unfortunately my boy has several severe orthopeadic problems & has been on metacam scince he was 6 months & he will need it for life.
my query is has anybody else had a dog on metacm for this long a period.
i did ask my vets as i know the side effects, he has no gastro-intestinal problems on metacam, but i know it can effect the kidneys, however they were tested & found to be
100 % :) & my vet says that it is in dogs with impaired kidney function that it can cause a problem.
he has hydrotherapy twice weekly, acupuncture, synoquin & a bioflow collar so i am pretty sure i am doing all i can.
i am just worried about him being on drugs for the whole of his life,but i want him to have a good quality pain free comfortable life.
thanks

Checky Wendywong's post from the 13th. She had the same question.

hi,
i had a bitch on this from 4 months old and was told she would be on it for life, i have slowly managed to wean her off it and she just has it from time to time now.  She had perthes disease and was very lame on 1 leg, i also took her swimming but a specialist told me not to as it wouldnt actually help to much.  now she can go on 3 mile walks no problems, just give her a few drops of metacam when we get back and she is brill!!  could you try and wean your dog off or is it really needed?  we were told it would be for life and she came off it after 2 years!

hi
thanks for your replies.
i am slowly trying to reduce his dose , but because of all his health problems i honestly dont think i will be able to stop it altogether. as on top of the metacam, when i notice he is getting a bit slow or stiff then we have a 'boost'of acupuncture- about every 4-6 weeks.
good luck with your girl tho GRaff, i hope she continues to do well :)