I don't know what to do????Metacam

[robotics]

As you all know (probably sick of hearing about it) my dog has HD and is slowing down very quickly, as I was at the vets today for his dandruff, I mentioned it to the vet and he has prescribed Metacam, he was very reluctant because of my dogs age (24mths) I have been advised to give it one month on one month off, he told me the cold weather was probably not helping. Came home and searched the Answer Bank because I have heard horror stories about Rymadryl and reading other posts I am scared to give it to him? I was also advised that he could have an injection once a week, but it was expensive............but hey he's insured, he has also referred him to an orthopaedic surgeon, but ???????This is the route I did not want to take. I currently give my dog 1 tablet - VETZYME + HIGH STRENTH FLEXIBLE JOINTS which contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSN and Omega 3. 2 tablets - Mark & Chappell Arthriti-UM which contains Cellulose, Carbonate Manganese Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Harpagophytum, Procumbens, Shark Cartilage, Ground Nut Oil, Rice Bran, Calcium Phosphate, Perna Canaliculata, Vitamin C I don't know what to do? Do I carry on giving the above tables and see what happens or do I give him the Metacam which has huge side effects.

[robotics]

Metcam was prescribed for the hd not the dandruff!

[Annlinda]

Your dog is very young and may benefit from an operation I think it is called
Pectineal resection. I know of several dogs that have lived an active pain free long life after having has this done

[ProperBoPeep]

Surgerywould certainly be an option here given his young age.

Metacam is a drug which is similar to taking a human being taking an Ibuprofen every day. The risks are present, but thankfully quite rare.

My advice given here is always - do you want your dog to be pain free and live as "normal" a life as possible? If the answer is yes, then I would use the Metcam, but be aware of potential side effects.

Like I say, the risks are small and are generally overhyped if you look on the internet!

[amonty1144]

I have seen the risks associated with the drugs u mention, however side effects are rare and if regular blood tests are taken, they can be minimiesed. I have used metacam on my dogs for years with ho side effects. Your vet is well trained, take his advice.

[rexy0101]

My dog has been on Metacam for 18months, its fantastic stuff and has completely changed his quality of life.He has had no side effects whatsoever