[Gpdd] Health: Metacam use

[Lisa Choiniere]

Hi everyone,
   
  I would just like to share my opinion on the use of Metacam. I do not use Metacam on my piggies, I use ibuprofen which is a tried and true NSAID in piggies and doesn't need a lot of researchers in a teaching school to try new things with it. It isn't labeled for pig use which means it hasn't been thoroughly tested on pigs. 
   
  Not to mention, after Russell had his bladder surgery, we gave him Metacam which we had never used before, and he died shortly after. Perhaps it is a coincidence, but we have never had any trouble with ibuprofen (and it is tutti-frutti flavored which makes it easy to give and does not smell like old ferret).
   
  This is what the Metacam label says:
  Precautions

Safe use in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Safety has not been established for IM administration.

As a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver side effects. The most common side effects reported in field studies were vomiting and soft stool/diarrhea. These are usually mild, but may be serious. If side effects occur, pet owners should halt therapy and contact their veterinarian. Pets should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with Metacam, then monitored regularly while on therapy. Concurrent use with another NSAID, corticosteroid, or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided or monitored closely. See package insert for complete information. 

Uses

METACAM® ORAL SUSPENSION for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

Warning

For oral use in dogs only.

  Last time I looked, my piggy didn't look like a dog. Yes, vets prescribe it and there may be off-label evidence that it doesn't kill pigs outright, but what is it doing to their guts and organs over the long term?? Do we know?
   
  Ok sorry, I will get off my soapbox now. I did not mean to rant, please forgive me. If you have good luck with it, I don't want to burst your bubble either, but I just want to offer that just because the vet says it, doesn't always make it the gospel truth. They are human and make mistakes sometimes. My vet now won't prescribe Metacam to small animals because of what happened to Russell. Just something to think about...
   
  As I said before, this is just my opinion. I know others may differ and I respect that. 
   
  Be well,
  Lisa and my gang at Wheeks and Squeaks GP Rescue

		
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