My lab had a knee operation a week ago today and was prescribed Zubrin before and after the op. Today we have changed to Metacam due to the fact she was hyperventalating and shaking alot, although the vet feels this is not the medication but because of pain and discomfort.
I do not like Metacam but do not wish to see her suffer, the problem is she has eaten very little since the op and will now not eat anything. Obviously she is not moving alot so I do not expect her to eat alot but would like her to eat something!
Does anyone know of a good multi vitamin tablet for her or have any other ideas?

How about Arnica to take down the bruising and swelling and to help the healing process??

She is also on arnica.
She is very very down in herself and has hardly lifted her head today. I don't want her to go without pain relief but nor do I want her to suffer with side effects.
She is dehydrated now and I have spoken to the vet again today, he wants to see her tomorrow if she doesn't pick up. I have just syringed some milky water down her.

Sounds like there may be something else bothering her aswell, may be a subsequent infection?

Why do you not like Metacam? It is NON steroidal so does not carry the same side effects as some others. It isn't the only pain killer/anti-inflammatory drug either, and if the shaking was due to the op (very likely) then why not go back to Zubrin?

Hope she feels better soon.
Dawn.

Hi Dawn B

The shakes and panting have disappeared 24 hrs after stopping the Zubrin. However since the Metacam was introduced the dog has hardly moved. However this morning she has eaten a little bit of ham and drank some milk, so hopefully she is feeling a little better.
We're off to the vets for a checkup anyway, I'd rather pay the vet to say there is nothing wrong than sit and worry. Think my vet thinks I am an over anxious mother :D

Poor girl. Let us know how you get on today.

Lucy

Hope she is a little better Nicolla.

The panting and shaking would stop approx 24/48hrs after the op anyway, residual anesthetic does produce these symptoms. A dog that is reluctant to move, or does not urinate soon after anesthesia, will often keep those symptoms much longer than those that do.

However, I hope she is doing better and is soon up and around again. Was the op for a cruciate ligament? as this is VERY painful.
Dawn.

The op was for a smashed knee. She did it last yr whilst pregnant (Oct), then right after the pups she went down with gastro enteritis and lost 9 kgs. She was very ill and the vets didn't think she'd make it but she did. The knee has been left as the vets wanted her back to full health before she had a GA. She has been fit for about 6 wks and so we decided to do the knee.
I have to say a week after the op she is starting to pick up, at last. She has been through a lot and hopefully by the end of the yr she will be fully fit again.
I haven't told her that in about 8 wks she has hydrotherapy and physio to go through.

HYDROTHERAPY ? being a Lab, she should love it!
Good luck
Dawn.