Starting possible lifelong meloxicam in 1 year old for arthritis

[4boipigs]

We found out my newest pig has arthritis from a past broken left rear leg (before I got him). It caused him to have pain in both back legs and in his left hip. We've started on dog meloxicam (Metacam in the US) 1.5mg/ml. In the past (last 2 yrs) we used cat Metacam, however my vet switched clinics (same dr, different clinic) so that may be why things changed? Anyway, she gave us a range of .08 to .25ml to test in order to find the best dose for controling his pain. He weighs about 1250 grams. Recommended to use the lowest dose possible, and possibly give it every other day depending on his pain. We are aware that long term meloxicam can cause issues. Has anyone used meloxicam long term from a younger age and noticed any ill effects? We'll also be starting him on a glucosamine supplement.

 

[Viennese Furbabies]

I have had quite a few piggies on long time metacam, but never this young. But if your piggy is in pain, you don't have any alternative to giving pain medication. Just as your vet said, try to find the smallest dose that works but keep in mind that piggies are very good at hiding pain.

You could also talk to your vet about alternative medication, once you have used Metacam for a while. So that you could switch and the side effects would differ a bit.

Maybe give CBD a try as well? It didn't work for the piggy I tried it on, but Saskia at LA Guinea Pig Rescue is a big fan of it and you probably have different CBD "medication" in the US than are available to me in Austria.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I agree that bringing his pain under control is the priority and also agree in finding the lowest dose which still manages the pain.

As a UK based forum we cannot comment on or advise anybody to use CBD products.