If your dog suffers from a degenerative joint condition like arthritis, you'll want to provide him with dog arthritis pain relief in order to help him live a healthy, enjoyable life. There are two primary ways to go about dealing with arthritis pain and joint degeneration. The first involves boosting the connective tissue and cartilage around the joints through medicinal assistance, while the second requires that you address the pain directly. Metacam is a good option for addressing your dog's pain directly.
Metacam Overview
Metacam is a type of drug that is classified as a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug, or NSAID. NSAIDs are types of medicines that inhibit the synthesis of certain body chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are released throughout your pet's bloodstream and which, when they bond to certain receptor cells in your pet's body, cause the sensation of pain. By eliminating the production of prostaglandins, you can therefore effectively reduce the pain that your pet will experience.
Using Metacam for Your Dog
Metacam is specifically produced and approved for use in dogs only, so it's recommended that you not give this medicine to your cat without first receiving specific instructions to do so from your veterinarian. Because Metacam is a prescription medicine, you'll have to consult with the veterinarian anyway in order to be able to provide this drug to your dog. The medicine is typically given as an oral tablet, but it can also be provided as an injection. The exact dosage and dosing schedule for Metacam will be dependent upon how large your pet is, what his weight is and what the extent of his arthritis is.
Metacam Risks and Side Effects
Metacam can react unfavorably with a wide variety of medicines, so tell your vet about any other drugs that you give your pet in advance. It also should not be given to dogs that are pregnant, or dogs that have organ failure, bleeding and certain other conditions. The side effects for Metacam are generally mild to moderate and include intestinal ulcers, internal bleeding, dark stool, intestinal perforation, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. If you notice these or any other side effect, take your pet in to the vet's office for an examination. It's also possible that your dog might suffer from a more severe allergic reaction. This typically is characterized by immediate difficulty in breathing, chewing or swallowing after taking the medicine, as well as loss of consciousness.
Because of the nature of your pet's reaction to Metacam, it's important that you continue the run of the medicine, even if your pet's symptoms seem to improve midway through the dosing. For more information about Metacam, consult with your veterinarian. While your dog is taking this medicine, it's important also that you take him to see the veterinarian regularly for checkups.