Millions of dogs have arthritis. Which are the best arthritis medications for them? According to “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” published in the Feb 15th, 2007, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), 16 studies suggest the following were effective, with the more effective listed at the top:
· Metacam (Meloxicam)
· Rimadyl (Carprofen)
· EtoGesic (Etodolac)
· Cosequin (chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate)
· Perna (green-lipped mussels), Perna (Green-lipped muscles)
· Glyco-Flex (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan)
Over the next few blogs, we’ll consider what the Systemic Review said and did not say for each of 6 medications. As you’ll see, what wasn’t said is as important to your pet as what was said. Let’s start with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Metacam (Meloxicam) according to the Systemic Review
Four studies found Metacam to be effective in controlling arthritis symptoms. The studies conformed to rigid scientific standards, and the scientists that evaluated them agreed the studies showed Metacam improved arthritis symptoms. Does this mean Metacam should be the first choice of pain medication when treating pets with arthritis. Decidedly no.
What the Systemic Review did not say about Metacam
What the Review did not discuss were side effects associated with Metacam use. Metacam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that has potential for causing:
· stomach ulcers,
· liver damage, and
· kidney damage.
Kidney damage and kidney failure are most likely in cats receiving injectable Metacam. Metacam is widely used to provide analgesia during dental treatments and during spay and neuter surgeries. In some cases, cats that developed kidney damage were given higher doses of Metacam than they should have been given, but in other cases, cats received acceptable levels of Metacam.
Usually we focus on physical effects of drugs, but when assessing possible side effects of Metacam, it’s important to include behavioral effects. Dog owners have reported odd, unwelcome behaviors in dogs given Metacam. For example, dogs may become fearful when they weren’t fearful or anxious prior to receiving Metacam. Thus, the vacuum or broom may frighten a pet that had not previously been afraid of them.
Tomorrow the blog will consider another NSAID discussed in the Systemic Review, Rimadyl, the most widely used of all arthritis medications.
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