I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m feeling a bit lost here. My dog, Baxter, just had his dental surgery a few days ago, and he’s been on Metacam for a while now for his arthritis. Now I’m wondering if I should adjust his dose. The vet mentioned something about possibly lowering it post-dental, but I’m worried because Baxter’s always had a hard time with pain management. He’s on the 1.5 mg/mL suspension usually, and I’m torn between doing what the vet said or keeping it the same to be safe. Has anyone been through something similar? Would love some advice—I just want to make sure the little guy’s comfortable.
Thanks for reaching out with your question about your dog's Metacam dosage following a dental procedure. Metacam, also known as meloxicam, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to manage pain and inflammation.
After a dental procedure, it's common for veterinarians to reassess the need for pain medication. Typically, if your dog is healing well and not showing signs of pain, the vet might decide to reduce or discontinue the dose. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose to manage your dog's comfort, minimizing potential side effects of long-term NSAID use, such as stomach upset or kidney issues.
Metacam is indeed available in a 1.5 mg/mL oral suspension, which allows for flexible dosing based on your dog's specific needs.
For safe at-home care, monitor your dog for any signs of pain such as reluctance to eat, whining, or visible discomfort. Always provide fresh, soft food that won’t hurt their gums during recovery.
Watch for serious issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or changes in behavior, which should be promptly addressed by your vet.
If you're unsure about the correct dosing or if your dog seems uncomfortable, it might be helpful to book a video consult with Dial A Vet to get personalized advice.
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