he's just a bit stiff with his age.
 
definitely try one of the glucosamine/chondroitin supplements (they take about 6wks to take effect), try a course of Cartrophen and consider trying PLT as seems to cause less gut side-effects than nsaids like Metacam and Rimadyl. Wont be able to do that one if the liver probs are serious though.
 
Sorry CC, I have never bought dog supplements. Even at 14, Jasper never had a day's stiffness.

I buy some Cortaflex from them for Miss P. I was more recommending the service from Nutrecare than a particular product.
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Liver probs are mild so hopefully they will start to reverse now he's coming off the Metacam. What is PLT?

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PLT is prednoleucotropin (sp?). Having seen your lads age I agree about the surgery, but would consider discussing the possibility of cartrophen injections with your vet, to help his general stiffness.

ETS I have also heard of some good results with acupuncture.
 
Thanks MM. Is Catrophen given to a specific stiff spot (like cortisone for spavins into the joint), or a more general medication, like Adequan or Tildren? He doesn't specifically have an injury or stiff spot, he's just old and a bit creaky.

The surgery is a funny situation. Damned if you do, damned if you don't sort of thing really. If the eye does get bad now he's off Metacam, he needs to have it taken out however may well not survive the op. But, if it's bad and we choose not to remove it, he either needs to go back on Metacam and will slowly starve to death, or he'll have to be PTS because he will be in so much pain....

ATM he's ok. He's eating reasonably normally again, up first thing wanting to go for his walk and is generally bright in himself. Still rolls around and plays so he's not depressed. He's just very old! Dalmatians can live for a long time though, up to 18 I've read, so at 14 he's pretty elderly even for one of those!
 
Well Buffy had her Cartrophen just behind her wither, and her problem is towards the tail end of her spine, so suspect it is just a general jab, the wither area seems quite a common site.
I feel for you re the surgery,its a very difficult decision isn't it. As long as he is comfy and happy, and it sounds like he is at the moment, I think you are right just to see how things go.
 
cartrophen is a bit like doggy Adequan but is just given sub-cutaneously by injection once a week for 4 wks.

PLT is a combination of low levels of nsaid and steroid and works v well for old creaky dogs - we call them "poorly leg tablets"
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