Our vet has prescribed metacam for suspected mastitis. It says on the box not to give lactating animals!  She had a shot of it yesterday and now they’ve given me some syrup to give her. Haven’t done so far. Don’t know what to do?

It’s contradictory isn’t it. I had this same query when I noticed the side label after one of my bitches had a section some years ago. I have given it to all my sectioned bitches before & since speaking to my vet about this, never had an issue.

Thanks

There is zero research on whether this is safe.  Therefore, don't use it unless you want your puppies to do something without any research behind its safety.  Personally, I never would.

There are other forms of pain relief which are effective during nursing, if it's being given for pain.  Tramadol is safe for nursing bitches for example, and is a good choice after a c-section.  But you shouldn't really be needing anything as an antiinflammatory for mild mastitis...

Paracetemol is also safe for lactating bitches.
When my girl was taken in post whelping xray and oxytocin given due to retained placentas she was also in a lot of pain. They said metacam and then confirmed not safe in lactating bitches. I was offered paracetemol or morphine, due to pain i opted for the latter and once given all was well.

On the subject of NSAIDs and lactation, I'm just reading the rather excellent 'Management of Neonatal Dogs, Cats and Exotic Pets' edited by Cheryl Lopate, at the moment and it says...

"Caution should be taken with the use of NSAIDs and nursing puppies.  The puppies' renal tubular function is premature until 2-4 months of age and ingestion of even small amounts of NSAIDs may affect tubular development and predispose them to early onset renal failure.  Bitches that need repeated doses of NSAIDs should have the puppies removed and fostered or hand reared."  - The reference given is Matthews, 2005: 

Matthews, KA (2005) Analgesia for the pregnant, lactating and neonatal to pediatric cat and dog,  Journal of Vet Emergency Critical Care, 15, 273-284.

Personally, I would go ape-s**t having read that if a vet had given my bitch a Metacam injection and prescribed ongoing Metacam.... and probably report them for malpractice.

I will be phoning the vet tomorrow to make a complaint. The vet gave her an injection of Metacam but I never gave her the subsequent doses they prescribed. Does it mention the AB Kesium in the book you’re reading?

Kesium is another brand name for Synulox. The vets i used to work at gave this as it is cheaper but exactly the same

Thanks Suejaw. Did they give it to nursing bitches?

No during pregnancy but that was for my girl and no issues. Wasn't needed for this bitch post whelping.

>The vet gave her an injection of Metacam but I never gave her the subsequent doses they prescribed.

The datasheet for injectible Metacam states clearly "Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals."

Synulox is fine for nursing bitches.  I've not heard of Kesium before but it does seem to be the same as Synulox:  http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-448387

This is so bad, I would also be reporting this vet to the RCVS. How many other animals he may have mistreated??

https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/

When i questionned my vet re metacam they said its given when a bitch has a c section so no different. Im like im not giving it, i have a choice here

Gosh, it's not given in the US when bitches have a c-section.  They can give local anaesthetic along the incision line and they can give tramadol or other opiates (an injection and then tablets to follow up if needed). 

The letting down of milk and nursing of pups releases oxytocin which is a natural pain-killer too...

Please don't give it, I lost 4 pups from a litter after mum had metacam, I spoke to Boehringer and they said it shouldn't have been given to my bitch while feeding pups, they have since spoken to my vet and told them not to give it to lactating bitches.

Pups were fine one minute, fed and within 5 minutes just passed away

I'm so sad.  That's awful.  So sorry :(

Oh my goodness, that’s absolutely awful. My vet gave my girl an injection of it and some to take home. Fortunately I read the warning on the box and never gave it. I’m really cross the vet gave it to her.

My pups are over four weeks old now and doing great. I did phone the vet to complain it had been prescribed.

Glad your pups are ok cockers, you're out of the woods now with most of the physically challenging times I think...

Yes onetwothreefour thank goodness!

Hi I know this is a old post but I’m in the same situation.

My girl has been quite poorly with mastitis and gastro and was given metacam once while in the vets. She had non to take home just anti biotics. I’ve stopped her feeding and I’ve hand reared.

She’s quite distressed and wants to be near her pups but as they are only 3 weeks they are still obviously trying to feed from her so she can only have contact while I’m with her for a short period.

Do you know if she’s able to go back to them at any point? Will the metacam be out of her system? I know she may have dried up by time that happens but she’s just desperate to sleep with them and be near them. It’s heartbreaking. My vet wasn’t clear as to let her back with them he said we will see how she goes?!

Rouxbag can you get one of these post-surgery recovery outfits for her:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suitical-Recovery-Suit-Medium-Camouflage/dp/B00NGQMJNQ

The pups won't be able to get to her nipples through that and she can clean them and be with them all she wants.  They do run a bit small though, just to give you a heads up for sizing.

We put her in a similar one and these pups can get where water can’t! Xx

Checking on Google the drug only stays in the system for a few hours from each dose

If that's the case, why can it only be given once a day?

No idea .althoigh in this case the dog only had one dose not a course and pups have been away for a few days .
I would speak to the vet anyway before doing anything  and take his advice or ring the manufacture

When I use Metacam, it, supposedly stays in the system (has an effect) for 24 hours ?????

I hate the stuff...I had a bitch reaction to it and it shut her kidneys and liver down! The vet wanted to put her down and admitted the that was aside affect of the drug.
I worked on her at home doing holistic stuff and pulled her through to 100%.. she died at a good age of almost 12.
But I will never again use that on any dogs.