Having taken my Basset off Metacam recently (following a nasty gastric episode), I'm wondering whether Seraquin, made I understand, by the manufacturers of Metacam, is as effective with none of the side effects of NSAIDs?    Has anybody tried both (not at the same time!)

I'm asking re pain relief with either - I know all of what's wrong with the construction of my boy unfortunately and this is now only about managing him so he has as good a life to the end, as possible.   He'll be 10 in October.

What is causing the pain?  You might want to look into cartrophen - I know several people with great results using it:  http://www.cartrophen.com/en/

Seraquin consists of Inactivated yeast, glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulphate, hydrolysed chicken protein, maize starch, saccharose, standardised turmeric extract, maize protein.

Metacalm is Meloxicam which is a NSAID which should only be given short term due the extent of the side effects

You cannot compare the two really

Carthrophen on the otherhand is a semi synthetic polymer, Pentosan polysulfate sodium (in liquid form)adminstered by monthly injections although it does have side effects they are usually far less than Metacalm. It works in a totally different way to Metacalm.

You may wish to discuss this with your vet

> What is causing the pain?

How about subluxation of the hips, both sides, and arthritis in the spine, for starters!   He is 'a mess' basically.   But so far, on Metacam for quite a long time without any side effects, has been coping.   He's now not carrying his tail which is probably a continuation of the arthritic spine.   He has had front to back x-ray.  Not pretty.

As said, he's been on Metacam for some years, but a few months ago now, hit a bad gastric problem at which point he came off it.  Whether or not this was caused by the Metacam is unknown, but unlikely as he basically 'blew' - food not gas.   Obviously he came off the Metacam at that point,  but has a Bioflow collar, for a couple of months now.   Trouble is it alone doesn't seem to be helping,  and I now need to look at some other pain relieving meds - he is booked in for next Wednesday for me to have a chat with his vet re the way forward.   I'll see what my vet suggests.  This isn't looking good for him.

Talk to your vet about cartrophen.  You have a series of initial injections and then a break, then I believe can return for a less frequent top-up injection - you figure out the frequency based on your dog's symptoms.

There is a new anti inflammatory out which is supposed to be much gentler in terms of side effects that might be worth a try.  Galliprant.

Galliprant(Grapiprant) is a non-cyclooxygenase inhibiting NSAID still has known contraindications  but may be better for some dogs. It has been in use for humans for a while longer for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been licensed in the US for use on animals since 2016.

You could also look at the more natural options - devil's claw, or golden paste, both strong anti inflammatories.

Or, come away from NSAIDs altogether and look at a low dose of steroids.  Not a popular option and not one I'd look at lightly but, it can be very effective in pain management.  It's not something I'd look at for a young dog but for a 10 year old I'd consider it.  It's been hugely effective at pain control in one of mine, although she's not on it for that - she's on it for her allergies, which also stop me using a lot of things such as joint support tablets because she reacts to them.  I can't use NSAIDs with her primarily because she has flare-ups often, so is on prednisolone most of the time (and she'd probably react to them anyway).  It is a double-edged sword though as long term use damages the joints it's helping but again, in an older dog, I'd consider it and weigh up risks vs. benefits.

Whatever you try I would also add a gastroprotectorant, such as ranitidine.

Cartrophen isn't an NSAID, or a steroid, and doesn't have many side effects... just sayin

I didn't state it was. It acts in a totally different way to NSAIDs

I know Ann - was replying to Nikita's post about NSAIDs... :)

Likewise, I didn't say it was - I was responding to the original question!  Fair point though.

Hey ho - back from my vet this morning and he's back on Metacam.  He will be 10 in October next, so quite honestly as it works, I'm prepared to go with it.  He agrees that his tail issue most probably is to do with his arthritic spine, without bothering to do x-ray on his tail specifically.  Sods Law, he actually wagged his tail at the vet this morning, which is probably because I started him back on Metacam on Sunday last.   I had a mass to one side of his tail checked and it was aspirated.  Fluid came out and as it was somewhat cloudy, he's now on the a/bs I mentioned in another thread.   Right now I don't know which is going to happen first - his demise, or my Savings....

River is the same, she rarely carries her tail now.  Nerve pain for her from her lumbar.  But she'll still wag itif she thinks there's a chance of a fuss from anyone!