METACAM ORAL SUSPENSION (MELOXICAM)

Metacam Oral Suspension Description

Metacam Oral Suspension is a medication prescribed for dogs that are showing signs of osteoarthritis. Due to the stoic nature of canines, they do not want to show pain or weakness. This can make it difficult to know if osteoarthritis is the reason for a reluctance to play, run, and jump, or excessive licking of a joint or leg, and behavioral changes.

Your veterinarian can evaluate the risk of osteoarthritis in your dog and along with your information regarding age, changes in your dog’s mood, actions, and behavior, Metacam Oral Solution may be able to allow your dog to be more active and act like a pup again.

This NSAID Reduces Production of Inflammatory Substances

Metacam Oral Suspension contains Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). Once administered as directed by your vet, the active ingredient called Meloxicam will work to inhibit the COX enzymes (cyclooxygenase-1 and -2) that are responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2. This is the precursor to prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation. By interfering with the production of these inflammatory substances, your dog’s joints will be less painful to walk, sit, run, and climb stairs again.

NSAIDs can be harsh on a human’s stomach just as Metacam Oral Suspension can be to dogs at high doses. By maintaining a low therapeutic dose, Metacam Oral Suspension has shown to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1, allowing less interference with the enzymes that help maintain the stomach lining so the risk of harm is decreased.

Conditions Treated by Metacam Oral Suspension

Metacam Oral Suspension is not a cure for osteoarthritis in humans or canines, but it can be comforting to know that your older pet is also able to enjoy the relief of arthritis symptoms. Nothing will be more satisfying than to see your dog’s energy level return. You must remember to slowly increase your pet’s level of activity so he or she has time to rebuild muscle mass that was lost while being sedentary.

Before You Administer Metacam Oral Suspension

Tell your veterinarian if you think your dog may be pregnant or is nursing pups before giving Metacam Oral Suspension. As your dog recovers, it’s possible that there may a weight gain as his appetite returns so keep track and ask your doctor about increasing the dosage. Metacam Oral Suspension can be dosed in half pound or kilogram increments.

Metacam Oral Suspension Precautions

Keep Metacam Oral Suspension out of children’s reach, even though it is supplied in child resistant packaging. Tell your veterinarian about other known medical conditions or allergies your dog has and list any OTC or Rx drugs that are currently given, including herbal or vitamin supplements, to be certain Metacam Oral Suspension is safe to give. Do not give Metacam Oral Suspension for dogs to any cats in your family as it could be fatal.

Possible Side Effects of Metacam Oral Suspension

• Soft stools/diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting