Metacam for arthritis

[Cannedheat1999]

We have a 16 year old-diabetic but otherwise in good health. Our vet diagnosed arthritis and obviously we want her to be as comfortable as possible. She had full bloods a few weeks ago and all was excellent. So I’ve given her an initial dose and no sickness or anything but I think she’s a bit sleepier.
Has anyone else used this and seen a slightly sleepier cat? Does it pass?

It's possible she's sleeping more as she's more comfortable.

My last old boy cat perked up enormously when he started it for arthritis. Suddenly became a complete PITA when he realised he could jump on the dining table again!

Give it a week or so to see how she goes.

That’s a a really good point! She’s certainly relaxed!

Hi there @Cannedheat1999 , yes we've used it on one of our previous cats.

It was a couple of years ago so I can't remember how long it lasted but yes I would say that he was a bit sleepier initially. My vet said that it was probably just because our cat was feeling more comfortable so he was able to have a really good restful sleep.

(Sorry, I was distracted while I was typing this and I see that @Scampuss has already said this!) Hope it helps your girl 🐾 🐾

That’s also really good to hear. I tend to think myself round in circles when it comes to my girl!

Ah don't I know it @Cannedheat1999 , there's always something to worry about with the wee furry menaces isn't there?!

She seems quite spaced out this morning 🫣

Our cat has been on Metacam for at least a year - it certainly shouldn't cause them to be spaced out. It's really not that strong.

Are you sure he's not just more content and comfortable?

She’s chilled out-maybe I’m just being paranoid. But I was expecting her to be trotting around like her younger self. Maybe it’s not taken effect yet? Only two doses so far.

It can take a few days to build up in their system - mine has been on it for arthritis for a year but it did take a week or so to really take effect.

If she's chilled and happy I would take that as a good sign ☺️

Well she’s pottering around-been out in the garden for the first time in a couple of weeks and eating well so 👍👍👍

That sounds very positive!

She is being a bit weird though. Chilling in unusual places. Don’t know if that’s a concern

She's probably just much more comfortable and I expect (in the nicest way) you're a bit paranoid because she's been unwell.

DCat (13 yo) is on metacam for arthritis and agree about increased sleepiness. But hope that is because she feels more comfortable. DCat is eating and drinking ok and is well apart from the arthritis 😺

I know my own dodgy arthritic knee can keep me awake at night if I've over exercised it and forgotten to take a painkiller. I need the painkillers to catch up on my beauty sleep!

She’s had two half doses of Metacam and she’s knocked out. I’ve been in tears all morning because she looks like she’s about to die. Don’t know if she’s just had a sharp decline or it’s the drug. She had full bloods earlier this month and they were excellent. Just when it comes to her I just get so upset 😭
She’s battles through so much-pancreatitis and diabetes. And she’s so small-only just 2kg, I think any small thing can send her off balance

Is there a reason for only giving half doses?

It is really tough when they get old, so I understand your worry, so maybe talk to the vet for reassurance or to consider different meds

The behaviour you describe sounds like she's either reacted badly to the medication or there's something else going on.

Metacam should only be given once a day too - is there a reason she's getting two doses?

It was just to see how she tolerated it.
put a call into the vets to get some advice

Sorry if I wasn’t clear. We’ve given her one dose-every 48hrs

I’m now worried it’s kidney failure

It's very, very unlikely to be kidney failure after two (?) doses. Kidney failure generally only happens when a cat has been on Metacam long-term, though it is possible your cat has had a bad reaction.

I wouldn't give her anymore and get her checked by a vet today if you're concerned.

Goodness me what a worry 😔. Were you able to speak to your vet @Cannedheat1999 ?

The vet called. She didn’t seem the think it was the Metacam. She said that as she is eating and drinking (all be it when we bring the bowl to her bed) then she was happy for her to stay home tonight and if there is no improvement to see her tomorrow.
She is really weak-carried her to the litter tray and then when she tried the stairs she nearly fell. It’s heartbreaking- I’m so sad that this might be the end

Oh no, that's so sad. Sending you both a gentle little hug.

It's so hard having pets isn't it? We lost one of our dogs earlier this year and although it was (technically) our choice because we felt that his quality of life was so poor, it absolutely broke me.

I'll be thinking about you both tomorrow and hoping your girl rallies round 🤗💐

It is so hard. They are such gifts and the sorrow when they go is overwhelming.
Will have to see how she is in the morning. Thanks for the kind words