What are the Different Uses of Metacam® for Dogs?
Metacam® is a prescription medication used as a pain reliever for dogs. It is available in liquid form, and can be prescribed by a veterinarian for several reasons. A dog may be given this medication as a preventative if he or she is about to undergo some form of surgery, or a dog may be put on a lower dose to treat a chronic problem such as arthritis.
The medication is known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This form of medication helps reduce the inflammation of various tissues and cells within the dog’s body that can produce uncomfortable conditions. It is easy for a veterinarian to adjust a dog’s dose based on size and body mass, ensuring that the least amount of medication is given in order to achieve the desired effects.
One of the most common reasons for using Metacam® for dogs is the management of pain that occurs with arthritis. As dogs age, joints can become inflamed, stiff, and painful if arthritis develops. Pets may stop being as active as before, begin to move stiffly, and have difficulty getting comfortable and sleeping due to the pain. Using Metacam® for dogs can help reduce inflammation of the tissues and allow aging dogs to once again regain a normal, active, and healthy lifestyle that will also help naturally strengthen the body to fight further development of arthritis.
In some instances, the medication can also be administered to aid in management of pain around the time dogs go in for surgery. Administering a dosage before, during, and after surgery can help relieve the most acute pain, as well as reduce inflammation created by the irritation of tissues surrounding the incision. It is most commonly given when the surgery involves an orthopedic problem, and can continue to be administered when dogs are recovering from surgery. As it is in a liquid form, Metacam® for dogs acts quickly to relieve pain and lasts for up to a day after it is administered.
Metacam® for dogs is only available through a veterinarian, and when administered for the acute pain that comes with surgery, it is typically administered in a clinical setting. The dose can be tailored for the individual dog, and is as effective for small dogs as it is for large ones. As the body does not build up a tolerance, it continues to be effective after a long period of use, and it has been approved for continuous administration for dogs on a daily basis.
