Metacam/Arthritis

[mickey]

My horse was diagnosed with DJD of both hocks, many years ago, at the age of 5. He is now 17. I sometimes medicate him with Danilon or bute powders if he seems to be struggling. Has anyone used liquid metacam instead?? Any feedback would be welcomed. In particular, any notable advantages or disadvantages. Many thanks.

 

[fusspot]

If my boy has to have anything like that,he has to have Metacam as he has had Ulcers and the bute can irritate so has the Metacam instead.It is easy to administer and they do only have it once a day,so must be slightly stronger.I squirt it straight into the feed and he eats it quite happily,the syringe is done by horses body weight.I haven't had any problems with it.I actually had to get some yesterday as my boy has some inflammation on his withers and vet wanted him to have some,when she came out she gave me the box and said this is the same as Metacam just a bit cheaper at £30-can check name tomorrow if interested.The Metacam isn't cheap and obviously don't get a massive supply from 1 bottle so if you only need occasionally ok but could prove very expensive if on it more long term.

 

[Silverfire]

I use oral metacam for one of my horses as she can't have bute. Its much kinder to the gut than bute but the major disadvantage is it is a great deal more expensive than bute. I was buying it from my vets and it was costing £70 for a 100ml bottle which does my 400kg horse 6.5 days, which isn't too bad if you only use it for a week but my horse needs it a lot at the moment. She has it for teeth/mouth pain and she also needs it for a few days after any sedation so i have a prescription for it and buy a 250ml bottle from vetimed for £57 which is 16 doses for her.

 

[Nari]

Don't rely on it being totally safe for ulcer prone horses, mine couldn't tolerate it

 

[fatpiggy]

I used it for about 9 years for my old mare who had severe arthritis. She couldn't have any other painkiller as they all contraindicated with her other medication. It worked well, was easy to administer and never gave her any gut problems. Smells a bit odd but tastes quite sweet. Definitely shop around though, I got it online at a fraction of the cost of what I would have paid the vet for it.