Metacam Substitute for Canine Osteoarthritis
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Cheryl Kouri
Posted on: May 03, 2007

We have 3 Cocker Spaniels, ages 5, 8 and 14 years old. Naturally, the 14 year old is very stiff and had injured a leg ligament. The Metacam works well, but is very costly. Are there any natural medicines which would help ensure her comfort yet not cost $40.00 a month?

Metacam (Meloxicam) is one of a new generation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) developed for canine osteoarthritis. Generally, most NSAIDS that fall into the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory class (to which Metacam belongs) can be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney and liver side effects (see www.metacam.us for further details).

There are many things that can be done to help your dog with her ambulatory ailments, quite a number of which have already been posted on this website (www.richters.com). Please see the following entries: "Aging Dog with Arthritis", "Dog has Stiffness in Back Legs", "Dog, Arthritis and Cayenne" and "Dogs and Preventative Care for Joints". Herbs typically involved in the treatment of osteoarthritis include: alfalfa (Medicago sativa), ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), clivers (Galium aparine), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum).

In addition, you should speak with your veterinarian before embarking on a herbal treatment for your dog. It is also important to set up a weaning schedule in conjunction with your vet as Metacam should not be discontinued abruptly.

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