Using metacam for horses

[coloured_c0b]

Hi does anybody have any experience of using metacam for horses with arthritis? Good or bad experiences. After my boy having a massive reaction to danilon I'm looking for alternatives. The vet at new market who originally diagnosed his condition has suggested this. I don't think we'll be planning on using this everyday but just when he looks in more discomfort as I believe it's very expensive in comparison to danilon.

 

[Patterdale]

Sorry no idea about equine use, but we have it here for lambs and yes, it is expensive!

What's your horse's condition?

 

[coloured_c0b]

He has oesteoarthritis which was diagnosed last year. He's retired and no longer ridden, just needs something every now and again to make him a little more comfortable, was going well on a packet on danilon but no longer willing to risk this after the severe reaction he had to it. Ill keep researching it see what I can find

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Have used it for a horse with cellulitis and seemed to be effective. Horse didn't experience any problems with it but is ok with bute too, so maybe not much use to you.

 

[Buds_mum]

Only ever used it for an arthritic dog, it was expensive but very effective.... About £15 a week for a large luncher

 

[Nicnac]

Yes, I used it for horse with knee injury after fall but not long term. It was expensive but very effective. I have a great big bottle of it left too.

I used it on my dog for 4 years before she died last month and had her blood tested for liver & kidney function every 6 months. She had no adverse reaction to it.

It's a different drug for equines & canines (according to blurb on box but that may just be marketing )

I don't think Metacam can be used now and again like bute/danilon as it builds up and becomes most effective after a few days as you double dose first day and then adjust quantity to get best effect with smallest amount possible.

In view of cost and side effects I would look personally at alternatives.

 

[fatpiggy]

Used it on a daily basis for several years - horse couldn't have any other antiinflammatories due to contraindicators. It is easy to use, seems palatable (is quite sweet) even though it smells a bit naff. I bought it on line from Vetmedsplus as they were the cheapest and also very good to deal with.

 

[annunziata]

its expensive I know that I used it for pain relief before very good though

 

[glenruby]

Very expensive and the analgesic effect is not comparable with bute. Worth a try if bute/danilon is not an option. Have had a little more success with Rimadyl.

 

[Randalphs Mum]

The only bad thing about metacam is the expense! Otherwise it is a brilliant anti-inflammatory drug.
Metacam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID for use in horses especially with joint arthritis or other musculo-skeletal pain, our wee man has been on it many times for musculo-skeletal pain resulting from damage from terrible laminitis brcause he can't have danioln. Your vet should give you a dosage amount to be administered each day, but bear in mind it will take a few days to build up in his system, there will be no immediate effect.
If your horse won’t take the syringe, (like my monster ) then it is okay to give the dose of metacam in his feed, but it's better to give a small feed, like a handful of chaff with the metacam on top and then give a proper feed afterwards.
Oh and you have to use it within 6 months of opening it. Hope that helps xxx

 

[Greygirl]

I tried it on my mare a few years back. Yes it is more expensive than danilon but we could only use it for a couple of weeks as she had a reaction to it!

 

[coloured_c0b]

Thanks for all your comments everyone, I think I'm going to give it a try and see if it gives him more comfort... It may mean going without some luxuries for a while... Good job he's worth it!!!