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Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam
By Gina Spadafori
April 11, 2005
USA Today chimes in with a piece on these pain medications, their benefits, their risks (and their profits!)
The bottom line, as always: Educate yourself, insist on seeing the warning information, and ask your veterinarian about risks and how to minimize them.
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Do you have any information on metacam
Comment by barbara — April 27, 2005 @ 4:19 pm
My dog is suffering more than usual b/c of weather. Metacam is not working. Is it OK to use aspirit with this? If not, does anyone have any suggestions or solutions???
Comment by ann coco — May 10, 2005 @ 7:17 pm
Hello, my dog was just prescribed Deramaxx for pain does anyone have any comments on this before I try it?
Thank you Patricia Mullins
Comment by Patricia Mullins — May 25, 2005 @ 12:48 pm
My dog just died 5-24-2005 4 AM. Classic signs I am just now finding on internet
from Metacam his legs went out in back end, then back arched and xray showed deterioration in a short time, I just used one bottle after surgery, then in the end, Bubba turned his head and refused to eat and drink, and blood was in stool, ulcers.
Classic syndrome of this medication family. Is their a way we can all network and file class action lawsuit against drug makers. ?nancy Bubba was left for fluid for 2 days, vet specialist internist was wanting MONEY big MONEY and hounding me for long stays as he wanted money. So I thought he killed my dog as I am poor and told him so, and he was not happy with my poor status so I thought he put Bubba to sleep that very night. He may have, he was a butt head. But now I find these symptoms all on my Bubba, and vet put him on it. Now I am mad again. Anything I can do to get public awareness. nanc
Comment by Nancy Kay F — May 31, 2005 @ 6:08 pm
Patricia, I have only just now been able to bring myself to read up on this drug. We just euthanized our 14 year old mutt, Harvey, this past Friday. I am now concerned we are victims of Deramaxx.
A little over two months ago, Harvey began to urinate in the house. Since he had never done so before, we took him to the vet and he was diagnosed, after a blood sample and urine sample, with a bacterial infection. His prostate was 4 times its normal size, and while the BUN numbers were slightly high, we determined to treat the infection with antibiotics and keep an eye on the numbers.
After a month or so on the antibiotics, Harvey’s prostate was still double its normal size, he was continuing to lose weight, and he still had problems with defacation and urination.
But his appetite was good, and his BUN numbers fell back close to within normal range.
On May 11th, once our vet determined that the bacterial infection was indeed gone, and Harvey was still in trouble passing both urine and stool because of the enlarged prostate, she prescribed 25 mg. A day of Deramaxx. At first, there was some immediate improvement, tail back up, but it was very
short lived. We were to take 25 mg. A day for three days, 1/2 that for three days, and then 1/4 that as needed, but because Harvey “went down” as soon as we lowered the dosage, we boosted the drug back to 25 mg a day. He had been on some dosage of the drug since the 11th. But he continued to lose strength.
On Wednesday, June 8th, I knew we were losing the battle in that he could not make his regular walk. By Thursday evening, I was hand feeding him and forcing water down him in drops from my fingertips. When he could no longer stand on Friday, I dashed to the vet. The blood test, which had been fine prior to taking the Deramaxx, was now off the charts on the kidney numbers.
While his BUN numbers had been great 10 days before, he was in complete kidney failure and there was no hope.
If only I had read the internet articles prior to all this, I would have had tests done after death to see what we could find, but I did not.
It is true that Harvey was clearly in trouble with his kidneys prior to the drug, but I am now of the belief that Deramaxx tipped him over the edge.
Comment by Pam Williamson — June 14, 2005 @ 3:00 pm
Patricia, I have only just now been able to bring myself to read up on this drug. We just euthanized our 14 year old mutt, Harvey, this past Friday. I am now concerned we are victims of Deramaxx.
A little over two months ago, Harvey began to urinate in the house. Since he had never done so before, we took him to the vet and he was diagnosed, after a blood sample and urine sample, with a bacterial infection. His prostate was 4 times its normal size, and while the BUN numbers were slightly high, we determined to treat the infection with antibiotics and keep an eye on the numbers.
After a month or so on the antibiotics, Harvey’s prostate was still double its normal size, he was continuing to lose weight, and he still had problems with defacation and urination.
But his appetite was good, and his BUN numbers fell back close to within normal range.
On May 11th, once our vet determined that the bacterial infection was indeed gone, and Harvey was still in trouble passing both urine and stool because of the enlarged prostate, she prescribed 25 mg. A day of Deramaxx. At first, there was some immediate improvement, tail back up, but it was very
short lived. We were to take 25 mg. A day for three days, 1/2 that for three days, and then 1/4 that as needed, but because Harvey “went down” as soon as we lowered the dosage, we boosted the drug back to 25 mg a day. He had been on some dosage of the drug since the 11th. But he continued to lose strength.
On Wednesday, June 8th, I knew we were losing the battle in that he could not make his regular walk. By Thursday evening, I was hand feeding him and forcing water down him in drops from my fingertips. When he could no longer stand on Friday, I dashed to the vet. The blood test, which had been fine prior to taking the Deramaxx, was now off the charts on the kidney numbers.
While his BUN numbers had been great 10 days before, he was in complete kidney failure and there was no hope.
If only I had read the internet articles prior to all this, I would have had tests done after death to see what we could find, but I did not.
It is true that Harvey was clearly in trouble with his kidneys prior to the drug, but I am now of the belief that Deramaxx tipped him over the edge.
Comment by Pam Williamson — June 14, 2005 @ 3:02 pm
Stay away from Metacam. Just had to euthanize my 15 yr old baby because of it. Was piddling in the house occassionally before vet trip Blood work 5 wks ago showed kidney slightly elevated but doctor found absessed teeth in his mouth and said that was causing it. xrays heart and lungs looked like a puppies he said. Put him on antibiotics and metacam for pain. He stopped piddling in the house and had more pep in his step again. Wanted to make sure infection was gone before putting him under anaestia for teeth . .so kept him on the metacam and antibiotics for 2 1/2 wks. All of a sudden within a day and 1/2 , he started going down hill fast, back legs wudnt work. loss of appetite, vomitting, things he iddnt have before. He was completely lethargic, on his side So i rushed him to the vetwho did more blood work saying he wud test for addisons & if not that it was kidney failure. He kept him there all day on iv drips & had us bring him back at 7 am the next day.. longest nite in my life.. could barely feel his rib cage move. Took him back and they ivd him again and showed us how to do it at home. Robo never ate or drank anything on his own again. i tried feeding him ensure, liquid yoqurt, water, gatorade, malox with a syringe and was lucky to get 2 cc’s down. The iv solution was just going in and right out of him, he lost all muscle tone and not trying to be gruesome but was like looking at roadkill with a slight heartbeat.. my baby. so i had to ease his pain and let him go. Called company and asked side effects of metacam and yup all those are classic of it. Stopping eating or drinking, vomitting, diarrhea, tarry stool, and occasionally renal failure. They took my information and the vets info and said when they get reports like this they file it with the FDA .. damn.. so they know it happens Started metacam on sept 15th, for tooth pain. put to sleep October 22 due to side effects of metacam.. BEWARE and its sold for humans under the name MOBIC.. same stuff, same warnings about it
Comment by Donna — October 26, 2005 @ 9:30 am
Just lost my female Moluccan Cockatoo(Peaches) to METACAM. Vet never told me the risks involved. I should have asked but I (like a dope) took his word on it. Moluccans can live until 80 years old. She was with us for over 20 years, had 87 eggs (almost all fertile!) About 8 hours after the 2nd day (prescribed .1cc per day)She was in her cage..threw her wings out as far as she could…screamed and fell dead in my arms. This happened 3 days ago and I can’t stop thinking that I “poisened” her. She always trusted me. The worst part was We had just lost one of her offspring to an infection. She (Baby was her name) was with us 15 years. That happened 3 weeks to the day before Peaches died. I still have 4 of her offspring left and one VERY sad mate (Peanuts). Words cannot describe our feelings. Please pass the word on this drug so others at least know the risks involved!
Thank you.
Comment by JOHN WINNER — April 15, 2006 @ 1:34 pm
Our 7 1/2 year old Cocker Spaniel had hurt her back about a month ago. She had no other indications of health problems at that time. The vet put her on deramaxx - 25 mg per day. She seemed to be getting lothargic the last few days. About two days ago, she quit eating, so we took her back to the vet. Today, she is fighting what seems like a loosing battle with liver failure. Remeber, she had no indication of problems with her liver until we started the deramaxx and then liver complications came on like gangbusters. She is on massive doses of antibiotics, assuming she has some type of infection. No response as of right now. The vet said her Xrays show liver enlargement, her liver panel is off the charts on the high end, her white cell count is 47,000 (he said normal is 17,000) and the vet can find no reason for her liver failure or the elevated whitw cell count. Her temperature is normal. Vet said maybe it is viral. I do not know what caused this, but we lost a rothweiler to what I believe were Rimadyl side effects a couple of years ago and now we may lose our Cocker to deramaxx side effects. The companies swear they are safe - but then add, there may be side effects, sometimes fatal. if the pets we are all losing were humans, the company would have pulled the drug before now due to lawsuits. I will probably have her liver biopsied in order to see what cause for the liver inflamation can be found. If you have experienced similar symptoms after giving your dog deramaxx, please email me at mailboss@aol.com
Comment by TonyMatteo — May 5, 2006 @ 4:08 pm
Our Cocker Spaniel, Sassy, passed away from cardiac arrest only a few hours after I wrote the article about her taking deramaxx and developing liver failure. She was on the deramaxx for about 25 days before she started acting strangely. She laid around a lot for a day or so. Then,two days ago, she quit eating, but she was still drinking water. We took her to the vet the day after she would not eat (yesterday). Today, when we went by the vets office to see her, she could barely move and only realized that we were there after about 5 minutes. She moved her eyes from my wife to myself as we spoke and raised her her about 3 inches one time. I guess she was ready to come home, but couldn’t get up. 4 hours later, she had passed away.
Now she is gone home for good.
I have asked for an autopsy and to have her liver tissue sent in for analysis to determine actual cause of her liver failure. I will post it when it comes in.
Comment by Tony Matteo — May 5, 2006 @ 7:18 pm
My beloved Bessie, and English springer Spaniel, developed arthritis in her later years that could not be controlled with aspirin. She was placed on Deramaxx in March of 2005. She did wonderfully on it, acting like a two year old puppy again. She was maintained on 1/2 tablet every other day, when in August 2005 she developed transient neurologic deficits. When she was evaluated her liver tests were off the charts and her BUN/Creatinine were elevated. She developed lethargy, anorexia and died two weeks after the onset of symptoms. Her death was attributed to old age (she was 16 years old) but in my heart of hearts , I know it was the Deramaxx that killed her.
Comment by Kenny G — May 13, 2006 @ 5:24 am
My beloved Bessie, and English springer Spaniel, developed arthritis in her later years that could not be controlled with aspirin. She was placed on Deramaxx in March of 2005. She did wonderfully on it, acting like a two year old puppy again. She was maintained on 1/2 tablet every other day, when in August 2005 she developed transient neurologic deficits. When she was evaluated her liver tests were off the charts and her BUN/Creatinine were elevated. She developed lethargy, anorexia and died two weeks after the onset of symptoms. Her death was attributed to old age (she was 16 years old) but in my heart of hearts , I know it was the Deramaxx that killed her.
Comment by Kenny G — May 13, 2006 @ 5:24 am
My 14 yr old Belgian Sheepdog has been on Metacam for 2 weeks for arthritis pain and has developed severe uncoordination. Hind legs are very shaky, she lists to one side, can’t keep her balance, falls over etc. Any one else out there noticed these symptoms in their dog on Metacam?
Comment by Deb — May 16, 2006 @ 9:39 pm
Deb (and anyone else searching the Internet for veterinary advice):
Get off the ‘Net and see your vet. Not even a veterinarian (which I am not) can diagnose and treat and animal she hasn’t seen.
Please … if your pet is ill, get help from a veterinarian.
Comment by Gina — May 17, 2006 @ 7:13 am
I just had an experience with Deramaxx which has convinced me never to use it or any similar drug on any of my dogs. Stuart is a 9 yrs old beagle/doxie mix with arthritis in the center of his back. Last friday he had a flare up and was in pain. I took him to our vet and he spent the day at the clinic, blood work was drawn and all results were not back yet but Stuart was prescribed Deramaxx (1/2 tablet once a day for 20 days). The vet did not discuss any possible side effects. He seemed fine until Monday when he did not want food and just laid around. He refused the Deramaxx Monday eve and I let it go. By tuesday morning his drug reaction increased to include bloody diarrhea and vomitting foam.
I immediately brought him back to the clinic and the vet could not explain what happened except an adverse reaction to the drug. I was dissatisfied with the service at the clinic. I am not sure the vet even examined my dog too well because he could not tell me his temperature or how was he doing. Anyway, the vet then prescribed endosorb to relieve the negative symptoms and took him off Deramaxx with the thought of lowering the dose — I told him, “No, WAY!!”.
Needless to say, I am on a search for holistic approaches and the vet to match my desire to help my dogs live naturally.
Comment by Lucille Corto — May 17, 2006 @ 7:54 pm
I just lost my dog to organ and kidney failure. She was 13, survived cancer, had chemo lived for nine months instead of the expected 30 days, because of treatment. She took Deramaxx for arthritis for 3 years. it gave her great quality of life. What I am surprised at, when she ended up in the emergency amimal hosiptal this last weekend dying, the treating Vet. was absolutely astounded that she had been in kidney failure for three months having subqutaneous I.V. fluids at the rate of two a week, then when the creatine shot way up she was having them everyday. And her Vet still had her taking Deramaxx and her creatine levels where off of the charts. She also suffered from painful gastrointestinal problems and was given prilosec…what she really needed to be is off of the Deramaxx. I started looking into this drug only after the comment the emergency vet made. My dog had a wonderful life and was a fighter, but now I am left feeling just devistated that medicine I continually gave to her possibly contributed to her death. She was in complete agony the last hours of her life. We look her in to be put to sleep but she died before anything could be done. My dog when diagnosed with kidney problems should have been taken off of this drug immeadiately. I am just devestated in learning this.
Comment by D.S. — June 5, 2006 @ 8:37 pm
Has anyone taken action against Metacam..my dog is experiencing the same side effects I’ve been reading on all of these postings and I am sick over it all. I don’t think vets should prescribe something that could harm the health of animals and from what I’m reading here…they are giving it to older dogs who might do better on a more natural remedy.
If you respond to this email..please put “Buster” in the subject as it might go into my junk mail and I don’t usually open anything that goes into junk mail.
Thanks
Comment by Theresa — June 6, 2006 @ 9:16 am
My 6 mos. old kitten was prescribed .2ml of metcam for post operative pain. Yesterday, the following afternoon of the surgery, I noticed his back legs not working well. Just returned from the emergency vet, $200 later, to be told everything is normal, nothing shows kidney failure so they’ve given him subcutaneous fluids and I’m watching him. My fingers are crossed he pulls out of this.
Comment by katy — July 30, 2006 @ 12:35 pm
Our dog had surgery and we were given Deramaxx for her. NO warnings on bottle at all! No notice on it to “Your veterinarian needs to review the case with the veterinarians at Novartis by calling 1-800-332-2761.” We went to the E-Vet ($600) for the typical reactions to Deramaxx (we now know). Even the E-vet gave us no idea that the problem might be from the Deramaxx. They didn’t even suggest we stop giving it to her. I admit we are not infomed but the E-vets ought to know this. Their answer is they have no idea what is causing her symptoms.
Comment by jefro — August 20, 2006 @ 3:34 pm
after administering metacam to my 14 year old cocapoo with positive results, my dog, Bobm came down with metangiosarcoma a form of blood cancer. They did a spleenectomy and then a tumor search operation pulling many little tumors from his intestine. After a chemo/radiation treatment, I stopped after one because of the side effects, the dog lasted 4 months after diagnosis having to be put to sleep because there was massiv e blood build-up in his belly and extreme anemia. I am trying to find out if matacalm is responsible and all I get is a run-around.
Comment by Frank — September 26, 2006 @ 9:27 am
My Duchess was given an injection of metacam on October 12 2006 at 5:00p.m. and died in my arms at an Emergency vet on Friday October 13 2006 at 9:oopm I was told by my Vet there were no side effects to Metacam. there are DEATH I dont know how i will ever take another breath again while my dog sits in the morgue.Why would anyone prescribe a drug that has the slightest chance of killing an animal, leaving me with here in a space I dont think I will ever get out of……………
Comment by jan — October 16, 2006 @ 10:02 am
These messages are pretty old and Im not familiar with this blog, so I dont know if it will get bumped to the top for people to see or if it will stay buried. Its worth a shot, though.
My 14 yr old (now 15) cat was given metacam in Jan ‘07 for possible pain from arthritis. All other tests showed she was VERY healthy for her age. In less than a month she was in acute kidney failure. She spent many weeks in and out of the hospital on IV’s. She has risidual affects, and everyday is a guessing game as to how much longer she will make it. Her quality of life is good enough right now that it would be a crime to pts. Yet, its torture to know that she isnt feeling 100% and any day could be her last.
The vet never told me the high risks or controversy over the medication. The drug company agreed to pay for her LAB tests (not check ups, IV’s, hundreds of dollars in daily sub-q’s, special diet, other medication, etc). They stopped paying in Aug ‘07. When I asked them why, they said the FDA would no longer allow them to financially assist people/pets like me. I asked for documentation of that and have not seen it as of yet. The FDA told me they have no control over how a private company spends their money.
I spoke with an attorney a few weeks ago just to get a feel for their thoughts on a class action. They told it was more of a political issue because a pet is considered property. The amount a pet is actually worth is all you would be able to get (financially) from the company. He said they probably stopped paying for some of her bills because they have finally realized I (or others) can never sue them, so its a waste of their money.
The only other thing I can think of doing (which I have started) is sending emails to every possible vet -starting in my state - pleading with them to STOP administering this medication to cats. Because it is off-label (not approved by the FDA), the dosages and information about the drug are not regulated by anyone. Some vets will give an outrageous amount to a cat, while another will give a minimal amount. It is easy to OD a cat with the medication no matter how much or little is given. Recent studies have shown somewhere around 1:3 cats either suffer some form of kidney failure evenually causing their death (sometimes immediate, sometimes over years).
DO NOT give this medication to your cat. DO NOT let your vet give this to your cat after surgery, ESPECIALLY if your cat is under 10lbs. DO educate your vet on the dangers - as its obvious they choose not to take the time to educate themselves on the topic.
Comment by Carolyn — August 25, 2007 @ 8:29 am
I just read what deramaxx has done to the members of your family’s. Last year I lost 2 dogs both on deramaxx and Im about to lose another.
Is anyone sueing. Can’t we stop this. Is there no one out there who can hear our cry for help. Please, someone somewhere
HELP
Comment by Rose — May 25, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
My dog was given Rimadyl after he injured his leg. Right away he was having side effects. I called the vet and he was giving something else but the damaged was done. He became lifeless and we had to put him down last night 6/22 . I am angry and broken hearted. I will not let him be forgotten I will file a lawsuit myself or a joint one against the makers of Rimadyl and file a complaint against the Vet who I feel should have done his homework and alerted me to bring him down asap or at least tell me that this medication could have serious outcome.
Comment by Anna E — June 23, 2009 @ 10:19 am
My 16 year old Lab stated getting stiff and was prescibed Metacam. The vet assured me it was safe. She started to eat and drink less and had a seizure after three weeks. Aslo had dark, tarry stool. I immediately stopped the Metacam and took her to the vet who denied the seizure or tarry stool was from Metacam although with further research I knew this to be true. Had bloodwork to check her liver and kidneys. She is fine and I hope has suffered no permanent damage or the vet will be talking to my attorney!!!
Comment by Suzanne H — June 24, 2009 @ 7:44 am
Our healthy Cocker “Moose” had minor surgery to remove his cherry eye. Afterwards the vet had us give Moose 6 days of Rimadyl. Six months later we noticed moose being very tired and panting alot. We took him to the vet. The first thing she asked us was did you give him Rimadyl? We replied “you gave him rimadyl!” At which point she said he may be bleeding internally and had us take him to a veterinary school of medicine. They found no bleeding but anemia. His body had stopped making red blood cells. They gave him a transfusion and for two weeks he was fine but his blood count contiuned to fall. We rushed him back to the veterinary school and they could not blood type him. They gave him massive doses of steriods, Moose contiued to get worse finally the poor guy would only lay and pant in his bed. He had been there for several hours and we decided he needed some fresh air and to relieve himself. We carried him outside, and asked him to poo and pee which he immediately did both. We carried him inside and put him on the floor, the little guy fell over, we were on him in an instant and he died in our arms. Rimadyl causes anemia in a small percentage of dogs, however an interesting fact is that of that small percentage of dogs one third of them are Cockers. Labs also have a high percentage of adverse reactions.
Comment by Steve — July 5, 2009 @ 7:10 am
My nine year old Maltese was prescribed Metacam for a sprained foot for five days. He started bleeding out in his stool on the fifth day, was rushed to animal emergency hospital and could not be saved. He went into cardiac arrest. This dog was healthy and nothing was wrong. I am convinced Metacam killed my dog.
Comment by christy — July 27, 2009 @ 4:23 am
Just for added info my friend has just lost her beloved 13 year old dog Cloey to Metacam. She was put on this drug for pain from a chipped jaw and died in agony 7 days later. Before this she was fit and puppy like. The vet denied that her symptoms were anything to do with the drug but like so many other animals on here she lost the use of her legs, became lethargic, wouldn’t eat and was unresponsive - a complete change in 1 week resulting in death. Like so many owners my friend is devastated and angry that she wasn’t given full information about the possible side effects before she started giving Cloey that medicine. She feels as though she poisoned her.
Comment by Miriam — August 11, 2009 @ 6:01 am
There are package inserts the vets are supposed to give out when they prescribe certain medications. Previous discussions here have revealed that very often vets neglect to do so.
Here is one previous PetConnection column on the kinds of information a vet should be handing out with prescriptions:
http://www.petconnection.com/b.....-tell-you/
Comment by The OTHER Pat — August 11, 2009 @ 6:25 am
Hello all. Sadly it seems here I have found many that have suffered/ their pets have suffered due to Deramaxx. Last Friday (8/28/09), after several seizures, my 11 year old/never sick a day in his life shepard/malamute who typically gave a new born pup a run for his money was put to sleep. I debated this ofcourse as I’m sure you all would have to a great extent but with warnings of aggressiveness after seizures and a 20month and 3 year old at home I decided not to risk it. Now after researching the only drug he ever took, it seems he may have died from it. Anyone else here ever hear of dogs seizuring from Deramaxx. It seems the Deramaxx was the only possible reason for his seizures though the attending vet and the prescribing vet both said it was probably a brain tumor. This ofcourse being one of the most expensive to prove as well as least likely to be pursued. Sounds like one vet watching anothers back. Oh, by the way, I was only warned of possible diarrhea from the drug. No one said it might kill him.
Comment by Patrick Phelps — September 3, 2009 @ 7:42 pm
I just had a very bad and scary experience with Metacam. My 14 year old Pyrenees Mountain Shepard who is robust for his age pinched a nerve in his back. He was shaking and in pain with all his back muscles stiff as a board. He had done the same thing at age 12 and the vet gave him Metacam. It worked great for the back problem at the time and I did not notice any effects except that he was sleepy and clumsy. This time, I asked the vet for some Metacam thinking that it would work the same. It did, the dog relaxed and seemed better just a few hours after giving him the first dose. But, a few hours later I noticed that he was really lethargic and that his breathing was labored. He snored on each inhalation and exhalation and seemed very much “out of it”. Again, I thought it was the Metacam but I gave him a second dose the next day. He just got even worse being unable to get up without difficulty and on out short walks, he was completely out of breath in less than 20 yards. He would lay down on his stomach and would not want to continue without 10 minutes rest. The third day he had his last dose. Things got even worse and I realized that he was very very ill. I had to consider euthanasia. Luckily it was a Saturday and the vet was already closed. I stopped the Metacam that day and spent a sleepless night wondering if his next breath would be his last. Sunday, again the vat was closed so I just did the best with him giving him food that he would easily eat and plenty of water. He seemed to actually be better late Sunday. Monday he stopped snoring on each breath and I took him to the vet Monday evening in urgency. He was so listless and he had that “look” of farewell in his eyes. The vet took a blood test and did an exam. The blood test revealed a severe acute anemia! The dog had had a blood test 45 days earlier as part of his “elder care” and he had no signs of anemia at all. Although there was no overt signs of blood in the stools, the fact that the dog had eaten very little the 3 days prior hid the fact. Since stopping the Metacam after the third day, the dog seems to be better but the blood test show a EXTREMELY dangerous anemia. Will he live through it? I don’t know but the suffering and the worry on top of the vet bills are enough for me as it is. The thought of losing my best friend because of a medicine is worse than that!
So, in my opinion, Metacam is like blood-letting in the olden days. If the patient survives the treatment he will get better but the treatment may kill him.
My vet DID explain her concerns with using the medicine on an old dog but she did not inform me of any signs to look for nor of the grave danger the medicine can cause. She did say that the dog should only have 3 days of treatment. I am praying that after only 3 days of treatment, the damage caused by Metacam can be halted and reversed. This is the question I have…
I would advise any pet owner to understand that the medicine is dangerous and to weigh the risks especially in older or injured animals. I do also believe that the medicine is too dangerous to be marketed as it is without better controls.
Comment by Paris Dog — September 29, 2009 @ 1:48 am
After my last post on September 29th, my dog has gone downhill fast. Tomorrow he will be euthanized because he cannot walk 10 steps without collapsing. The anemia has not gotten better and there are other problems with his liver and kidneys. I will miss my best friend of 14 1/2 years terribly. Again, my advice on Metacam is to avoid it if at all possible.
Comment by Paris Dog — October 18, 2009 @ 1:17 am
We’re all here VERY sorry for your loss. We are pet-lovers, and we have all experienced the sharp and lingering pain of loss.
Do realize, however, that ALL medications — even aspirin and herbal remedies — have the potential to cause harm. That doesn’t mean that in the majority of cases when used appropriately they will not hurt more patients than they help. That’s certainly true of NSAIDS.
Small comfort in your case, I know, and again, I’m very sorry. But Metacam and other NSAIDS have helped many to live longer, happier lives without pain. So I’m afraid I can’t share your recommendation to avoid these drugs at all cost.
They, and other medications, should be used with recommended precautions, disclosure, information, discussion and consent. And with an awareness of what to look for if things aren’t going right.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — October 18, 2009 @ 6:19 am
I am very sorry about your dog. I have to agree with both you & Gina,most meds & even some supplements can be dangerous,the biggest problem I see is vets not giving the info out with the drugs or warning what to watch for. I try to avoid metacam totally,but do have a dog with a serious back injury that only seems helped by that med. I try to make sure it never acts up badly enough to need it.
Comment by Leslie K — October 18, 2009 @ 8:33 am
My 14 yr old beagle started on Deramaxx 2 weeks ago for back pain, prior to the medication her lab report was perfect so I know that there was no kidney disease. The second day on the deramaxx she started having frequent thirst and urination, and started wetting the bed every night. Last night about 4 hours after taking her medication she had a severe seizure but has recovered from it. Deramaxx is the only medication that she has taken and will be stopped immedietly.
Comment by April — October 31, 2009 @ 6:07 am
On October 18, 2009 I had to take my dog Romeo, a 4 yr old Bischon to the ER. He was given injections of Traomdol, Metacarbol and Metacam for his back. I was visiting Alphretta, GA from Nebraska. He had over exerted himself climbing steps. He was fine by October 19th in the evening. However, the ER doctor who has a private clinic in Alphretta had prescribed 20 pills of Tramodol, Metacarbol, and Metacam for me to give starting the following morning. With each dose I gave him I was causing ulceration of his stomach. He ended back at the ER only to die a slow death with all she was giving him and he died on October 24, 2009. Romeo had IB, GI and she should not have given him 3 drugs that had the same side effects. Vomiting, diahrea, and ulceration of the stomach.
This was so sensless. She had worked at a zoo prior to getting the job at the ER. Did she think she was dosing an elephant. She was a textbook vet who didn;t pay attention to his existing condition. 3000 dogs have died from Metacam. She also gave him Buprenex which causes breathing problems and change in heart rate. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE. The loss of Romeo has left such a hole in my heart. The vet who did this called me a told me she knew how I felt since she lost a dog to cancer. Well, cancer is a disease and I was sorry for her loss too, but at least he dog wasn’t poison with the drugs she prescribed.
Comment by Irene Murray — November 20, 2009 @ 1:05 am
Irene, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dog. Just for the sake of accuracy, however, I need to mention that Metacarbol is not a drug, but a photographic developer. And Tramadol doesn’t cause stomach ulceration — that’s one of the reasons it’s usually given, to provide pain relief without that risk.
I’m not sure what the drug you’ve called Metacarbol actually was — could it have been Misoprostyl? That is usually given to protect the stomach from GI ulceration when NSAIDs like Metacam are being given.
Certainly Metacam can cause GI bleeding, and it sounds like that’s what happened here. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Christie Keith — November 20, 2009 @ 8:48 am
We took our 14 1/2 year old peke to the vet and she said that he was in good shape for his age. Because he limped on one of his back legs she gave him a 1 ml shot of METACAM at about 12:30 pm and sent us home. He ate his meal around 2:30 as usual and we took him out at around 5 to do his thing which he did. Around 9 pm he thru up and after drank water. he didn’t act as usual. Very slow and not running around the house. He was laying by the dining room table and looked at us at 11:30 pm. When we came out in the morning he was dead. She also gave us a pill 50 ml DOXYCYCLINE which he was to take each day for 10 days he had that pill at 4:30pm.
Comment by Nora Kimbark — March 5, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
I am horrified after reading all this. My 12 year old choc.Lab was prescribed Metacam last thursday for arthritis in her hind legs…she has gotten worse & can barely stand up on her own without support & she is very unco-ordinated. I decided to do some research & am very glad to have found this site….it sure puts things into perspective for me !
Comment by Della Squire — March 14, 2010 @ 7:37 pm
Has anyone had any good benefits with Deramaxx? My maltese has been on the drug for 6 days now and has not improved. Given to her for back problems. Now I am so frightened about having given her this drug after deciding to research it. What in the world do you do?????
Comment by Dianne — March 21, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
Many many many people have had good benefits with Deramaxx. Your veterinarian would not have prescribed it otherwise. It’s extremely important that you express your concerns to your veterinarian, not people on the Internet. Call tomorrow and explain that your dog is no better, that you have concerns about the drug and discuss what the next step is to help your dog.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — March 21, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
I had no idea that Metacam could cause problems. I have given it to my foster and family rabbits for years with no bad effects (for about a week total, if needed for even that long). I do know that ulcers are a possibility with long-term use.
Comment by Mary Mary — March 21, 2010 @ 5:54 pm
Christie’s post on this in the archives is, as always, excellent:
http://www.petconnection.com/blog/?s=NSAIDs+FDA
Comment by Gina Spadafori — March 21, 2010 @ 5:56 pm
ANY drug that has useful pharmacological effect can also have bad effects. There is no such thing as both “effective” and “100% guaranteed harmless.”
You need to ask about possible side effects, and what symptoms would be signs of serious side effects. For ANY drug. For yourself, too.
But the fact that Really Bad Adverse Effects are possible in some cases, does not mean that prescribing the drug is never justified.
Comment by Lis — March 21, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
Lis, I pretty much would rather never use any drugs. I don’t even take aspirin and haven’t had an antibiotic for at least 10 years. I fight with my mom’s doctors all the time about the “M&M bowl” she takes every day.
What I should have written above is that I didn’t realize Metacam caused such serious side effects and so quickly. Again, I knew about the potential for ulcers, which is a pretty bad thing, but in rabbits at least it seems to take time for that problem to develop. The immediate reactions described in this thread really surprised me.
Comment by Mary Mary — March 21, 2010 @ 6:42 pm
I’ll chime in here that in 22 years of using NSAIDS on myself, my dogs and rescue dogs, I have never had a side effect.
I do normal precautionary things. If a dog needs more pain control and we are considering a prescription NSAID, we do a full work up. In an elderly dog, we ultrasound and xray too.
I only give the drugs with food. I watch the dogs closely and do any follow up testing is recommended.
We had one rescue we adopted who had a severely arthritic elbow that went on rimadyl at age 5. Under the orthopedist care, we ended up on a rotational schedule using all the big gun oral NSAIDS. She lived 13 years and was active until her last few months.
I was in the “no nasty prescription painkillers for me” camp. The I had a bout of meningitis. Then I severely ruptured a lumbar disc. Neurogenic pain will make you rethink your convictions
I realize that I could have an NSAID disaster, but I can honestly say that other than one friend whose young dog had a gastrointestinal reaction on Deramaxx, I can’t recall anyone I know having a serious issue.
One thing not mentioned so far, MANY of the severe and fatal events related in the thread involve elderly animals. A “normal” BUN or other normal readings on blood work do not mean that these organs are always normal or fully functional. Neither we nor our pets need much functioning kidney tissue to have normal blood work. Digestive systems are more friable in the elderly. It’s why we do the extra ultrasound and films in oldsters.
My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a pet, young or old, to an NSAID reaction. But chronic or severe pain must be addressed. I will always discuss the risks with my vet. always be nervous at first with new meds, but there is a lot of good done by this same class of drugs for both people and pets.
Comment by JenniferJ — March 21, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
What Jennifer said. Yes, I have always had friends in the “I don’t take drugs, never have, never will … I tough it out” camp, but I have to say how lucky for them that their health problems are such that they’ve had options.
I don’t. I am flat-out and completely dependent on a combination of asthma drugs for my being alive and staying that way. My “choice” isn’t one, unless you consider “death” to be a viable option.
As for pain, well, not only have people who “never take anything” likely not known real chronic pain, but also as we’ve written on this blog, “toughing it out” prolongs the healing process. Effective multi-modal pain control is good medicine, for humans and animals.
My brother was one of those “tough out the pain” characters, until he caught Guillain-Barre syndrome which triggered cascading diabetic neuropathy. His pain was so bad that he kept his finger on the morphine button for days watching the clock for when it would let him get some and prayed for death to relief him of his suffering.
He survived, but he isn’t anti-pain meds anymore.
What Lis says is also true: No drug can ever be 100 percent safe. We need to discuss medications with our doctors/veterinarians/pharmacists, do our own research and get our questions answered, and then make informed healthcare decisions for ourselves and our pets.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — March 21, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
Asthmatic, bad back sufferers of the world (with lots of pets!) unite!
Sorry Gina, couldn’t resist. I finally came down with the nasty URI that my kids had and am wheezing, hacking and coughing my way through. With lots of nice asthma meds. And loads of self pity ‘cause I don’t get any sympathy from anyone here.
Jay in fact just started laughing at me because if I feel the cough coming, I instantly squat to take the pressure off of my lower back while I’m trying to hack up a lung. Doctors have ALWAYS seen people sicker than you.
I guess what I’m saying is I feel your pain. :) Get better quick!
Comment by JenniferJ — March 21, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
I’m not a “tough out the pain” person. I am just lucky enough to not get headaches, etc.
I do feel the dreaded knee arthritis, which runs in the family, starting. Sigh. Tart cherry concentrate (one tablespoon of juice per day) has worked miracles on my mom’s knee pain.
And let me tell you, when I pretty much drove my car INTO the emergency department a few years ago, freaking out from kidney stone pain, I demanded something. Anything. Now. Right now! While they just rolled their eyes and said, “Take a number.”
My kitchen is full of drugs, but all bunny medicines. I treat their pain at the first sign of it. As prey animals, they try to hide their pain. The slightest change in behavior or facial expression can be meaningful.
Comment by Mary Mary — March 22, 2010 @ 5:57 am
“Asthmatic, bad back sufferers of the world (with lots of pets!) unite!”
I’m with you, girls!
Comment by Rori — March 22, 2010 @ 7:12 am
Re Derramax
Nicky(aka Nicky No-Hips) has been on Derramax for over 5 years with no ill effects. He has really gawdawful hip dysplasia. When we first started using it, it did take several days before we saw a change in the way he moved. I think his body was so used to compensating for the pain that he didn’t trust that it wouldn’t hurt to move in a different manner. We also used other therapies (massage, building up his leg muscles, gentle stretching, nutritional supplements, swimming)to help address the underlying issue. But we couldn’t have pursued any of that without some level of pain control first. We’re now able to adjust the dosage on an as needed basis.
You might ask your vet about other therapies for your dog’s condition that will complement the Derramax. NSAID’s are not a cure, but their role in pain control is really vital.
Comment by Melinda — March 22, 2010 @ 9:02 am
I have an older dog who suffered a devastating elbow fracture (dislocated proximal radial condyle fracture) at just 12 weeks when a family member dropped him onto a tile floor.
Now eight, he predictably has arthritis. He had radiographic changes by the time he was three. But was clinically sound and untroubled by it until he was about six. He gets rimadyl and oral chondro-protectants. For the past few years we’ve kept him active and most times sound and pain free with a combination of moderate, regular exercise and the medications but I have also found that range of motion exercises have helped him tremendously.
My vet and I found with an old rescue girl we had that a course of adequan given at the start of the cold season can help greatly. Next Fall the plan is for him to get the course of injections.
Comment by JenniferJ — March 22, 2010 @ 9:50 am
After reading some of these posts I realise that I am lucky that my Cavalier Charlie is still alive after having Metacam. Charlie who is nearly one was neutered last Tuesday and came home in the afternoon completely fine. I was given Metacam tablets to start on the wednesday morning and I gave him one with his breakfast that morning.
By afternoon he had severe diarrhoea that just keep exploding from him and he had no control over it. After a bad night I phoned the vets who gave us Diarsanyl and said no more medication and just his Hills ID food. He got no better and we rushed back to the vets as he was red raw and bleeding from the diarrhoea and we were told to starve him and put barrier cream on him.
Anyway he was worse by sunday, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea so we went back the vets and he is now on 2 types of antibiotics and is finally picking up. He is so traumatised by all of this and I am so angry as the vet knows how sensitive his digestive system is yet never mentioned this could happen. He is only small and is now skin and bone so it will take a while for him to be back to normal. I just wish I’d known as the actual op went without a hitch and his scar is healing really nicely and I wouldn’t have given him anything
Comment by Trish — April 6, 2010 @ 4:05 am
On Thursday, April 29, 2010 our 6.2 lb neutered male maltese (3 1/2 years old) had a dental cleaning and removal of several teeth. He came home and was doing great. Vet gave us 3 syringes with a small amount of “Metacam” in each for pain. We gave to him Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we noticed that his breathing sounded a little bubbly so we took him back to vet and they checked him and said he was fine. Sunday night he had diarrhea but we thought it could be from the antiobiotic (25mg Clindamycin). When bathing him noticed a small, liquidy feeling section between his two front legs. Called vet Monday morning and they said they didn’t think it was from surgery but we could bring him in and they would check him (More money, thought I was being paranoid). Decided not to give him his antibiotic and see if that helped. More Dia. Monday night but ate fine. Tuesday morning only ate a little and slept quite a bit. Tuesday night more Dia. and would not eat at all. Breathing went from bubbly sounding to grunty, could not lay still, would mostly stand. Wednesday morning called for first available appt., got him in late afternoon. While waiting for appt. noticed that area from chest down to belly was swollen and would grunt if you touched it, some areas being purple. By appt. he was having great difficulty breathing, sounding very forced plus still grunty. Vet ran blood work, WBC extremely high, RBC extremely low, BUN elevated, Hematocrit low plus other levels off as well. Vet gave him a steroid shot and some pill for gastric bleeding and told me if he started bleeding out of any orifices overnight to take him to emergency vet, bring him back next morning for more blood work and observation. That night,he was so pitiful, would not eat, breathing forced, stopped drinking, by 5 am Thursday he was practically motionless. 8 am called his name, he stood up and fell over. I picked him up, held him in my arms and I could barely feel him breathing on way to vet. Vet called me and said WBC were higher, RBC lower and Hematacrit had dropped, his levels were critical. He would need a blood transfusion but thought one would not do it, would need two. Unfortunately, we could not afford these procedures and more tests, plus whatever else came up. We opted to end his suffering and I had to tell my 10 year old daughter her baby was gone. Maybe it helps some animals but ours seemed to have a “very rare” bad reaction and death because of Metacam. Drug company was cordial to take the information and forward it on to the FDA. One of our family members is gone now and I hope this will save others from losing their loved ones. Please recognize the signs of reactions to this medicine, had we known our little guy might still be here smiling at us! Or, if you are like most of us, it is probably too late, the damage is done!!!!
Comment by Janet — May 10, 2010 @ 3:41 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m not a vet, but I’m a bit stunned he got a steroid injection if they thought it was his stomach bleeding from the NSAID — steroids + NSAIDs = stomach ulcers.
Comment by Christie Keith — May 10, 2010 @ 4:12 pm
Rimadyl gets a far worse rap than it deserves. If you read the cited article, at THAT time it had been prescribed to MILLIONS of dogs, but the reported adverse events to the manufacturer numbered in the 20,000 range.
That’s really not that high.
It’s now four years later. I hope your don’t mind a cross-blog plug, but Dr. Patty Khuly did a couple of nice posts on NSAID alternatives on Dolittler (I don’t know whether the archives have been imported to Fully Vetted or not) Anyway, my bulldog, who was a veterinary nightmare, spent most of her life on Rimadyl AND on medrol (very low dose) with no problems. She took Zantac every day, though. We tried metacam and deramaxx, with both she had blood in her stool and we stopped after a couple of days.
Comment by Susan — May 10, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
We have just experienced a horrible side-effect of acute gastric distress in our 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd Dog after just one dose of Metacam (which I had never heard of before; Adequan was used as an NSAID for my other dog). She spent 2 nights in emerg, and 5 days after the insult (and many $ later), she is a shadow of her former self. She presented with vomiting, lethary, no appetite, bloody stool, much as our vet’s other client, a Great Dane, did a few months ago after taking Metacam.
I understand it is invaluable for so many animals; but, as a previous writer said, a drug simply wouldn’t be on the market, barring lawsuits, if it did this to humans. Shouldn’t the Pharmaceutical Company be prepared to recompense people for the bad outcames that do occur?
Comment by Linda — July 12, 2010 @ 1:39 pm
My 9 year old 80lb neutered male hound mix was prescribed 75mg daily of Deramaxx last month for his newly developed limp in his front leg. Shortly after we noticed that he was peeing in the house - something he never did before. Two days ago he had his first seizure. I immediately called our vet and set up an appointment for the next morning. I asked the receptionist if seizures were a side effect of Deramaxx - I was told it wasn’t (she was wrong). Charlie had his second seizure on the way to our vet yesterday morning. I looked up the seizures - they were “Generalized Seizures” and lasted only a few minutes but scared the heck out of me. Our vet took x-rays and did every test they possibly could. The tests all came back negative. We are set to go to a neurologist tomorrow. As a precaution the vet said to stop the Deramaxx. I did. Charlie hasn’t had a seizure yet. I’m doing my research right now and have found that Deramaxx can be dangerous to dogs. I’m glad my vet told me to stop giving Deramaxx. (it was another vet at the same hospital that prescribed the Deramaxx). Stay away from Deramaxx. I’m also going to do research on the drug that my other dog is taking - Tramadol. I should have done my research before I gave any drugs to my dogs - I suggest every dog owner should do the same. Thanks, Ed
Comment by Ed G. — May 1, 2011 @ 3:41 pm
Ed, Tramadol DOES lower the seizure threshhold. This is well-known. Please call your vet and ask about continuing this drug. I would never give Tramadol to a dog with a seizure disorder.
Comment by Christie Keith — May 1, 2011 @ 4:11 pm
Christie, I read it as Ed’s other dog is taking tramadol — not the one who seized.
Not that that doesn’t freak me out anyway.
Comment by H. Houlahan — May 2, 2011 @ 5:52 am
My parrot was prescribed Metacam. I gave it to Maggie for one week..stupid me I should have investigated earlier. I found out it has not been approved on birds…and all of the horrible sad events that may have been due to drugs. I will never ever give my parrots any meds before I investigate…I should have known you can not trust human meds what makes me think that drug companies would be more careful with our precious animals. I am so very sorry for all who have lost animals. ;( LVE Jo An and the Crew
Comment by Jo An — May 4, 2011 @ 7:30 pm
We have a 15 yr old dalmatian (spayed female) who was otherwise a very healthy dog. We get asked all the time how old our puppy is. During her checkup on Monday we noted she is getting weak in her back end. She can run endlessly forward, but no sideways or backwards strength. She takes cosequin for her joints, plus a multivitamin with minerals. We started 1/2 deramaxx per day on Monday for her possible pain. On Tuesday night (after her 2nd dose) she had a grand mal seizure, sending us to the emergency vet. We have another dalmatian that is treated for petite mal seizures, but had never experienced this before. We identified she had just started taking deramaxx. They said nsaids don’t cause seizures. Blood tests were “unremarkable.” We opted out of overnights stay, xrays and mri. We had some stress this week (inducing vomitting for possible mouse poison Sunday, vet checkup Monday and attack by our other dog (due to her seizure) Tuesday). After meeting with our vet, we wrote it off to stress. But he did indicate the only change being the deramaxx, we may want to consider it as a cause. She had another grand mal seizure last night after another dose of deramaxx. We are not giving her deramaxx anymore and hoping we can turn this around. She is twitching tonight and we are watching for the start of another seizure. The 2 minute “episode” results in 1 1/2 to 2 hrs stumbling it off until she can finally relax. She was temporarily fully blind after the first event and partially blind after the second. We’re not apt to give her another drug for pain.
Comment by jmr — May 6, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
I took my 8 year old basset to the vet Friday for some front leg pain. I didn’t think it was serious but she did yelp sometimes so off we went. They gave us deramaxx - 50mg a day. Day one she thought she was a puppy again but her hind quarters kept slipping out from under her. Day two she seems dizzy, restless and her theres incoordination in her back end. My vet didn’t make me aware of side effects to look out for.
It must be the drug.
Comment by Al — July 17, 2011 @ 2:28 pm
I took her off the drug even though the vet emerg clinic told me not to. I read that there is a 19 hour half life with the drug so I am hopeful tomorrow will be better.
Comment by Al — July 17, 2011 @ 2:29 pm