Ultimate Guide to Metacam Oral Suspension
Meet the Oral Osteoarthritis Opposer: Metacam Oral Suspension!
Metacam Oral Suspension is a veterinarian-recommended, FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves dogs' osteoarthritis pain, post-operative soreness, and any other musculoskeletal discomfort. Metacam is a daily honey-flavored liquid that can be added to the dog's food or given without food.
How does the Metacam Suspension for Dogs work?
Metacam is the brand name for its active ingredient, Meloxicam, which reduces pain, inflammation, and fever that results from arthritis in canines.
Arthritis is caused by an infection or injury which exacerbates cell damage from the natural breakdown of a dog's cartilage tissue, or the protective cushion between the joints. Permanent damage (e.g., arthritis) from constant bones rubbing together is the natural result.
Metacam's Meloxicam works as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work. NSAIDs prevent cell damage and lessen joint pain by blocking the COX activation, which is a chemical protein enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Blocking COX activation causes fewer prostaglandins that contribute to pain and inflammation.
Finally, NSAID Meloxicam swiftly controls and relieves dogs' muscle, joint, and bone pain and inflammation.
How to administer Metacam Oral Suspension to dogs?
Metacam Oral Suspension is given once-daily within a dog's food or Metacam can be given without food. As the only oral liquid NSAID, it is administered with an easy-to-use oral syringe to dogs of all weights. Shake before use, measure the correct dosage into the accompanying syringe, and push the medication into their dog food bowl or mouth.
The Metacam liquid dosage for dog's initial dose in dogs is 0.1 mg per pound (or 0.09 mg/lb.) and then subsequent days are given 0.05 mg per pound (or 0.045 mg/lb.).
See the Metacam dosage chart below to see how much Metacam to give dogs, such as the Metacam 0.5 mg for dogs, Metacam dosage for 70 lb dog, Metacam dosage for 80 lb dog, etc.:
| Dosage |
10 lbs. |
20 lbs. |
35 lbs. |
70 lbs. |
80 lbs. |
100 lbs. |
150 lbs. |
|---|
| Initial |
1 mg |
2 mg |
3.5 mg |
7 mg |
8 mg |
10 mg |
15 mg |
| After |
.5 mg |
1 mg |
1.75 mg |
3.5 mg |
4 mg |
5 mg |
7.5 mg |
We provide 10 mL (1.5 mg/mL), 32 mL (1.5 mg/mL), 100 mL (1.5 mg/mL), and 15 mL (0.5 mg/mL) syringes for the correct Metacam dosage for dogs.
What are the precautions of which you should be aware?
With Metacam Oral Suspension, avoid dogs that are hypersensitive to NSAIDs, those who have stomach ulcers, and those with Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid dogs who are pregnant or lactating. Avoid dogs with heart, kidney, and liver disease. Avoid dogs taking other NSAIDs, those suffering from dehydration, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What are Metacam Oral Suspension's side effects of which you should be aware?
Metacam's most common side effects are vomiting, soft stools, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Metacam doesn't make dogs sleepy (lethargy or general malaise can be a sign of fatal toxicity), but can cause insomnia, dizziness, or headaches.
Metacam overdose symptoms are bloody vomit, black tarry stool, polydipsia, polyuria, weakness, abdominal pain, or seizures. These are signs of fatal toxicity. If any side effects are observed, call your veterinarian, take your dog to your emergency veterinary clinic, or call the Pet Poison Helpline!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Metacam for dogs and what is Metacam used for?
Metacam Oral Suspension for dogs is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Metacam is especially known for arthritis in dogs and relieving pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis pain (OA), post-operative soreness, and any musculoskeletal discomfort.
How long can a dog take Metacam Oral Suspension?
Ask your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage and the specific amount of time your dog should be taking Metacam Oral Suspension. If you give your pup a higher dosage or longer than your veterinarian recommends, this can result in a fatal overdose (the symptoms are shown above).
How long does it take Metacam to work within dogs?
This medication will take effect in about one to two hours, and the following clinical signs show improvement.
Can I purchase Metacam without a vet prescription?
No. Metacam and its active ingredient Meloxicam have precautions based on negative drug interactions and other significant precautions before you start giving the product to your dog. Also, dog owners need to be careful of overdose, misuse, and potential side effects of which only veterinarians are aware.
How long does Metacam last?
Metacam offers 24 hours of relief before the next administration.
Should Metacam be refrigerated?
The product is stored at room temperature.
Is Metacam Oral Suspension for puppies?
Metacam Oral Suspension can be administered to puppies that are at least 6 months old.
Concluding Thoughts
The most important thing that you should know about Metacam Oral Suspension is that it brings fast relief to dogs suffering from arthritis, OA, and other musculoskeletal disorders by controlling pain and inflammation associated with them in one to two hours. Ask your veterinarian for your furry best friend to become a Metacam dog today!
DISCLAIMER: FDA law restricts Metacam Oral Suspension only on order or prescription of a licensed veterinarian for the best pet health care advice. Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427. This informative article is not meant to substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition. Ask your veterinarian whether Metacam Oral Suspension is suitable for your dog. Ask your licensed veterinarian to prescribe an exact dosage and other specifications prescribed for your dog.
