Pain relief

[Esmae]

My dog is elderly, 14 going on 15. Unsurprisingly she has a bit of arthritis and has been on a maintenance dose of Metacam for 6 months and this has helped her a lot. I also give her Yumove. I am a bit bothered about the Metacam in the long term and it's possible effect on her digestive system. At the moment all is well but can anyone suggest an alternative to this that would actually work for her? Thanks.

 

[Goldenstar]

Galliprant

 

[Esmae]

Galliprant

Thank you, what exactly is that and where do I get it please? Just to add, having looked this up it would seem to have the same contraindications as Metacam so maybe it wouldn't be the best choice. Also requires a prescription, which I don't mind getting but at the moment with having to shield my husband we are keeping vet visits to a minimum. Thank you though.

 

[Goldenstar]

From the vet it uses a different pathway ? to Metacam and has worked very well on my 16 yo.
It’s quite expensive about £70 a month .

 

[Sandstone1]

Without meaning to sound harsh, if metacam works I wouldnt worry too much about long term effects. Better to have a pain free dog. At 14 it makes sense to keep to something that works.

 

[Goldenstar]

I don’t agree my old girl was ill last year she was on Metacam after a bit faffing about it transpired she had ulcers from the Metacam she had a course of doggy gastroguard and went on Galliprant and has done really well .

 

[Esmae]

Without meaning to sound harsh, if metacam works I wouldnt worry too much about long term effects. Better to have a pain free dog. At 14 it makes sense to keep to something that works.

Not harsh at all Sandstone, I am of the same view to a degree, however I am anxious not to give her something else to deal with at this stage in her life. I was wondering about natural/herbal stuff as an alternative.

 

[AmyMay]

Have you also considered Yumove Advanced?

 

[deb_l222]

Without meaning to sound harsh, if metacam works I wouldnt worry too much about long term effects. Better to have a pain free dog. At 14 it makes sense to keep to something that works.

^^ This

If your dog is on a maintenance dose and you're giving it correctly (with food), Metacam rarely causes problems. There are of course exceptions to that rule, before anyone jumps down my throat and I have a dog who struggles with any anti-inflammatory medication, so I do know some can't tolerate it.

That said, if your dog is pain free, doesn't have an upset stomach from Metacam, why change it? Natural / herbal medicines will never be as good a proper prescription medicine. If they were, none of us would ever need a vet or doctor

 

[Esmae]

Have you also considered Yumove Advanced?

She is having that each day.

Currently there isn't a reason to worry about her medication, but just thought I would see if anyone has had good results from other things. It never hurts to ask questions. She is a lovely dog and I just want to do the best for her.

 

[Sandstone1]

I don’t agree my old girl was ill last year she was on Metacam after a bit faffing about it transpired she had ulcers from the Metacam she had a course of doggy gastroguard and went on Galliprant and has done really well .

If it suits the dog though why change? At that age quality of life is more important than quantity.

 

[Stiff Knees]

If Metacam is working I'd be inclined not to change it, you could add in Ranitidine to protect from ulcers, your vet would be able to approve that over the phone and then you can purchase from your local chemist without a prescription. ?

 

[{97702}]

I have to say that I’d agree with the general view that if Metacam is working for her, and isn’t causing her any health problems, I’d stick with it at her age? You know she has quality of life and that is paramount at her age ?

I’ve had a few older dogs on long term Metacam for various reasons and have discussed my concerns with my fabulous vet because I had the same sense of unease that I think you may have? My vet is amazing, he knows very well not to talk down to me and is incredibly practical, pragmatic and helpful, but he totally reassured me that I was making the right choice for my dogs in their cases

 

[Goldenstar]

I would not use Metacam again long term without a proton pump inhibitor.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would not use Metacam again long term without a proton pump inhibitor.

I know someone who had a similar experience with a Golden Retriever but we have had a few Labs on it over the years.