Hi I have a 9 month old chow whose having problems with a back leg which the vet diagnosed as a soft tissue injury, the vet has prescribed Metacam, does anyone know what the homeopathic equivalent would be? I really hate using these drugs unless all else fails, plus I have heard that Metacam can have some awfull side affects
We did get her better giving her rest for a week and only gentle on lead short walks but then she jumped out of one of my other dogs off the floor beds and sort of left the leg behind so of course it went again, so thought best to get it checked by the vet
Would you you use the Metacam or go back to the rest as before and use Arnica and Rhu tox
Thanks Jill

Hi Jill

I think this is really your decision. All I can say is that as far as Im aware there is not problem with Metacam in dogs, especially not in short term use. Even in cats where there is a known problem with potential liver damage, one of mine is in so much pain that we have no option but to give Metacam and whilst we keep the dosage as low as possible, she has been on it for 2 years with no apparent problems.   

My own Doctor has just prescribed Pennsaid, a topical antiflamatory, for my elbow tendonitis and inflamation at the site of an AC problem in my shoulder.  I don't know if there is a Veterinary equivalent and if there is you would have to shave the hair off.  But it is amazing stuff and of course the advantage is that it goes directly to the spot and has far fewer side effects on the stomach and liver.  Maybe you could ask your Vet.

We have used Cartrophen Vet instead of Metacam for our dog's arthritis.  Not sure if it works on soft tissue, but again, supposed to have fewer side effects.  You can do an internet search for more info. on both these drugs.

My vet and the specialist my dog had to visit prescribed Rimadyl. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. My dog has had no issues on it. Unfortunately, like everything else you will have some dogs who will react badly to medication and some which don't. It's always a risk. Don't know of any homeopathic equivalent. You could just try putting your dog on Glucosamine Chondroitin which is for cartilage / tissue problems.

Thanks to you both for your advice, I think I will carry on with the homeopathic remedies for a while longer as she seems much improved today but we will be much firmer about the exercise and not allowing her up the stairs for a while longer.
Rimadyl would be a deffinate no, it was used on my other chow with very serious side affects, so I guess it`s really like anything else as like us they are all very different
Once again Thanks for your replys
Jill