metacam: opinions?

[Trinityagain]

He is about 12 or so...this is so not funny but at the same time...in the middle of the night, when he is coming up the stairs, it honestly sounds like something out of an old monster movie, very halting footsteps + the creaking of the stairs...you would seriously not be surprised to see Frankenstein come around the corner...my poor baby

Our vet actually gives it to one of their cats as well, so I take that as a high recommendation...

Trin

[Karen]

I believe it is the same drug as meloxicam (may be the generic) which helped Lady(elder canine niece) be more comfortable in her last year, much to the dismay of Patch (kitty).

[Moesha]

My vet doesn't like to give it to cats, especially for long periods of time. Has Zingo's diabetes been controlled by insulin? I had a diabetic kitty a few years ago that I was able to wean off of the insulin and control it with food. I currently have one that we are working on getting the insulin amount regulated. He has some mobility issues, but the vet wants to get the diabetes regulated before dealing with that. Often once the diabetes is controlled the neuropathy improves.

[Asiel]

We tried using it on a few of our dogs but it always made them vomit so we don't bother using it anymore and our vet agrees the side effect isn't good. I guess if it doesn't make him sick and helps then I would go with it---every drug has it's own side effects and I guess we have to weigh the benefit versus the side effects.

[Freedom]

I think they do routine blood draws to monitor the liver, when metacam is used long term. It will help him feel better, poor kitty.

[smokey the elder]

Here's the wikipedia entry: specifically says do not use in cat. Unfortunately, so many meds are toxic to cats. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meloxicam

[Moesha]

I believe I also have read that one of the Vitamin B's helps the neuropathy. B12 maybe. You might want to give that a try before using the pain medicine.